Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Evans.
Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about helping people in need. I was raised in the Arizona sun serving homeless alongside my mother, and I often found myself daydreaming of traveling to Africa to help people in need there. In 2012, my dream was manifested when I landed in Ethiopia, my first of eighteen humanitarian missions to the beautiful continent of Africa! For nearly five years, I served thousands of people, not only in Africa but around the world (45 countries & 6 continents). Our mission team spread peace and understanding through hearing care… and I was blessed to see many wonders of the world! Private jets, 5-star hotels, rubbing elbows with celebrities like Johnny Depp and Ben Affleck, from the outside it looked like I had it all; but on the inside I was struggling. There was a deeper issue that needed to surface. I was an addict.
A highly functioning addict, and one who eventually burned out with the perfect storm of drugs, alcohol, chronic stress, wrong thinking, and lack of proper nutrition and sleep. I became exhausted, unmotivated and struggled with depression and anxiety. I realized that if I wanted to reach my full potential in service of others, then I needed to serve myself first. I quit my dream job and spent three years dedicated to my recovery and healing. It was a painful and incredible process of transformation. What at one time looked like a breakdown ended up being my miracle breakthrough. And in my pain, I found my purpose – helping people overcome, so they can give people the best of them and not what’s left of them. I am now dedicated to helping other people overcome by sharing my story and hands on humanitarian work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I was healing and in my first years of recovery, I had a relapse for a couple of months that set me back and lost my confidence because of this and a failed relationship. During this time, I was new to LA and it was hard to find work. I ended up getting a job as a Pantry Attendant at Viacom in Hollywood where I provided food services to their employees, stocked coffee machines, cleaned dishes and swept floors. It was humbling and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It allowed me to time I needed to heal and learn how to live sober with no pressure of a professional career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work for God. Each morning when I wake up, I immediately thank God and ask him to align my will with his and use me as his hands and feet to serve others. I am multi-passionate – a Global Humanitarian, Best-Selling Author, Inspirational Speaker, On Camera Host and Recovery Advocate. I use my humor and inspirational testimony of overcoming addiction, burnout and mental health challenges to inspire other people to overcome. I am the co-author of Own Your Dreams, a collaborative book project with world-renowned motivational speaker Les Brown that gives valuable action steps to help people conquer insurmountable difficulties and live the life of their dreams. I am blessed to work as a humanitarian coordinating international wheelchair outreaches for Joni and Friends, a worldwide Christian ministry that provides life-changing mobility and the Gospel to people living with disability.
In addition, I am the Founder of Jenerosity Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps people in recovery reach optimal wellness in spirit, soul and body. I am a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University and was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona.
Any big plans?
My goal is to help as many people as possible to face the things in life that are holding them back by sharing my story of overcoming addiction, burnout, depression and anxiety. I will continue to pursue my passion for serving people through humanitarian work: – With Joni and Friends –Serving people with disabilities and the hope of the Gospel. – With Jenerosity Foundation – helping to launch a new recovery home in Phoenix (in partnership with Jesus Sober Living) to help transform the lives of people in recovery through Christ-centered care.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: jenniferevans.com
- Instagram: @jenerosityjen
- Facebook: @jenerosityjen
- Youtube: The Jenerosity Show
