Posted on Jan 31, 2016 in
COLUMNS,
FEATURES
Sandra Janak
By Joan Frances –
We all begin life the same way. What happens after birth molds us into who we become and how we live our lives. Some of us are members of a happy family who love, share, support and believe in one another. Others are not so fortunate. These children are born into situations that can be difficult and cruel. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is the voice of these children to defend and to help nurture them to security and happiness. Since 1991, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has made a difference in the lives of more than 13,000 abused or neglected children. With a staff of 31 and a volunteer base of more than 800 – 225 of whom work directly with children – there is one person who has worked tirelessly with compassion and love for the past 10 years to be the voice of less fortunate children. This person is Sandra Janak.
In 2005, Janak saw an article about Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the need for more volunteers to help advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. She signed up for the six to eight-week course to become a certified Court Appointed Guardian ad Litem and was given a court case with five children who were removed and placed in the foster care system. Janak traveled all over the Houston area to spend time with each one, making sure their home life and academics with the foster family were good and all of their needs were met. Janak enjoyed the interaction, making sure their dreams were not discouraged.
Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Wall of Hope was created in 2007 and features tiles painted by clients, supporters and their families.
“You go into it thinking you will benefit their life, but they ended up helping my life more,” Janak said. “What counts is love and support and watching these kids make a better life. Many of these children carry trash bags and boxes of personal belongings from foster home to foster home, which makes them feel confused and lost. I look to help them navigate through scary times and the court systems and to make them feel important.”
As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Janak has a direct link to the court system and the judges. She is the intermediary between the foster homes and the courts, becoming more involved and directly engaged in each child’s life in the foster home. She takes her work a step beyond her job description by keeping in touch with these children after hours. A few of them even call her for advice and help. Janak has developed a bond and friendship with each child. She also volunteers at the annual Christmas Home Tour, events at the Child Advocates Center and continuing education meet and greet events. Janak has also helped deliver speeches and made a video to encourage more volunteers and public awareness for the CASA program.
Janak grew up in Shiner, Texas and attended Texas State University in San Marcos. She is an entrepreneur and the owner of Aspire Sales and Electrical Services in Stafford. She celebrated 39 years of marriage this year and has a daughter and two beautiful grandchildren. Janak’s outlook on life is positive and hopeful. “Think outside the box. Not all people grow up the same way. I encourage my kids to consider life as a day by day challenge to make every situation a learning experience. I tell them to look around. So much is going on out there. Now go and change your world.”
Janak is making an impact on so many people and in so many different ways. The world is a better place because of her generosity and kindness.
“A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up.” – Indira Gandhi
