MISSION — A non profit that works with vulnerable children introduced its new director of administration for the Rio Grande Valley on Monday.
Buckner Children and Family Services held a welcome celebration Monday for Criselda Cuevas, a McAllen native, to introduce her to the community following her first few months as the new director of administration and operations.
“I’ll be responsible for the facilities that we operate here in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as working on collaborations with partners through our community, building new partnerships, and hopefully ensuring that we’re branding Buckner in a positive manner,” Cuevas said.
Buckner Children and Family Services works to help vulnerable children and families, according to President and CEO Albert Reyes, who was in attendance at Monday’s celebration. It also helps foster children.
The organization offers ministry and programs, as well as a family help center to help families that may be struggling to stay together.
“Someone like Cris who knows the community, is from here, understands the culture and the language really helps us identify who the people are that we’re really trying to serve the most,” Reyes said. “The Valley is somewhere upwards of 98% Hispanic, so we want someone who really understands the context that they serve in and who they’re serving.”
Cuevas’s first day with Buckner was March 21. Since then, she’s worked to build partnerships with her organization.
“Buckner has such a welcoming environment, and the community has just been outstanding,” Cuevas said. “We have great support from our Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department, our school districts, our local Head Starts— everybody has just been so welcoming and inviting. I’m very happy to be here.”
Prior to her new role as director of administration and operations, Cuevas had previously managed centers throughout South Texas as well as in Oklahoma. She said that her goal is to extend Buckner’s reach and help as many children and families as possible.
“I’m hoping that we’ll be able to make a difference in more lives here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Cuevas said. “We serviced over 4,000 children and families last year. Want to grow that. We want to be able to be out there in the community and serve even more children and families. That’s my goal— to connect with more families and to connect with more community partners.”
For more information about Buckner Children and Family Services, or to find out how to donate and volunteer, visit buckner.org or call (956) 585-4847.
