Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Jansson.
Hi Jana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story started in 2008. I just had my 3rd child and now separating from my husband of ten years. To say life was complicated would be an understatement. I had my associates in computers, but outside of that, I spent my life working small jobs to help out and be home as much as possible with the kids. I found myself struggling with fear, anxiety, depression and the list goes on. I had two kids in elementary and a newborn to support. After a few years into my divorce, I finally decided it was time to go back to school. Let me back up a little as to why I choose the field I did. I have a cousin who is very close in age and struggles with substance misuse, worked a lot with students who struggled with trauma within the home and let’s be honest, I was not always the mother of the year.
I had always had a passion for helping others but never really thought of doing anything with it. The more I worked with these students and going through our own share of troubles at home, I realized it was time to put that passion for using. In 2015 I finished my bachelor’s in Psychology, Addiction and Recovery. I began working for a nonprofit focusing on substance misuse. My passion for helping others continued to grow, but for the Collin County area in particular. I now run an organization called Engage Collin County where we educate on Mental Health, Substance Misuse and improving overall Wellness.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say it certainly has not been smooth. Unsure if I was making the right decision, following the right career path. Was I going to be able to support my family and is this truly what God has planned for me. Along the way, there have been broken relationships, financial struggles, worried would I ever make it through my classes and simply do I have what it takes to work with those who are struggling. In the end I have learned that being a single parent raising three children does not mean you cannot accomplish your dreams and does not mean you cannot push through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your organization?
Engage Collin County is a 501 (c)(3) organization. We are committed to educating on substance misuse, mental health and improving overall wellness in our community by establishing and strengthening collaborations among community partners, assessing needs, educating the public, and advocating for policies that protect and empower. Engage Collin County, formerly the Substance Use Prevention Coalition of Collin County, began in 2005 as the Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition. The coalition was formed in response to a growing number of overdoses and deaths in Collin County due to heroin and methamphetamine use. The task force was comprised of various government and nonprofit agencies and organizations that included police, substance abuse groups, school counselors, and healthcare and treatment programs.
The original mission of the coalition was to monitor and reduce the incidence of illness, injury, and death among teenagers and young adults caused by substance abuse. In 2017, the coalition changed its name to the Substance Use Prevention Coalition of Collin County. A few months later in 2018, the organization established its nonprofit status. In 2019, the coalition evolved again and is now known as Engage Collin County to encompass their passion for overall wellness in the community.Today, members come from all sectors of the community, including parents, business communities, media, schools, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, civic and volunteer groups, health care professionals, organizations that serve youth or young adults, youth, young adults, state, local or tribal governmental agencies, other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse, and senior citizens.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We are working to continue engaging our community, building our organization, educating on substance misuse and mental health in hopes to break the stigma that is seen in our area. It is important for others to understand this is a disease, not something others simply choose.
Contact Info:
- Email: jana.jansson@engagecollin.com or info@engagecollin.com
- Website: www.engagecollin.com
- Instagram: engagecollin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engagecollin
- Twitter: @engagecollin
Image Credits
Little Luka Photography
