School on Wheels Appoints Charles W. Evans, Jr. as New Executive Director
Longtime ED Catherine Meek to serve as Executive Advisor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sinead Chilton, 213 905 2777
LOS ANGELES—August 1, 2019- Ushering in its next generation of leadership during a critical time in serving children experiencing homelessness, seasoned School on Wheels executive Charles W. Evans Jr. has been appointed as the new Executive Director for School on Wheels (SOW) effective August 1, 2019. Veteran SOW Executive Director Catherine Meek, who was involved in the search committee’s process, will remain with SOW as an executive advisor continuing to work with foundations and donors. The announcement was made by the Board of Directors of School on Wheels who named Evans to his new role.
The homeless crisis in Los Angeles County now impacts over 60,000 homeless public school students, with 17,494 in LAUSD alone. School on Wheels relies on funding from individual donors, major corporations and foundations to fund programs that train and mobilize volunteer tutors to educate and mentor children in homeless situations throughout six counties in Southern California. In 2018 SOW provided tutoring services to over 3,600 children, as well as over 5,500 backpacks filled with school supplies.
Evans begins his new role effective August 1 in full partnership with Meek, who through a transition period will be actively involved in day-to-day operations. Ultimately Meek will focus solely on advising Evans and the Board on fundraising strategies and relations. Meek has worked with School on Wheels since 2000, including roles as a volunteer, regional coordinator, organization consultant, and COO before her election as Executive Director in 2009.
“Charles has an outstanding track record working with School on Wheels to help and empower children who experience homelessness to succeed academically. He has the passion and experience building and leading teams, creating opportunities, delivering results, and leveraging his creativity to make a positive impact during a time of great urgency for our community and mission,” said Josh Fein, Board President. “We are thrilled that Catherine will continue as a trusted advisor and contributor. The partnership between Charles and Catherine will make the organization stronger and better prepared for the future.”
Stated Meek: “I could not be happier that Charles has been selected as my successor. Charles and I have worked together for more than ten years and we will continue to partner to keep School on Wheels strong, solution-oriented and striving to help as many children experiencing homelessness as possible. Charles has worked and flourished in every position he has held at School on Wheels. As Executive Director, Charles will lead us to a new level of success in helping and giving hope to our students. He is exactly the right person at this critical time in our history.”
Evans joined School on Wheels in 2008 as a regional coordinator in South Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. He was subsequently promoted to executive leadership positions, and prior to being named Executive Director served as SOW’s Chief Regional Officer. In this role, he oversaw 11 regions in six counties in Southern California, covering more than 3,600 students and 2,300 volunteers. As part of the leadership team, Evans serves on the Board Strategic Planning Committee where he contributed to the development and enhancement of SOW’s student outreach program by partnering with several school districts and agencies serving homeless children. Prior to School on Wheels, Evans worked for FAME Renaissance as an Environmental Outreach Field Representative, under the leadership of Reverend Cecil “Chip” Murray.
“I am so honored to have the opportunity of being School on Wheels’ next executive director. Being able to continue to build upon the legacy of Agnes and Catherine is exciting yet humbling,” said Evans. “The last 10 and a half years have been an amazing and inspirational journey, and I look forward to leading School on Wheels into a promising future.”
About School on Wheels
School on Wheels is a local nonprofit founded in1993 that trains and connects volunteer tutors to children living in shelters, motels, vehicles, group foster homes, and on the streets in Southern California. They are the only organization in Southern California dedicated exclusively to the educational needs of this fragile population. Last year, they tutored over 3,600 kids with the support of over 2,300 volunteers.
The heart of School on Wheels’ programs is the volunteer tutors who come from all backgrounds and professions, with a shared goal – to reach out to a child without a home to teach, to mentor, and to assist in their educational life.