Kelly Evans is the director of Trinity In-Home Care.

Kelly Evans understands the importance of respite.

She cherishes early morning “alone times” when she meditates, prays and prepares for her busy days as executive director of Trinity In-Home Care, a Lawrence nonprofit that promotes independent living and provides relief for caregivers.

“It’s taken me time to learn how to balance being a wife, mother of two boys and busy professional,” she says.

“Trinity’s culture is family-friendly, so balance isn’t too difficult to achieve, but it’s something I’m constantly aware of as a working mom.”

Evans thrives on taking initiative, serving and leadership. Born at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in 1979, she organized and led a neighborhood group with her best friend, was president of Centennial School’s “Save the Earth” club and served on Baldwin High School’s student council after her family moved at the end of her freshman year.

Her passion for working with people with disabilities was sparked at Kansas University when she became involved in the Best Buddy program, where KU students are matched with teens and adults in the community for friendship.

“My first buddy was a young woman with Down syndrome, and we’re still good friends,” Evans says.

She became the program’s director, and it doubled in size under her leadership. She also met her future husband, Travis, another “Buddy.”

Between study, romance and running Best Buddy, Evans found time to work part-time at Trinity supporting a young man with Asperger syndrome, then became a teaching counselor at Community Living Opportunities.

“I quickly learned so much about the demanding side of caregiving and the importance of respite care,” she says.

Evans married in 2001, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social welfare in 2002 and worked for an adoption agency in Kansas City for two years.

“I loved adoption work but really missed working with people with disabilities,” she says. “When the social worker position was advertised at Trinity, I jumped at it and was thrilled to be appointed.”

Evans became director in 2006. Her responsibilities include marketing, funding development, directing advocacy, community involvement, board development and, like many nonprofits, adjusting to budget cuts.

“Last year our budget was unexpectedly affected as a result of the 10 percent Medicare cuts. Cutting already lean programs was difficult,” she says.

“Trinity is a genuine organization of 200 staff. From managers to direct support professionals and part-timers, all are passionate about working to provide in-home care for people with disabilities, their caregivers and seniors who need help to remain independent. I’m proud of how our team’s commitment showed in the way they worked together and responded to the cuts. They accepted 50 percent cuts in mileage allowances so all our clients can continue to get to medical and other appointments.”

Evans continues to enjoy spearheading initiatives and says Trinity is now focusing more on support from community members.

“We want to involve more volunteers in programs and events such as our annual picnic at Broken Arrow Park on September 9,” she says.

“I’m very grateful for Trinity’s Board for supporting us to move in new directions in order to make respite care available to broader sectors of our community.”