Sister Jeanne Celebrates 35 Years

SISTER JEANNE ON HER FIRST DAY AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN 1976.

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Think of Stanford Settlement and Sister Jeanne Felion undoubtedly comes to mind.

“Sister Jeanne and the Stanford Settlement are part of Sacramento’s commitment to community, service and kindness,” District 1 Councilwoman Angelique Ashby said. “The programs provided to the guests mean so much to each participant’s quality of life and well-being. Congratulations on this most recent milestone and thank you for your many years of dedication!”

For more than three decades Sister Jeanne has led the Gardenland-Northgate area non-profit since 1976 with spunk and a smile. The Standford Settlement board of trustees recently paid tribute to Sister Jeanne by celebrating her 35th anniversary as executive director during their annual dinner.

Sister Jeanne is responsible for developing Standford Settlement’s programs, policies and budgets for review and consideration by board trustees. The nun also provides day-to-day direction for the non-profit’s children, teen and senior programs.

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Social Service Stanford Settlement has been in the Gardenland-Northgate area since 1963 and at its current West El Camino Avenue site since 1975.

“Stanford Settlement has been privileged to have had Sister Jeanne as its executive director since 1976,” said Tom Dekker president of the board, Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center. “Her many contributions and her undying devotion and dedication to the community has proved to be invaluable.”

The children and teen programs help high-risk young people learn skills necessary to become responsible and productive members of the community. The senior program provides seniors with healthy aging activities meant to prevent isolation.

Sister Jeanne’s accomplishments during her appointment include the planning, development and building of a senior center in 1996. She also led the way 13 years later, when a new 10,600 square-foot teen center was built and opened in 2009.