The Parenting Resource Center (PRC) in Austin has welcomed Crystal Vandevender as its new executive director, bringing a wealth of experience in educational leadership and community engagement. With a Master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s in organizational management, Vandevender is set to collaborate closely with PRC’s associate director, Troy Goodwater.
In her new role, Vandevender has already taken the initiative to begin the search for a new program coordinator for The Welcome Center, a key component of the organization’s outreach. During the recruitment process, PRC board members highlighted her strong qualifications, particularly in areas such as financial oversight, organizational management, and grant administration. Board chair Paul Bartemes acknowledged her impressive communication skills and leadership qualities, stating that these attributes will be invaluable in enhancing the organization’s partnerships.
“This new chapter at the PRC is exciting for our board, and we believe Crystal will guide us to new heights,” Bartemes commented.
Vandevender’s leadership journey spans over 15 years and encompasses various roles focused on program coordination and community support. Prior to joining PRC, she served as a senior program coordinator at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where she successfully led cross-functional teams and worked to streamline operations. Her methods have consistently aimed at improving service quality and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Expressing her enthusiasm for her new position, Vandevender remarked, “I’m truly honored to join the Parenting Resource Center and continue its legacy of empowering families and strengthening our community. PRC’s staff and volunteers make such a meaningful difference every day. I’m excited to work alongside them to listen, learn and utilize everyone’s unique talents as we expand the vision of what the PRC can achieve together.”
As executive director, Vandevender will oversee numerous administrative and programmatic functions within the nonprofit’s extensive service network. This includes The Welcome Center, Family Support Services, and the Seibel Center, which provides supervised child visitation and safe exchange services. The PRC, located in Austin’s Community Action Building (CAB) near the post office, also manages drug-prevention grants aimed at helping local students and offers a diaper program to assist families in need.
The hiring of Vandevender comes at a significant time for the PRC, which has recently appointed Claire Rosemark as the supervisor of the Seibel Center. Rosemark brings valuable experience from the substance abuse field, having worked for many years with individuals and families facing various challenges. Each of these new appointments underscores PRC’s commitment to enhancing its support systems for families and individuals within the community.
Vandevender’s vision for the future of the organization incorporates not only maintaining existing partnerships but also exploring opportunities to build new alliances that will further strengthen PRC’s mission. Her comprehensive understanding of community dynamics and organizational needs positions her well for this ambitious goal.
As PRC embarks on this new chapter under Vandevender’s leadership, stakeholders are optimistic about the possibilities ahead for empowering families and enhancing support services across the region. With a strong commitment to community engagement and organizational excellence, the PRC is poised to make a lasting impact in the Austin area and beyond.
