This May, we proudly celebrate Ana Guerrero’s 10-year anniversary with Sierra Community House! As the Mediation and Legal Assistance Program Manager, Ana has been a guiding force in providing essential legal resources and conflict resolution support to our community. Especially this year, her dedication, expertise, and compassionate approach have empowered countless individuals and families, ensuring access to justice and a path toward resolution.
10 Questions for Ana
What motivated you to join Family Resource Center of Truckee 10 years ago?
I became motivated to join FRCoT ten years ago in order to contribute to my community, as I had received invaluable support in the past. I had previously benefited from services provided by the former Tahoe Safe Alliance, FRCoT, and Project Manna. As a teenage mother in a challenging relationship, the guidance and assistance I received significantly impacted my life. I made a commitment to myself to give back to these organizations. Years later, I applied for a temporary position and steadily advanced to my current role as a manager. The services and support I received not only transformed my life but also fueled my desire to assist others within my community.
What has been your proudest moment during your time here?
Looking back, it’s difficult to choose just one moment, as there have been many. I take pride in working with a great team every day. Their passion and willingness to assist the community is truly inspiring. I am also proud to have been part of the merger of SCH with one of our former agencies, FRCoT. Another significant achievement is the recruitment of our immigration services, which allows us to offer immigration assistance to those in need.
How do you stay motivated and focused on the mission during challenging times?
I recognize that challenging times are an inevitable part of our journey, yet I remain firmly committed to our mission by confronting these obstacles head-on. My motivation is rooted in the profound impact we have on our community through the direct services provided by SCH. The transformative changes we inspire by cultivating respect, trust, and collaboration serve as powerful reminders of our purpose and drive me to stay focused on our goals, even in the face of adversity. Furthermore, the deep sense of accomplishment that follows overcoming these challenges fuels my dedication and reinforces my commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives we touch.
What’s a goal you’re still eager to achieve in your role?
I am truly delighted to share that we have reached an important milestone in expanding the Mediation and Legal Assistance Program. With the hiring of two additional advocates, we are now better equipped to support our community as they navigate the complexities of the legal and immigration systems. We understand this journey can be challenging, especially for survivors, and we are committed to standing by their side. This significant progress would not have been possible without the generous support of our compassionate community donors, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Your kindness is making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
What are your hopes for the future of Sierra Community House?
My hopes for the future of Sierra Community House (SCH) are focused on achieving lasting success and stability for our community. Over the years, I have envisioned numerous possibilities for SCH, some of which may seem quite outlandish. Yet, one idea that consistently resonates with me is the establishment of a thrift store—a concept that many of us at SCH have passionately discussed and dreamt about. This thrift store could serve as a valuable resource, offering affordable clothing and household items to our community while also generating funds to support our various outreach programs. It would not only promote sustainability through recycling and reusing goods but also create a welcoming space where community members can connect. By providing job training and volunteer opportunities, the thrift store could empower individuals and foster a sense of ownership and pride within our community. Ultimately, I believe that this venture has the potential to enhance the support services we provide and contribute to the overall well-being of those we serve.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day at work?
After a long day at the office, I love unwinding by playing my favorite music while driving home. The familiar tunes create a relaxing atmosphere that helps me leave work behind. Once I arrive, I cherish spending quality time with my family. We gather around the dinner table to share a meal and talk about our day. Afterward, we often play games or just enjoy each other’s company. These moments bring me joy and help recharge my spirit for the day ahead.
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
If I could have dinner with any three people, I would choose my mother, my grandfather (who passed away several years ago), and my grandmother (who also passed away a long time ago). The idea of gathering around the dinner table with my mother and her parents fills me with warmth and nostalgia. I can imagine my mother sharing stories and laughter as we reminisce about family traditions, the meals we used to enjoy together, and the memories that have shaped our lives. It would be a cherished opportunity for all of us to reconnect, savor delicious food, and create a lasting moment of love and companionship. This dinner would be a beautiful chance to celebrate our family bond and honor the legacy of my grandparents while sharing a meal that brings us all together once more.
What’s a hobby you’ve picked up or would like to pick up over the last decade?
I recently rediscovered my passion for snowboarding, and it has been a truly rewarding experience. Spending weekends on the slopes with my family has not only strengthened our bond but also created lasting memories together. Each time I strap on my board, I find myself enhancing my skills, whether it’s perfecting my turns or working on my toe turns. This renewed hobby has become a wonderful outlet for stress relief, allowing me to escape from daily pressures and immerse myself in nature. The thrill of gliding down the snow-covered mountains gives me a tremendous boost of confidence. I can hardly wait for next winter because I’m eager to continue improving and sharing more adventures with my loved ones on the slopes.
What’s your go-to coffee or tea order to kickstart your day?
During the fall, my absolute favorite coffee is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, crafted with rich, spiced pumpkin flavor and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. To elevate it even more, I always request two extra shots of blonde espresso for that perfect balance of sweetness and caffeine kick. When pumpkin spice season comes to an end, my choice shifts to a Dirty Chai. I love how the warming spices of chai blend seamlessly with a bold shot of espresso, and I always ask for an extra shot to intensify the flavor and boost my energy.
What’s a memorable or funny moment you’ve experienced at Sierra Community House?
Every moment at SCH is memorable and fulfilling. I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day because I am passionate about helping the community. Providing education and empowerment to our survivors and community members is essential, especially when they are facing difficult times. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact we can have on their lives. Working alongside the dedicated staff at SCH is a true joy. I appreciate the friendships we’ve formed and the support we offer one another. Our engaging conversations often lead to insightful discussions, and the laughter we share lightens the atmosphere. I particularly look forward to our amazing potlucks, where we come together to enjoy delicious food and strengthen our bonds. These experiences create lasting memories and make my role here incredibly meaningful.
Ana’s commitment to advocacy and fairness has made a profound impact on our community. Join us in honoring her decade of service and the meaningful difference she continues to make every day. Thank you, Ana, for 10 incredible years of leadership, dedication, and unwavering support! To learn more about our legal program, click here.
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