(photo) Jeana Orman and her boarded and eventually adopted guide dog, Bomba.

When Jeana Orman first ventured into the nonprofit world, her journey began like many others—sitting on a board, attending meetings, and helping wherever she could. But for Jeana, this traditional route left her yearning for more. “I felt like I wasn’t doing enough,” she recalls. “Being in board meetings, even contributing as much as I could, it still didn’t feel like I was truly serving the organization.”

Determined to make a deeper impact, Jeana turned to volunteering. “I found my niche,” she says. “I could spread myself around, helping multiple nonprofits, rather than committing to one board and just attending meetings.” Her hands-on approach allowed her to connect more closely with organizations and contribute in meaningful ways.

Jeana’s commitment to service eventually led her to Social Venture Partners San Antonio (SVPSA), introduced to her by Billy Cox. “I saw how SVPSA could help nonprofits address so many of the challenges I had encountered in my volunteering,” she explains. “From training to connections, they provide nonprofits with tools they didn’t even realize they needed. SVPSA is truly magical.”

A Lifeline for Nonprofits

Jeana’s work with SVPSA has had a profound impact not only on the organizations she supports but also on her own confidence and abilities. “Now, I feel like I could take on any nonprofit challenge, even things I have no experience in, because SVPSA is my backup team. I know I can call on them for help.”

Her experiences through SVPSA have even changed her outlook on board service. “For the first time, I’m considering joining a board again,” she says, reflecting on the training and resources she’s gained. “I feel like I now have the connections and insights to make a meaningful contribution this time.”

Making an Impact Across Organizations

Jeana’s nonprofit work extends beyond SVPSA. She has contributed her time and talents to organizations like TEAMability, the Animal Defense League, Vision Guide Dogs, and Each One Teach One. Each experience has added a layer to her understanding of the nonprofit world and her own capabilities.

One of her most memorable contributions was with TEAMability, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities. Stepping in to organize a silent auction after a sudden loss in leadership, Jeana helped the group raise $16,000—a significant boost for an organization with a $100,000 gala. “People think, ‘Oh, we’ll just have a gala,’ but it’s so much more than that,” she says. “That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges nonprofits face in fundraising.”

Jeana also speaks fondly of her time with Each One Teach One, a nonprofit focused on helping adults regain literacy and achieve their GEDs. “It was incredibly rewarding to help individuals rebuild their confidence and see them succeed,” she shares. One success story stands out—a young woman who left school at 14 and, with Jeana’s guidance, earned her GED at 20. “Her life was truly changed for the better. She even went on to enroll in auto mechanic school.”

Learning and Growing Through Service

For Jeana, volunteering has been a two-way street. While she has given her time and talents, she has also gained invaluable insights. “Through volunteering, I’ve learned how nonprofits work—and where they sometimes don’t work well,” she reflects. These lessons have not only enriched her service but have also prepared her for future leadership roles.

Her work with SVPSA, in particular, has allowed her to transfer skills from her previous career as a speech pathologist and a medical researcher into practical nonprofit applications. Whether refining surveys or helping organizations collect and analyze data, Jeana has found new ways to use her expertise. “It’s been so satisfying to apply my skills in a way that truly helps others,” she says.

Inspiring Others to Get Involved

Jeana is passionate about encouraging others to join SVPSA and explore nonprofit work. “I tell people that SVPSA fills a huge gap in the nonprofit world,” she says. “They not only provide training for new nonprofits but also create invaluable connections. It’s the secret sauce that can help organizations thrive.”

Her story is a testament to the power of service—not just for the communities it uplifts but for the individuals who give their time and talent. “Volunteering has given me so much,” she says. “It’s helped me grow, connect, and find purpose in ways I never imagined.”

As Jeana looks to the future, she’s open to new challenges, whether it’s returning to a board or continuing to lend her expertise to nonprofits in need. One thing is certain: her journey with SVPSA and beyond is far from over. “There’s always more to learn, more to give, and more to gain,” she says with a smile.