In Loving Memory of Wanda Evans
On behalf of Evette Maduro, CEO, the Board of Directors, and the entire Betances Health Center staff
It is with profound sadness that Betances announces the passing of Wanda Evans.
Honoring Wanda’s Legacy
For over three decades, Wanda Evans devoted her life to building and nurturing the Betances community — supporting both staff and patients with compassion, vision, and unwavering dedication. Her tireless efforts helped shape Betances into one of New York City’s most respected community health centers, serving the heart of the Lower East Side.
Wanda held a deep and unshakable belief that quality healthcare is a basic human right — one that must be accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. She lived that belief in every action, every conversation, and every initiative she led. Her conviction inspired generations of staff, advocates, and healthcare professionals to carry the mission forward.
Her legacy is etched into the countless lives she touched: through her advocacy, her grassroots efforts, and her genuine care for everyone she encountered. Wanda had a gift for connection — always showing up with grace, strength, and love. She was equally at home speaking on national platforms as she was lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. In addition to service at Betances during her career Wanda served on many state, and local health committees including CHCANYS board.
One of Wanda’s most enduring contributions was as a mentor. She nurtured and guided countless young people, often seeing their potential long before they could see it in themselves. She treated them like family, and in doing so, helped raise a new generation of leaders committed to service and equity.
Together, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Wanda Evans. The mission she helped build from the ground up lives on in our work, our values, and in the community she so fiercely loved.
Wanda’s spirit remains with us — in every life she touched, every voice she uplifted, and every heart she inspired.
Betances Health Center Remembers Wanda Evans
Betances Health Center warmly invites you to an afternoon of remembrance, reflection, and celebration in honor of Wanda Evans.
For over three decades, Wanda dedicated her life to building and nurturing the Betances community — both staff and patients alike. Through her tireless work, she helped shape Betances into one of New York City’s leading community health centers serving the Lower East Side. Wanda firmly believed that quality healthcare is a basic human right, accessible to all — regardless of the ability to pay. She embodied that belief every day and inspired countless others to carry that mission forward.
Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, her unwavering commitment to caring for and employing from the very community she served, and her wisdom and generosity. Whether advocating on national stages, organizing grassroots efforts, or offering support to a neighbor in need, Wanda always showed up — with grace, strength, and love.
One area where Wanda clearly made a lasting difference — and one that everyone remembers — was as a mentor. She took many adolescents under her wing, treating them as if they were her own children. She nurtured their potential, pushed them to believe in themselves, and helped mold them into individuals who would go on to do something special with their lives. That impact echoes through generations.
We invite you to return — to come home — and join her family and friends in the very place she so passionately served. Together, we’ll honor her extraordinary life, lasting impact, and the mission she helped build from the ground up.
Date: June 29, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Betances Health Center
RSVP: Thorton@betances.org
We hope to see you there as we celebrate Wanda’s remarkable legacy together.
