Shonah P. Jefferson

Founder and Director

Shonah Jefferson is the Managing Member of Jefferson Legal, PLLC and the Executive Chef and Owner of Chefs For Seniors-North and Southeast Houston Metro.

Before establishing Jefferson Legal, Shonah worked as a lawyer for firms in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia. Her current practice concentrates on business, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations law. Her nonprofit clients have included charitable, educational, religious and social welfare organizations. She counsels nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations on matters such as structural and operational issues; qualifying for tax-exemption; governance, responsibility, and compliance issues; and use of supporting organizations and group exemptions. Shonah has also represented for-profit and nonprofit developers in the area of multi-family housing development and tax-exempt hospitals, schools, museums, and universities as borrowers of tax-exempt bond proceeds and as purchasers of municipal reinvestment products.

Shonah purchased a Chefs For Seniors franchise in September 2018. As the Executive Chef and Owner, she is able to combine her love of people, business and all things culinary to provide a much-needed service to seniors in the Houston area.
‍
Shonah obtained a B.B.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Plan II Honors Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law, where she was a member of Law Review and Moot Court. She also obtained an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts from San Jacinto College.

Trenica Johnson

Director

Though she has made her mark as a private chef to notable brands and public figures, Trenica Ashley Johnson, aka Chef Trenica Ashley, has more recently risen to fame since her debut on the Food Network cooking competition Ciao House, set in Tuscany, Italy.
‍
Chef Ashley has the art of flavor running through her veins. As a native of NewOrleans, she grew up immersed in a melting pot of deep and soulful cuisines, rich in history and a distinct taste. By blending her Southern heritage with diverse flavors and refined techniques, she has developed her own a unique style that stands alone yet feels like home.
‍
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Texas SouthernUniversity in Houston, Texas, Ashley took on the oil and gas industry, then led a promising career path in pharmaceutical research. However, the world of food continued to pull at her heart strings, and she ultimately decided to make a detour from the road of chemical science to the art and science of food.
‍
Ashley attained her AA of Culinary at Houston Community College and took a nonconventional culinary career route, immediately opting for her independence and creativity as a private chef and caterer instead of the traditional road of the restaurant business.
‍
Chef Ashley’s passion for cooking was ignited by watching the culinary greats on television as a child. Today, she finds inspiration in everyday people, thriving on positive energy and building authentic connections. Her love for hidden cultural and culinary gems stems from her early New Orleans roots, where the food and music intertwine with the fabric of the community.
‍
Chef Ashley’s food philosophy revolves around the power of food to bring people together, uniting them in both joyous and challenging times. She aims to continue making a difference by teaching and inspiring others through food and draws motivation from her deep-rooted faith and love for family.

Daphne Travis

Director

Daphne K. Travis, a native of Houston, Texas, began her career as a seasoned insurance professional over 20 years ago in her aunt’s insurance agency. There she developed the love of the insurance industry and went on to start her own agency in the Houston area. As the branch owner and producer at TWFG Insurance, Daphne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clients, ensuring they receive the best possible coverage tailored to their unique needs. She holds the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation, a testament to her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the insurance landscape.

Daphne's approach to insurance is encapsulated in her personal motto: "If you care about it, we will insure it with care." This philosophy underscores her dedication to providing personalized and attentive service, reflecting her belief that insurance is not just about policies, but about protecting what matters most to her clients.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Daphne is an active member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) and Trusted Choice, affiliations that further solidify her standing in the insurance community. Her involvement in these organizations highlights her commitment to staying abreast of industry developments and advocating for the highest standards of service and integrity.

With her extensive experience, professional designations, and unwavering dedication to her clients, Daphne K. Travis continues to be a trusted and respected figure in the insurance industry.

Empowering Seniors to Thrive

Frena Cares is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization that's changing the lives of seniors one meal at a time through interactive cooking demonstrations, educational presentations, and access to healthy meals.

Donate Now

A group senior ladies gather after Frena Cares food demonstration.

Get to Know Our Team

Board of Directors

Check Out Our Upcoming Events

See Events

Make a Donation

Donate Now

Shonah P. Jefferson with her mother Nina Jefferson

Shonah P. Jefferson with her father Fred Jefferson

The Inspiration and Dedication

The name Frena was created as a tribute to my parents Fred and Nina and their legacy of generosity and philanthropy. "Frena" is a combination of their names - "Fre" from Fred and "na" from Nina.

From a very young age, I learned the importance of giving back and helping others, all because of their example. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38 ESV My parents were blessed, and they blessed others through their generosity. As a result, God continued to bless them and use them as conduits of blessings.

Frena Cares is a continuation of that legacy of blessing.

Learn More

Who We Are

Mission:

Our mission is to empower seniors to lead healthier lives through interactive cooking demonstrations, educational presentations, and access to healthy meals. We are committed to guiding seniors toward healthier eating habits and fostering opportunities necessary for them to enjoy nutritious meals, thus contributing to a better quality of life.

Vision:

Our vision is to cultivate a community of seniors who are empowered with the understanding and ability to maintain their health through wise food choices, self-prepared wholesome meals, and access to nutritious food, ensuring their well-being and longevity.

Core Values:

Empowerment: We believe in empowering seniors with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthier food choices and prepare nutritious meals, fostering their independence and confidence.

Education: We are committed to providing high-quality, engaging educational programs that promote healthy eating habits and culinary skills, ensuring seniors have the tools they need for better nutrition.
‍
Well-being: Our focus is on enhancing the overall well-being of seniors by supporting their physical health through improved nutrition, access to wholesome meals, and healthy lifestyle choices.
‍
Community: We value the strength of community and strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where seniors can learn, share, and thrive together.
‍
Respect: We honor and respect the unique needs and preferences of each senior, providing support to help them achieve their health and nutrition goals.

Who We Support

FrenaCares was founded to be a resource for adults over the age of 55 (and their caregivers) who:

Lack access to information on healthy cooking and nutrition.
Lack the financial or physical means to prepare healthy meals for themselves.
Are negatively impacted by one or more of the five social determinants of health (SDOH), including but not limited to, economic instability that leads to food insecurity and poor nutrition.
Live in underserved communities, including Low Income-Affordable Housing Communities in the Houston MSA.
Have been diagnosed with a chronic condition and who desire to change their eating habits, but lack access to information on healthier cooking and eating habits.