International Rescue Committee

1000 Friends of Florida's Affordable Housing Director, Jaimie Ross, was named a James A. Johnson Community Fellow for her dedication to creating affordable housing for working families. Ross was selected "for her superior record of achievement in increasing Florida's supply of affordable homes and helping working families navigate the pathway to homeownership." In 1991, Ross joined 1000 Friends of Florida and started what became the Sadowski Act Coalition. This group of organizations, which includes the Florida Home Builders Association, the Florida Housing Coalition, and Florida Association of Realtors, championed legislation that created the largest statededicated revenue source for affordable housing in the nation. Ross is also president of the Florida Housing Coalition, the statewide nonprofit provider of affordable housing training and technical assistance. "We are very proud of Jaimie and her outstanding work on behalf of the people of Florida, " said 1000 Friends of Florida President Tim Jackson. "Thanks to her leadership and dedication, Florida can boast the best statewide financing mechanism for affordable housing in the nation." The naming of Jaimie Ross on May 10, 2004, as one of the six Fellows honors the service of James A. Johnson past chairman of the Fannie Mae Foundation and former chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae who worked tirelessly to make affordable housing a national priority. Jaimie Ross will have the opportunity to pursue personal renewal through a year of study and travel. "The James A. Johnson Community Fellowship Program is an important part of the Fannie Mae Foundation's commitment to forging partnerships with leaders on the front lines of housing and community development across the country, " says Stacey D. Stewart, president and CEO of the Fannie Mae Foundation. "Our goal is to give the Johnson Fellows an opportunity to expand their crucial roles in the field of affordable housing, allowing them to develop innovative housing programs that will benefit working families throughout the nation."

Lighthouse of the Big Bend (LBB) in Tallahassee, FL offers a range of services to individuals with vision loss and blindness throughout the Florida Big Bend region, from birth through all stages of life. Their services include training in orientation and mobility, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation skills, and daily living skills. LBB is supported through contracts with the Florida Department of Education Division of Blind Services, as well as funding from the United Way of the Big Bend, the City of Tallahassee, and the Leon County Community Human Service Partnership. Accredited by the AER Accreditation Council, LBB is dedicated to providing essential support and resources to those in need within the community. Generated from the website

AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, is a prominent union organization based in Tallahassee, FL. With a focus on advocating for fairness in the workplace and excellence in public services, AFSCME represents members in various occupations to secure better pay, healthcare, and retirement benefits. Through their political action fund and member benefits program, AFSCME empowers workers to stand together and protect their rights while also providing access to discounts and resources that enhance their quality of life. With a strong emphasis on unity and advocacy, AFSCME plays a vital role in supporting working families and promoting prosperity for all. Generated from the website