I'm deeply honored by the confidence placed in me by my fellow directors since my election to president of the board this July. I've served on the board for three years, and have been active on the Lake Anne Development Committee during that time. I'm recently retired from a 30 year career in community development, affordable housing, and finance. My work, both professional and volunteer, is rooted in my long-term commitment to social justice, and I'm excited by the opportunities to further the mission of Fellowship Square Foundation.
This is a time of tremendous change for the organization as we begin implementing our strategic plan: hiring a new executive director; engaging third-party professional property management, building on the good work of National Lutheran Communities & Services; and redeveloping Lake Anne Fellowship House.
While we adapt to changing conditions in the world around us, one thing remains constant, our dedication to the mission of serving seniors. I see the wonderful work of our staff and volunteers who enable our residents to live independently and with dignity. Most importantly, we're improving on the delivery of our most important service: providing a decent, secure, affordable place to call home. It's the foundation that makes everything else we do possible.
This is a high-cost region where it is difficult for anyone of modest means, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, to find housing that is affordable. Many struggle to keep a roof over their head and too many slip into homelessness. As a region, we are not even maintaining the existing supply of housing that's affordable, let alone increasing it to meet the need. That is why we are proud to have found a way to replace all 240 affordable apartment units at Lake Anne with modern, accessible, and sustainable housing that will be a resource to the community for decades to come.
We are positioning ourselves to meet the challenges of the future and deliver on the mission. I look forward to the journey ahead.
Renee Jakobs
Board President, Fellowship Square Foundation
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