About F.E.I.S. Foundation

Meet Fernanda Hamlin, the founder and heartbeat of the F.E.I.S. Foundation. With a dynamic career spanning over 15 years as a certified program manager accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), she brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our mission of transforming lives. Her unwavering dedication to our cause and her commitment to excellence have been instrumental in establishing and growing our organization.

Fernanda's passion for people and program management goes beyond the boardroom; it extends into the heart of our shared housing initiative, where her strategic vision and meticulous planning ensure that every aspect of our program operates seamlessly. Her leadership has allowed us to provide housing and wrap-around support services to those in need efficiently and effectively, making a tangible difference in the lives of our program participants.

With Fernanda at the helm, the F.E.I.S. Foundation is not only a beacon of hope for those facing housing insecurity but also a testament to what can be achieved when compassion and professionalism merge.

Isaan Allen has worked as a Forensic Case Manager for Iroquois Mental Health Center. Her efforts will fill the gap between the social and medical models of recovery. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities associated with addiction recovery. With a background in various crisis management programs and rehabilitation services, Isaan has acquired extensive knowledge of evidence-based practices that are effective in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Isaan is skilled in identifying the appropriate services based on our program participants’ needs.

Odell Ward, a 33-year UPS employee with 15 years working as a Logistics Operations Manager. As an Operations Manager, he is responsible for the leadership, training, safety and compliance, and performance of more than 100 employees. He is also responsible for managing an operational budget of more than one million dollars ($1,000,000) a month at UPS. Odell has over 15 years of management and operational experience with UPS. During his 15 years of management, Odell has managed six UPS facilities in Mississippi, totaling more than 500 employees. Through UPS, Odell has attended and completed many hands-on training and workshops on leadership, safety and compliance, and operational management. Odell brings a wealth of business operations experience and knowledge that will help support the day-to-day operations and the implementation of NARR standards for recovery residences.

Mr. Rodney Gresham is a trained Shared Housing Operator who works closely with the Kate’s House Foundation. He specializes in Recovery Housing investing, administration, operations, and management. Mr. Gresham is a US Air Force Veteran and has dutifully served our country for a total of 23.5 years of Federal Service (8.5 years active duty and 15 years with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs). He Supervises a hospital staff of 12 to 40 EMS department employees at any given time. He Supervises the EMS staff of the Biloxi Mississippi, Pensacola Florida, Panama City Florida, and Mobile Alabama locations at varying times throughout his tenure of Service. Hospital Emergency Management certified (Federal DEMPS program). Trained Hospital Timekeeper. Trained in Emergency Patient Evacuation. Trained in Patient Care Standards for the largest hospital system in the world (The Department of Veterans Affairs). Trained in Hospital Cleaning standards. He has also worked closely with Patient Care Administrators and Patient Care Support Coordinators for 15 years. Supported daily Patient care efforts of Nursing staff in the coordinating of emergency room patient flow, and mental health transfer of patients, movement of supplies for patient care and cleaning of the entire hospital facility. Mr. Gresham has been married for over 40 years, he and his wife have six children and six grandchildren, he loves motorcycle riding (sport bikes), he is a committed Christian and he enjoys serving his community, especially his fellow Veterans, wherever he meets them.

As founders of Sanctuary First Foundation, we partner in our endeavors not only because we share the same values, the same mission, and vision; but we also truly appreciate the greater impact our combined efforts and purpose driven investments are making in the communities we serve.

The vision we share is that one day, anyone around the world who is experiencing housing insecurity, and needs affordable recovery housing with an emphasis on healing, will have a place to call home.