The Families Moving Forward staff includes six professional positions.
In addition, from time to time the staff includes part-time support personnel who work in the Day Center during early morning and weekend hours.
Lee Blons, Executive Director
As Executive Director, Lee Blons assists the Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction of the organization to effectively accomplish our mission of developing affordable housing and ending homelessness. Lee is responsible for the overall operation of the organization including financial management, fund development, public relations and housing development and operations.
Lee Blons has over 25 years experience in non-profit management of housing and homeless organizations; Executive Director of CARITAS, the largest homeless shelter program in Richmond, VA; Director of Operations for Faith Housing in Columbus, OH; Executive Director of the Community Stabilization Project in St. Paul, MN; and the Executive Director of All Parks Alliance for Change in St. Paul, MN.
Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota (1982) and was a Sloan Fellow in Science, Technology & Public Policy.
Felicia has more than 20 years experience in a variety of positions helping children and families find permanency, through housing and education. Her understanding encompasses communities of faith and the needs of children and their families and how each can partner together to build a stronger, healthier community. Among her significant previous positions Felicia served as the Faith-based/Recruitment Program Specialist with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Felicia holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University.
Sakinah Mujahid, Housing Family Advocate
Sakinah Mujahid has experience helping families find housing and resources from her previous work with local organizations including Sisters Need A Place (SNAP) and Masjid An-Nur. She works with our families in the Keys to Success program, and those living at Audubon Crossing and Brandes Place to maintain their housing and connect with necessary resources to help them achieve their employment and educational goals. She also helps families in shelter to transition as quickly as possible to permanent housing and to access ongoing supportive services.
Della Rootues, Family Advocate
As the family advocate at FMF, Della provides case management for families in the emergency shelter program, and works with congregations and volunteers to provide shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Della has been a resident of North Minneapolis for more than four decades; she graduated from the University of Minnesota and has vast experience from working in the field of social work for more than 20 years. Her mission is to help families obtain permanent housing and accomplish other life goals, and to holistically enhance the quality of their lives, one family at a time.
Peter Arneson, Volunteer Coordinator
Peter works to fill the various volunteer opportunities that drive Families Moving Forward. He works with the individuals and groups that help in the day center as well as supporting, training, and helping to recruit new congregations. In addition to his current role as volunteer coordinator he has also spent considerable time helping with Families Moving Forward’s facilities, program, fundraising and IT needs.
Peter has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Bethel University. Through an internship program there he was introduced to Families Moving Forward 7 years ago.
Elizabeth Nordland, Morning Shelter Assistant
Elizabeth was a social work intern with Families Moving Forward two years ago, and now joins us as a part-time shelter assistant. Her role is to open the Day Center in the morning and assist parents and children as they start their day.
Danielle Fegel, Weekend Shelter Assistant
Danielle has been an intern with Families Moving Forward through Twin Cities Rise. She now is a part-time weekend shelter assistant. Her role is to open and close the Day Center on the weekends and assist families as needed.
Jim McCorvey, Facilities Coordinator
Mr. McCorvey retired after 39 years at Centerpoint Energy.He likes to stay busy and volunteered as a part-time maintenance staff before being hired at Families Moving Forward. He and his wife have a love for children and currently are foster parents to at-risk teens.
