About Us
Our
Story
For the past seven years, F.U.S.E has served women and their children on Valley Brook Community Church Campus. Our Family home model has a track record of success. We have a vision to move forward to purchase our own campus that will include a serene setting, a wellness center, and independent housing.
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We are a 501(c)(3) that exists to bring awareness, encourage others to serve, and provides restorative solutions for the most at-risk amongst us.
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Mission:
We help people who are in life transition by providing safe affordable housing in nice neighborhoods so that they can focus on building the life they want in a supportive environment.
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Vision:
Our vision is to make a positive impact on the lives of others by ending housing insecurity one person and one house at a time.
TEAM
President & Treasurer
Sherry Danalis
Sherry Danalis has been married to Stephen Danalis for 31 years and has 2 grown sons, Cameron and Alexander. In 2008 they suffered the tragic loss of their adopted daughter from Korea. What followed awakened the passion to learn more about the plight of young women who experience loss and exploitation when they don't have the support, resources, and community they desperately need for better outcomes. What started as a platform of awareness has now grown to provide safe housing options. The first home, Nehemiah House, for seven years, offered a family-style residential home with pathways to financial stability and independence and closed in December 2023 to transition to independent housing, called Renewal Home. F.U.S.E. was established in 2010 (received charitable status in the summer of 2011).
Co-Founder & Exec. Director
Stephen Danalis
Stephen graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1984 with a Bachelor in Culinary Arts. A Restaurateur and entrepreneur for several years, serving on several mission trips through the AG World Missions (MAPS) ranging from pouring concrete floors and walls in Costa Rica and Honduras to accompanying a medical outreach in Kenya until "THE CALL" to the Mission Field himself in the States. Stephen's heart cry is to see faith communities emerge with one voice, not only to raise awareness but more importantly INSPIRE others into action on behalf of the vulnerable. To see the church come together in unity so that the world will see God’s heart when He works through His people.
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Board Member/ Secretary
JooRi
Johnson
JooRi Johnson has worked on affordable housing developments in Western Massachusetts for the last 10 years, specializing in Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects. She has been directly involved in the preservation and production of over 1,200 housing units totaling over $250 million dollars in development funding.
JooRi experiences includes (but not limited to) initial feasibility analysis, submission of financing applications, assistance with syndication and finance compliance, project financial administration and close-out, coordination of transactional legal services and financial closings, as well as coordination of professional design services, GM/CM selection, marketing studies, environmental
reports and appraisals.
Prior to joining MBL Housing and Development (previous employer), Joori received a law degree from Western New England University, School of Law and is also a certified mediator.
She has served on the Boards of the Valley Community Development Corporation and was a founding member of F.U.S.E.
Board Member
Aaron
Blair
CEO | Co-Founder of The Conifer Co.
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Aaron Blair is a visionary leader in municipal management, urban planning, and community revitalization, with a proven track record in both the public and private sectors. He has spearheaded transformative projects that drive economic growth, modernize operations, and foster business development. His expertise in urban planning, placemaking, and strategic marketing has revitalized downtown districts, strengthened local economies, and created thriving public spaces. Recognized for his innovative leadership, Aaron has received multiple awards from the International Downtown Association for economic development and marketing excellence.
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Board Member
Jessica
Blair
Co-Founder of The Conifer Co.
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Jessica Blair is a dynamic leader with expertise in community engagement, tourism, event development, and economic development. As a former Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Director, she excelled in promoting tourism by collaborating with local businesses and organizing major events. As a Main Street business owner, she revitalized a blighted area into a thriving enterprise, earning recognition as a finalist for the Albany Chamber’s Small Business of the Year and winning the Albany Area Black Expo’s top honor in 2012. A 40 Under 40 award recipient, Jessica’s experience in business operations, event planning, and community development reflects her dedication to building vibrant communities.
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Board Member
Gina
McDonald
With over two decades of experience in real estate, Gina brings a dynamic blend of market insight, design expertise, and strategic negotiation to her role at FUSE.
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Gina's journey began in short sales recovery, where she helped families navigate complex financial transitions. She later expanded into home design and remodeling, collaborating with multiple builders to transform properties and unlock their full potential. ​Her transition into real estate sales was a natural evolution, allowing her to guide buyers toward homes that reflect both vision and value. She has worked closely with banks on wholesale transactions and supported investors in building sustainable portfolios. Gina leads two teams, one in Connecticut and the other in Northeast Florida.
Her deep understanding of housing systems and her commitment to client-centered solutions make her a vital contributor to FUSE’s mission of expanding access, stability, and dignity through housing.
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