Board of directors
Corliss White | Board Chair | Retired
Corliss, a native of Atlanta, is a graduate of the University of Georgia and has a BA degree in Journalism. Corliss retired from the United States Postal Service after a career that spanned 32 years. She served as Postmaster from 2001 to until 2015, becoming the first African American female in that position in three cities. She currently spends her time volunteering in several community initiatives. She is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and has served on the Board of Directors for Ivy and Roses Community Fund, Inc.
Judith Little
After completing her studies at the University of Santa Clara, Stanford University and Cornell, for more than 35 years, Judith served in various roles in the not-for-profit arena. At Stanford University she worked in a variety of roles in fundraising, generating funds domestically and internationally. She also served as Senior Associate Provost and Director of Multicultural Development, and led the African American staff group for a number of years.
Moving to New York in the mid 90s Judith worked at the National Urban League as a grant writer and was instrumental in securing a fifty million dollar education grant for the League, the largest grant to the organization at that time. She later moved to the African American Institute as VP for External Affairs to bring African scholars to the United States for advanced studies, to the Balm in Gilead to address the HIV crisis, and as an education consultant at Columbia University.
In 2005 Judith continued her not-for-profit fundraising career serving as VP for Institutional Advancement at Paine College, later as Director of Development at UNCF, and finally at United Way of Greater Atlanta as Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Since retiring she has done volunteer work with the Veterans Empowerment Organization. Other volunteer activities have included Make-A-Wish, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative, First Tee of Augusta, Posse Foundation Atlanta, and the Ecumenical Hunger Program.
Judith is an active member of a local book club, loves travel, the theater and movies, and enjoys needlecrafts, especially quilting and needlepoint.
Alvis Sims
Alvis Sims, the Lead Case Manager of the Georgia Works program, with 15 years of experience in the social service field, is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. Hailing from Atlanta, Alvis has faced his share of challenges, including a period of homelessness. However, instead of letting these obstacles define him, Alvis has used his experiences to motivate and uplift those around him.
Alvis Sims is not just a case manager - he is a man on a mission. With a deep-rooted commitment to serving others and a strong sense of community, Alvis is determined to carry on his family tradition of helping the less fortunate. His unwavering faith in God fuels his passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
Alvis's journey to where he is today has been anything but easy. As a native Atlantan, he has seen firsthand the struggles that many in his community face. It was during a period of homelessness that Alvis truly found his calling - to use his own experiences to inspire and motivate others to overcome their own challenges.
As the Lead Case Manager, Alvis draws on his own experiences to connect with his clients on a deeper level. His authenticity and empathy create a safe space for individuals to open up and trust in the guidance and support he provides. Alvis leads by example, showing that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
Through his work, Alvis is able to make a tangible difference in the lives of those he serves. Whether it's helping someone find stable housing, access to healthcare, or simply providing a listening ear, Alvis goes above and beyond to ensure that each individual feels seen and heard. His dedication and compassion shine through in everything he does.
In conclusion, Alvis Sims is not just a case manager - he is a source of strength, resilience, and inspiration for all who have the privilege of crossing his path. His commitment to serving others, coupled with his own lived experiences, make Alvis a truly exceptional individual in the field of social services. It is through individuals like Alvis that we are reminded of the power of compassion, empathy, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance at a better life.
Don Miller
Mr. Miller graduated from Argosy University in 2007 with a Master of Arts in Professional
Counseling. He has over 15 years’ experience providing individual, conjoint, family and group
therapy with a focus on family functionality. He is a certified John Maxwell Coach & Speaker.
He is a former National Training Associate for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He is the CEO &
Founder of The E Effect, LLC, which provides individual, marriage, family, couples, and group
counseling with offices in Douglasville and Columbus Georgia. He has over 20 years of
experience working with adolescents and adults in the areas of chemical dependency, mental
health, youth development, team building, and education. He is the former Unit Director and
Area Director for the Boys & Girls Club and has served on various community boards, school
advisory councils, Parent and Teachers Associations (PTAs), Partners-in-Education, and
organizations that focus on the empowerment and education of others. Don previously provided
therapeutic services for Georgia Works, a program which exists to transform chronically
homeless men into self-sufficient members of society for 10 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Applied Behavior Science from National Louis University, Master’s Degree in
Professional Counseling from Argosy University, and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in
Behavioral Health (DBH) from Cummings Graduate Institute.
Additionally, he is the host of a weekly radio talk show called, Miller On The Mic, which airs
7:00 pm-8:00 pm eastern standard time on 860AM WAEC radio and via webcast at Love860.com, Atlanta, GA. In addition, he is the author of five books: Poetically Yours, For the Heart Speaks, Between Mothers & Sons, A Journey of Healing, A Better View: Life, Love, Family, Friends and Before, Afterschool and Summer Programs, Weekly Wisdom: Renew, Restore & Rediscover A Better You, and a brain-based program entitled, One To Grow On: Developing Character Through Literacy, which is currently being utilized in San Antonio, Texas school system. This program focuses on developing and enhancing literacy and social skills in youth. Mr. Miller has published several articles that focus on the behavior of young people.
Damon G. Ferguson
Originally from Connecticut, Damon has lived in Atlanta for the last 20+ years. He goes by the name “Mr. Mortgage” because of the passion and the knowledge he’s shared with clients over the past 20 years. Damon is licensed and holds several certifications and over the years, he’s had experience with financing various types of loans, including but not limited to Conventional, FHA/VA, Jumbo, USDA and Reverse Mortgages. He also assists clients with construction loans for those who want to build their own dream home while also assisting in strategizing their financial objectives. This may also be for a first home, or someone who may want to build a real estate portfolio, or a client trying to become debt free and using their mortgage as a tool to achieve it.
Damon attended Norfolk State University, graduating with honors and with both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Business Management. While he enjoyed his studies, he continued to want to be involved in the real estate industry that he grew up knowing. His dad was in the mortgage business for over 30 years, in both commercial and residential real estate. Damon’s family has been involved in real estate for many years.
Throughout his career, he’s closed thousands of loan transactions and funded millions in residential loan transactions. The clientele that he represents includes your first time home buyer, investors, move up buyers, athletes/entertainers, and those who want to become part of real estate by owning property. The characteristic that continues to remain true through every one is that no matter the type of client or the loan characteristics, he believes in “providing the best loan options and knowledge given his client’s objectives”.
His business is completely referral based but he always relishes in working with clients who come to him in other ways. He and his team focus on their clients and make sure their closing deadline is met without delay. Damon really works to find the best program and financial structure that achieves the goal of the purchase and places the client in a great position financially. In addition, Damon strives to always be available and just a call or text away from clients, even on the evenings or on weekends.
Damon has three beautiful children that he loves spending time with. He can also be found playing and watching sports, including golf, billiards and others, as well as volunteering in the community. Damon is also a member of several organizations where he holds leadership positions.