Who We Are
Family Promise of the Big Bend was founded in 1986, and for many years was known as the Big Bend Homeless Coalition. We are an affiliate of the national Family Promise, the leading national nonprofit addressing family homelessness, providing homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, workforce development, education, financial capability, health and wellness, and so much more.
Our mission is to end homelessness in the Big Bend through leadership, education, advocacy, and the provision of quality services. We provide:
- Emergency shelter for families at HOPE
- Rehousing services for veterans and persons who are homeless
- 3 affordable housing complexes that serve veterans, formerly homeless families and persons with disabilities.
We’re open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. It’s the kind of work that takes people with kind hearts and keen abilities to deal with people in crisis. Our board is appreciative of our team that deals with family crises with such grace and understanding.
Based in Tallahassee, we serve the entire Big Bend community. We rely on the compassion and generosity of hundreds of donors and volunteers.
Staff Leadership
Executive Leadership
Nick Maddox, CEO, is a passionate advocate for families in crisis. As a child, he had first-hand experience with the trauma of being homeless. He leads a dedicated team committed to helping families with emergency shelter and affordable housing solutions.
Tim Griffith
Tim Griffith opened our newest Division in 2024 and heads our property management efforts. This includes managing our three properties which serve formerly homeless veterans, low-income families and persons with special needs.. He is a veteran and has a gift for partnering with local businesses and volunteers to reign in our costs.
Board Leadership
Miron Richardson
Miron Richardson is Vice President of Universal Retail Banking at VyStar Credit Union, where he oversees branch operations, business development, and community partnerships across the Tallahassee metro market. In 2021, he opened VyStar's first Tallahassee branch and has since built partnerships with more than 80 nonprofit organizations. A graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 41 and a 2024 Future 5 honoree, Miron also serves on the boards of the Foundation for Leon County Schools and the Knight Creative Communities Institute. He brings deep expertise in financial wellness, community investment, and partnerships that serve underserved populations.
Captain LaCarra James
LaCarra James is a decorated law enforcement professional with the Leon County Sheriff's Office, where she serves on the command staff and leads training for the Leon County Detention Facility. Recommended for the FPBB board by Sheriff Walt McNeil, Captain James brings deep community ties and a firsthand understanding of the intersection between public safety, housing instability, and family welfare. Her perspective and relationships across Leon County government and law enforcement are a valuable complement to our board as we continue to grow our community partnerships.
Brenda Williams
Brenda Williams is the Executive Director of the Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA), where she brings more than 30 years of experience in affordable housing administration and policy. Prior to leading THA, she served as Chief of Staff for the New Orleans Housing Authority, as Transitional Administrator for the Camden, New Jersey Housing Authority, and operated her own consulting firm specializing in affordable housing and supportive community services. Her deep expertise in public housing systems, landlord relationships, and housing policy is an invaluable asset to our board with her expertise in affordable housing.
Michael Yaworsky
Michael Yaworsky serves as the Florida Insurance Commissioner and brings a wealth of expertise in government and regulatory issues. Family Promise is funded by federal, state and local government funding which require regulatory and financial compliance so Mike’s skillset is valued.