Tamara J. Fox will settle into her new home at Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties right after the new year, and the longtime nonprofit leader will bring her fund development and marketing expertise to the mission of ending and preventing homelessness for women and children as Bridge of Hope’s new executive director.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Tamara’s skills in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, combined with the knowledge of the dynamics of the region and an understanding of the issues facing women with families who are experiencing homelessness,” Board President Joyce Reeves said in announcing Fox’s appointment.  “Her background, her experience and her Christian faith will be a tremendous asset as we continue to change the lives of homeless single mothers and their children.”

Fox replaces 11-year executive director Francesca Crane after serving four years as director of development for ChesPenn Health Services in Coatesville, including Chester County Community Dental, as well as director of development and marketing for La Comunidad Hispana in Kennett Square and director of development for Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children in West Chester.

“I have followed the excellent ministry that Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties has undertaken for many years and am honored to be asked to serve as executive director,” Fox said. “I look forward to working with the staff, board members, member churches and mentors, and especially the mothers and children who will benefit from the successful model that Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties has developed over the past 27 years.”

Bridge of Hope currently helps about 58 single mothers and 112 children each year secure permanent and stable housing, and access community resources through relationships with professional staff and mentoring friendships from local church congregations.