Millennium Magazine_8th Ed

296 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine SOCIAL SERVICES AND NONPROFIT S erving as the owner, president and board member of the R. D. Ford Foundation, a private family organization, Alex Ford has journeyed through a diversified career in both the nonprofit sector and in law enforcement. After his parents reached the age of 91, Mr. Ford became the executor of their estate and trust in 2011, in which they willed 40 percent of their estate to charity. Mr. Ford and the board of directors have since provided more than 65 grants to 48 different charities. Prior to establishing the R. D. Ford Foundation, Mr. Ford was a probation officer in Los Angeles County, California, between 1974 and 2011. Upon his retirement, he was presented with a recognition plaque, and in 2005, he earned the Silver Award of Excellence. During his tenure in law enforcement, Mr. Ford volunteered with the gang supervision unit between 1993 and 2006. An alumnus of San Diego State University, Mr. Ford earned a BA in recreational administration in 1969 and later received an MA in correctional counseling from Chapman University in 1980. He previously served in the U.S. Naval Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1969. PRESIDENT, BOARD MEMBER R. D. Ford Foundation Simi Valley, CA S ince 2019, Barbara J. Francavilla has been the proprietor of Equality for Children, a not-for-profit organization in New Jersey that provides cost-efficient assistance to parents whose children are struggling academically, socially or emotionally. With a passion for disability advocacy, she is most renowned for her empathetic nature, ability to listen and non-judgmental attitude. Prior to attaining this position, she was a mental health counselor for adolescents with behavioral health and substance use issues. Drawing upon an MA fromMontclair State University, Ms. Francavilla is most fond of working with an adolescent in a hospital setting and helping that individual gain an understanding of a higher spiritual power, which aided in their recovery. She finds her profession to be most rewarding and notes that disabled individuals are deserving of respect and kindness, much like able-bodied individuals. Maintaining membership with the American Counseling Association, Ms. Francavilla is an aspiring author and desires to publish a book in the near future. Looking ahead, she intends to experience continued growth and success. Notably, she has been published in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World andWho’s Who of AmericanWomen. PROPRIETOR Equality for Children Fairfield, NJ Millennium Magazine Featured Listee BARBARA J. FRANCAVILLA ALEX FORD