The Fellowship of Compassion, is a community united by our shared belief in the transformative power of love, grace, and service to all people, especially those who are marginalized, forgotten, and oppressed.
ABOUT US
George Jaquette, Minister
George Jaquette has been a minister for ten years, and has been volunteering with nonprofits helping the unhoused since high school, where he helped serve meals at a shelter with his church youth group. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Ecumenical Hunger Project and the Union Gospel Mission in Seattle. He is on the board of the Open Source Homelessness Initiative, and has served on the boards of Family Connections, Yes! Reading, and REACH (stroke survivor rehabilitation). George brings an analytical and practical approach to solving problems, and is keenly interested in addressing the chronic homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing in the Lake Tahoe area.
Cindy Basso
Founder & President
Cindy Basso is the owner of Basso Law, where she specializes in estate tax planning and trust administration as a California-licensed attorney. Her career also includes impactful work addressing homelessness, collaborating with Nevada and San Joaquin counties to develop innovative solutions for unhoused populations.
Driven by a passion for service, Cindy has devoted her life to supporting those in need. Guided by faith and hope, she founded the Fellowship of Compassion, bringing together a community united by a shared commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
From 1999 to 2010, Cindy served as CEO of Global Healing, an international humanitarian aid organization focused on creating self-sufficient medical programs in developing countries. She also chaired the Global Healing Board from 1995 to 2015. Her work with the organization took her to Tbilisi, Georgia; Gyumri, Armenia; Roatán, Honduras; Dominica; and Chisinau, Moldova. Prior to leading Global Healing, she held roles as Vice President and CFO of the organization.
Cindy’s professional experience includes positions with KPMG in Paris, France, and as Tax Manager for the former Soviet Union at Ernst & Young in St. Petersburg, Russia. She also served as CFO for the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, where she was a board member for five years. In addition, she volunteered on the board of Play Rugby, USA. Cindy served as a trustee on the University of San Diego Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2018.
Cindy holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of San Diego (1989), a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University in San Francisco (2013), and an LLM in Taxation from New York University (2018). She resides in Truckee, California, with her three adult children. An avid skier, swimmer, tennis player, and hiker, Cindy finds inspiration in both the outdoors and her dedication to making a difference.
Teresa Johnston
Treasurer
Teresa Johnston began her career as a Physical Education teacher but soon transitioned to a successful journey in sales and management. After a brief time as a flight attendant for American Airlines, she joined Nordstrom, where she worked in sales and management roles. Later, Teresa became the sales representative for Jonte Berlon Gems before taking time to focus on raising her four children as a stay-at-home mom.
Once her children were grown, Teresa returned to the workforce as a luxury home agent with Sotheby’s in Orange County. In 2020, she relocated to Truckee with her three horses and dog to be closer to family and embrace her role as a grandmother. Today, she has two grandchildren in Truckee and enjoys spending her time with her family, horses, and dog, as well as pursuing her passions for tennis, skiing, yoga, and exploring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada region.
Since 2021, Teresa has been a dedicated volunteer with NTTHS, where she advocates for treating the less fortunate in society with compassion and respect. Her commitment to community and her vibrant, active lifestyle reflect her caring and dynamic spirit.
Cathie Foley
Secretary
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Cathie Foley, a Michigan native, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Psychology from Central Michigan University in 1991. Shortly after, she relocated to Truckee, California, where she began her career managing the Children’s Ski School at Boreal.
Over the years, Cathie has built a diverse professional background, working in hospitality, mortgage consulting, and management within the corporate sector. She later transitioned into non-profit work, aligning her professional path with her passion for serving the community she calls home. While balancing her career, her primary role has always been that of a devoted mother to her three children.
Cathie’s commitment to community welfare is rooted in her belief that every individual deserves access to essential resources, love, and support. In 2015, she became the Program Coordinator for a grassroots effort to establish an Emergency Warming Center, aimed at protecting unhoused neighbors during harsh winter conditions. Since then, she has helped expand the mission and programs, working alongside a dedicated team to support the region’s most vulnerable residents.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Cathie finds joy spending time with her adult children, exploring the outdoors through hiking and travel, and cherishing moments with family, friends, and her beloved dog.