“There’s No Place Like Home” – especially for the holidays.  For those less fortunate, there is no place.  Period.

This year’s artist, 10 year-old Erica Johnson, only wanted one gift for Christmas – she wanted her entire family to be together in one place this holiday season.

When you give to FOCUS, you help make the dream of a family being together, safe and warm, under one roof, come true for children like Erica and the other 250 FOCUS children.  The truth is, we are able to house less than 50 out of every 100 people who request our services – that means we had to turn away over 400 people last year alone!  Your gift provides critical funding necessary to assist all of the families who come to us.  Won’t you help us bring hope, home and independence to all of them throughout the coming year?  As you enjoy the blessings of the season with your family, please remember those in our community whose dream of being in their own home is possible only with your help.

Smiling faces were the order of the day on Thursday, August 2^nd at the FOCUS 2012 Summer Carnival
for participant families.  Board members, staff and community volunteers were on hand to provide food, information, and
entertainment to over 100 participant family members.  Raffle prizes for the art contest included
classes at the Toledo Museum of Art, and books and gift certificates were also
given away.  A clown delighted the
children with face painting and balloon animals, and adults and kids alike enjoyed
old-fashioned games and a reading area.

Dad, William, teaching Faith the fine art of blowing bubbles

Old fashioned fun!! Derrion, Erica, Dedra, Devontay, and Nic’Kole are set to learn how to hula-hoop!

Chardea enjoying a quiet moment with one of our volunteers.

Clean up at the end of a busy day.

The youth group from Forest Grove Presbyterian Church in Forest Grove Pennsylvania was a huge help at the carnival, starting with early morning set-up, encouraging the children to participate in the activities, as well as helping with clean-up at the end of the day.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support FOCUS at the annual Spring Luncheon on May 16th. 

With your help, the event was a huge success again this year.