In 2012, FOCUS celebrates its 30thAnniversary of transforming lives in the Greater Toledo area. Since its inception, the agency has aided over 100,000 individuals through its Front Door Ministries, which currently provides benefit assistance, food referrals and pre-application enrollment for subsidized housing. Since becoming a provider of housing assistance in 1994, FOCUS has assisted over 2,000 households – mostly families with children – with housing and support services designed to assist them in achieving independence and financial stability.
As reflected in our Mission Statement, the goal of all activities undertaken by FOCUS is “to embrace people in need, bring voice to the voiceless, and
restore hope and dignity to the forgotten. FOCUS fosters the skills that enable people to gain control of their lives and their futures by providing the necessary steps to emerge from homelessness and poverty, and gain economic and social stability.”
In these challenging economic times, we have seen (and most likely will continue to see) increasing needs and demands for service. That is why the Board of
Directors of FOCUS has made the decision to seek additional support from the community through our 30th Anniversary Campaign for Transformation. The investments we are asking individuals and businesses to make in the organization will enhance our capacity to help promote positive, long-lasting change in people’s lives.
Funds generated through the Campaign for Transformation will be allocated as follows:
| Transforming Lives: Unfortunately, the number and needs of those we serve continue to grow. That is why we are making the commitment to increase by 25% the number of households we serve annually. This will include not only the provision of housing and related support services, but also education and employment training, emergency assistance related to basic needs (food, clothing, etc.) and other forms of direct service. | |
| Transforming FOCUS Properties: Our facilities are at the heart of our operations for they provide the setting in which we serve those in need. The buildings we occupy, however, are showing their age and are (in some cases) in need of extensive repairs. In the coming year, we will examine all options available (ranging from renovation of existing properties to acquisition of new spaces) in order to ensure that we provide our services in safe, secure surroundings. | |
| Transforming Our Operations: Over its 30 year history, FOCUS has evolved from an entirely church-based volunteer program into one of the more highly complex agencies serving the needs of the homeless in our community. The funds raised in this category would allow us to increase our internal capacity. |
