FOCUS

Celebration

Glenn Harmon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:04:34 +0000

FOCUS begins the new year with a celebration! To commemorate its 30th anniversary, FOCUS kicked off a fundraising eﬀort (The Campaign for Transformation) today intended to transform not only the organization but also the lives of the hundreds of individuals and families it serves. A Spring Luncheon on May 16, 2012, and a Birthday Bash on October 13, 2012, are among the events scheduled for the coming year.

At today’s press conference, FOCUS received proclamations from Lucas County Commissioners, sponsored by Carol Contrada; State Representative Michael Ashford and Toledo City Council President Joe Mcnamara.

This is a new beginning, a chance to transform despair into hope. This has been our mission since 1982 when churches in Toledo, responding to the unmet needs of the poor, pooled their strengths to form FOCUS. We continue to foster 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. Current economic conditions demand an increasing level of e ﬀort on the part of FOCUS’ dedicated staﬀ and board to continue to meet growing community needs.

FOCUS brings a nationally recognized approach to our local problem of homelessness. An individual or family referred to the organization receives immediate help with housing, followed by individualized assistance to maintain their housing, stabilize their income, and gain the skills necessary to manage their lives and to ensure that they never again face homelessness.

CareSource Check Presentation

Glenn Harmon — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:03:03 +0000

Friday the 13th proved to be an extremely lucky day here at FOCUS! A representative from the CareSource Foundation presented a check in the amount of $5,000 as FOCUS staff, Executive Director Kyle Grefe, and Board president Lindsay Potts looked on. This grant will provide basic household items to new participant families as they begin their journey from homelessness to stability.

12th Night Party

Glenn Harmon — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:58:40 +0000

New friends of FOCUS, Ian and Heather Toner, welcomed over 150 guests into their lovely home for a traditional 12th Night Party on Friday, January 6th where a dozen Christmas trees set the scene and guests were asked to bring a donation of cleaning products for FOCUS participant families. We collected well over 100 baskets filled with supplies and nearly $2,000.

Annual Holiday Party

Glenn Harmon — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:45:24 +0000

The annual holiday party for FOCUS participants was held on Wednesday, December 8^th. Sponsored again this year by St. Michael’s in the Hills, over 100 children and nearly 70 adults were able to attend this year. Volunteers from St. Michael’s hosted an arts and crafts area for the children, and everyone enjoyed their favorite meal – pizza! It was an evening of fun and fellowship.

Holiday Ornament

Glenn Harmon — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:26:06 +0000

Have a blessed holiday season

Max and Erma’s

Glenn Harmon — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:19:10 +0000

Once again this year, Max & Erma’s Restaurant (Central Avenue location only) has agreed to partner with FOCUS. Present the coupon and go for lunch and/or dinner on Wednesday, December 15, 2011, and FOCUS will receive 20% of your check. Since everyone is so busy this time of year, why not let someone else do the cooking?

Remember, remember the fifth of November

Glenn Harmon — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:16:13 +0000

FOCUS was the recipient of a fundraising event held on November 5th at the home of board member Valerie Garforth and her husband Peter, both natives of Great Britain. History celebrates the arrest and conviction of Guy Fawkes (for treason against the Crown) with fireworks, bonfires and traditional English fare, and guests enjoyed them as well. The party was a huge success, and the end of the evening saw a $1,000 donation to FOCUS.

FOCUS Fall Event

Glenn Harmon — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:17:56 +0000

Everyone cashed in at the FOCUS Fall Event held on Friday, November 4^th at the GESU Sullivan Center. Guests had the chance to place their bets on black jack, Texas hold’em, roulette, and craps. Poker chips were exchanged for tickets that could win the lucky guest one of many fabulous prize baskets, most valued at over $700.

A live auction saw bidders vying for vacation destinations including Key West, Myrtle Beach and New Orleans, while others set their sights on beautiful art pieces donated by Shawn Messenger and Jack Schmidt.

Board President Lindsay Potts introduced the honored guest of the evening, retiring board member Joel Hansen. Heartfelt tributes to Joel were offered by Glenwood Lutheran Church pastor Melissa Micham and lifelong member Jim Findley, while Joel and his wife Becky and their children delighted in the well-deserved honor.

Event chairman Serena Rayford stated that over $30,000 was raised, helping to ensure that FOCUS will continue the work of housing people and making sure that they never become homeless again.

Elephant Bar Restaurant

Glenn Harmon — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:14:51 +0000

Friends of FOCUS had the opportunity to support the mission while having lunch and/or dinner at the Elephant Bar Restaurant on October 5^th. For anyone presenting a special coupon at checkout, 20% of their check was donated to FOCUS. What a great reason to get out of the kitchen!

Fall Event

Glenn Harmon — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:41:36 +0000

Where: GESU Sullivan Center

When: Friday November 4, 2011

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