At FOCUS, we give thanks for the many volunteers who make this work possible.
Across FOCUS Centers throughout the country, volunteers show up day after day—serving meals, teaching classes, distributing resources, and most importantly, building relationships. They offer their time not out of obligation, but with love, joy, and a deep desire to serve Christ in their neighbors.
This is more than service.
It is the joy of the Resurrection, lived out in real and tangible ways.
In the past year alone, 8,351 volunteers offered more than 23,000 hours of service. Each hour represents a quiet “yes”—a willingness to show up, to be present, and to love.
From leading ESL classes to preparing and distributing food, every act of service becomes an opportunity for encounter.
At FOCUS Houston, Michelle, a longtime volunteer, has been helping lead ESL classes since October 2024. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“It’s been so rewarding for me—especially when I get to sit down with the women here and hear their stories. I’m reminded that they have overcome so much, and are putting forth so much effort to be great moms and to support their families. It’s humbling to be a small part of that… giving them resources for their future and their kids’ future is an honor. I really enjoy it—we have a lot of fun here, and I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
In Los Angeles, Nicole and Daniel Turner, key volunteers from St. Anthony’s in Pasadena, describe how service has shaped not only their faith, but their life together:
“Volunteering has always been a part of our relationship… but as our faith grew, we increasingly wanted to share Christ’s love with other people. That’s what led us to FOCUS.
As we tell our friends, the thing about FOCUS is that you never leave with doubt that you did God’s will. Modern living can make despair feel rational, but showing love through service is an ancient remedy. Our food distributions are a snapshot of a better world—people from different parishes, languages, and cultures, united in Christ. It has made us more attentive to the needs of our neighbors and continues to transform our hearts.”
Their words echo what so many volunteers experience.
Service at FOCUS is not just about meeting needs—it is about transformation. It is about seeing Christ in one another, and in doing so, becoming more fully who we are called to be.
As one volunteer put it simply:
“You never leave with doubt that you did God’s will.”
This is the joy of serving.
This is the work of love made visible.
To every volunteer across the FOCUS network: thank you.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for giving generously of your time and your heart.
Thank you for helping make the love of Christ visible in communities across the country.
Ready to take the next step?
Find a FOCUS Center near you and discover how you can get involved. Whether it’s serving a meal, building relationships, or offering your unique gifts, there is a place for you in this work.
Step forward. Serve. Make love visible.
