FOCUS North America is pleased to announce two significant updates for its operations across the Southern California region: the official renaming of FOCUS Southern California to FOCUS Orange County and the appointment of Valeska Hall as the new Center Director of FOCUS Orange County. This change coincides with the establishment of a second regional FOCUS Center in Los Angeles, which operates as FOCUS Los Angeles.
“Valeska’s dedication to serving the vulnerable along with her extensive operations experience makes her an excellent choice to lead FOCUS Orange County,” said Steven Christoforou, Executive Director of FOCUS North America. “We’re also thrilled to clarify and strengthen our presence in Southern California with the establishment of FOCUS Orange County and FOCUS Los Angeles. The creation of these two Centers, which take the place of a single larger Center, marks an exciting step forward in our mission to better serve local communities in a more focused way.”
FOCUS Orange County: New Leadership
Orange County, CA – Valeska Hall has been named the new Center Director of FOCUS Orange County. A California native with a rich history of living across the country, Valeska dedicated 35 years to the retail grocery industry, serving as a Receiving Manager for 24 years before retiring in June 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Western Governors University.
In 2006, Valeska discovered the Orthodox Church and was christmated in 2007. A devoted and active member of her parish, she has been involved in multiple ministries and has a particular passion for serving the homeless. Guided by her personal motto, “I SEE YOU,” she is committed to recognizing and uplifting those too often overlooked by society.
Under Valeska’s leadership, FOCUS Orange County will continue its commitment to serving the region’s most vulnerable residents. Current programs include: monthly TEFAP food distribution for Westminster School District, monthly TEFAP food distribution for Waymakers, monthly events packing boxes of food for the elderly at the Orange County Food Bank, and preparing and serving a monthly dinner at Yale Navigation Center. FOCUS Orange County also offers support and resources to impoverished individuals and families through local partnerships.
“When I think of FOCUS, I think of tangible love freely given,” Valeska said. “Being able to participate in that work is humbling.”
Valeska began serving as Center Director on January 15, 2025. For more information, visit focusorangecounty.org or contact the Center at JavaScript required to view address.
Name Change Reflects Regional Growth
The decision to rename FOCUS Southern California to FOCUS Orange County reflects the growing impact of FOCUS North America in the region. With the establishment of a dedicated FOCUS Center in Los Angeles, now under the leadership of Sasha Dempsey, the name change underscores the unique needs and opportunities within each community.
“The creation of two FOCUS Centers in Southern California allows us to mobilize Orthodox Christians in a more intentional way and better meet the needs of our neighbors in both Los Angeles and Orange County,” said Mr. Christoforou. “We hope to follow this up with the development of a FOCUS Center in San Diego in the years ahead, thus further developing both the ministry’s breadth across the region and depth in particular neighborhoods.”
Both Centers will collaborate on regional initiatives while continuing to offer localized programs and services. Together, they represent FOCUS North America’s commitment to expanding its ministry and deepening its impact across Southern California.
About FOCUS North America:
FOCUS North America is the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve. A pan-Orthodox ministry affiliated with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, FOCUS serves the poor by bringing together Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occupation, Clothing, Understanding, and Shelter and other assistance to address the needs of local communities. FOCUS North America operates eleven FOCUS Centers across the country, as well as Youth Equipped to Serve (YES).
For inquiries, contact JavaScript required to view address or visit focusna.org.
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