NEW CENTER Development
FOCUS Bridgeport
Mission
As an expression of Christ’s love, FOCUS exists to serve 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.
Vision
We envision a world where everyone experiences and shares the transformative love of Christ.
FOCUS At a Glance:
FOCUS currently operates 11 Centers across the country: everything from homeless shelters and feeding programs to support for expectant mothers and families.
On January 23, about sixty (60) people from ten (10) parishes gathered at Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, CT to attend a Kickoff Meeting officially launching the Exploratory Committee process as we develop a new FOCUS Center in the Bridgeport metro area.
In Bridgeport, our Exploratory Committee (made up of 27 clergy and laity from 9 local parishes) is currently meeting to develop a vision for the ministry. Stay tuned for more details.
Our Exploratory Committee sends regular updates to all local clergy and includes members from the following parishes:
The FOCUS Bridgeport Exploratory Committee is developing a plan to host monthly meals at Holy Ghost Church for the benefit of students at a local school and their families. This monthly rhythm of meals will eventually grow into a weekly schedule, complemented by additional services (translation, enrichment classes, etc) and special events throughout the year (Back-to-School drives, Christmas presents, etc).
Program & Location
Far too many people are slipping through the cracks in Bridgeport. More than 1 in 5 residents live below the poverty line, which is well above the national average. Further, 1 in 3 residents report experiencing food insecurity.
Homelessness is also a serious issue in the city. In 2021, Bridgeport counted 239 homeless individuals in some kind of shelter. This is not a comprehensive number and does not include unsheltered individuals.
FOCUS Bridgeport will respond to this calling by providing both (i) physical sustenance for our neighbors in need, and (ii) an opportunity for people to come together in community around a shared table.
Our Exploratory Committee is developing a plan to begin a ministry that will serve local schoolchildren and their families. We plan on hosting, either directly at the school or at a local parish (such as Holy Ghost), a regular schedule of meals with the possibility of offering additional complimentary services (food pantry, classes, translation services, etc). We are currently working to determine which school we will work with and where to host the ministry (whether in the school or in a nearby parish).
How You Can Help
The Orthodox Vision Foundation granted FOCUS North America a $45,000 matching grant to help spur the development of FOCUS Bridgeport. This grant was based upon the budgets of our existing Centers where part-time Center Directors oversee a rhythm of service, based in a local parish, with annual budgets of roughly $90,000 a year.
The Orthodox Vision Foundation has stipulated that, to receive this $45,000 grant, we must:
raise $45,000 by the end of August 2025;
hire a Center Director in the fall; and
commence initial Center operations in the fall.
Donations by check can be mailed to:
FOCUS North America
PO Box 645039
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5039
Please include FOCUS Bridgeport in the memo line.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Donate Stock
We’re able to accept donations in the form of stock, government (including municipal) debt and corporate debt through the Depository Trust Company (DTC).
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many companies have charitable matching programs, in which they will match their employees’ charitable contributions. Contact your Human Resources department to find out if your employer will match your gift to FOCUS.
Planned Giving
Learn more about our Legacy Society, including how we handle bequests, beneficiary designations, and donor recognition.
CFC
If you are an employee of the federal government, you can support FOCUS through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) by indicating our code on your pledge form: 19541.
Donor Advised Funds
Donor advised funds allow you to combine favorable tax benefits with flexibility in giving. If you have a DAF established, you can recommend a gift to FOCUS using the “DAF Direct” app on our website.
Become a Supporting Parish
Your youth group, women’s or men’s group, or the entire parish can be a vial part of continuing the work of FOCUS North America
For more information on the different ways you can help make FOCUS ministries possible please e-mail our Director of Development, Sarah Werner, at JavaScript required to view address
