FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Werner
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Date: 9/15/25
FOCUS North America Designates New Center in Bridgeport and Announces Opening of New Center Director Search
Bridgeport, CT — FOCUS North America is pleased to announce the establishment of its newest FOCUS Center. Following a successful Exploratory Committee process, the FOCUS Board of Directors established FOCUS Bridgeport as the twelfth FOCUS Center, the seventh new Center established in the past two years.
FOCUS is also pleased to announce the search for the inaugural Center Director of FOCUS Bridgeport. This part-time role (20–25 hours per week) will oversee the growth and development of FOCUS Bridgeport, a new ministry which will serve children and families of the Beardsley School community.
FOCUS Bridgeport will operate out of Holy Ghost Orthodox Church and the Beardsley School to initially provide monthly hot meals, with plans to expand services in frequency and scope to meet the needs of local families. The Center Director will play a key role in coordinating volunteers, building and leading the local Advisory Committee, developing community partnerships, and working with the FOCUS National Office to pursue grants and donations that will sustain and grow the ministry.
“This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children and families in Bridgeport,” said Steven Christoforou, Executive Director of FOCUS North America. “The local Church demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and passion for this project during the Exploratory Committee process. With the official designation of this new Center, we’re ready to start building on this strong foundation. We’re looking for a leader with a heart for service and the skills to build a thriving ministry grounded in faith, compassion, and community partnership.
Fr Mark Roosien, the priest at Holy Ghost Orthodox Church said, “Bridgeport is a town that is full of life, but also a town that is greatly in need. FOCUS gives Orthodox Christians the opportunity to put our faith in action, and overcome the feeling of powerlessness in the face of pain and suffering. At FOCUS Bridgeport, we will be able to work in synergy with God for the transformation of this struggling, yet beloved community.”
Qualified candidates should possess experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. Strong communication skills and a passion for service are essential. The ideal candidate will also be able to both work directly with families served by the ministry and collaborate with local Orthodox parishes across jurisdictions to engage volunteers.
The Center Director reports to FOCUS North America’s Director of Operations and will be supported by the National Office in areas such as communications, development, and financial management.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field are preferred. Interested candidates are invited to send a resume to JavaScript required to view address.
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. FOCUS operates eleven local Centers across the country, including FOCUS Bridgeport, as well as its national youth program, Youth Equipped to Serve (YES).
For inquiries, contact JavaScript required to view address or visit focusna.org.
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