FAST
1 out of every 5 households with children in America are food insecure. This means that they are regularly in fear of hunger or starvation. Food insecurity exists in every county throughout the nation, with 48.8 million people living without enough to eat.
Fast for FOCUS Daily Meals: This year, FOCUS will provide 110,000 free meals to the homeless and working poor. Providing these meals allows families to save on groceries, so that they can afford to pay their rent, utilities and support their children.
Fast for FOCUS Weekend Food Sacks for Children: Poor children often go hungry over the weekends. FOCUS works with schools to give kids a weekly backpack full of nutritious food to sustain them and their siblings.
Fast for FOCUS Urban Gardens: Our community gardens continue to thrive and offer a healthy food options for families who don’t have regular access to or can’t afford nutritious food. Our gardens also serve as gathering places where community is built through planting, cultivating, harvesting and eating together!
More than anything, our meals and feeding programs serve as gathering places where Orthodox communities join together to offer something back to their neighbors in need while putting their faith into action and serving as a witness to the selfless love of Christ.
PRAY
47.5 million people, including 23.5 million children, live in working poor American households. These are working families who just can’t make ends meet. FOCUS helps these families which in turn keeps kids in school, builds healthy communities, and a stronger nation.
Pray for FOCUS Men: FOCUS operates two men’s shelters where we train and help men with employment, teach them necessary life skills, and support them to be better husbands, fathers and family leaders.
Pray for FOCUS Women: FOCUS offers mentorship, employment, education and family support to women so they can live empowered and inspired lives. FOCUS helps thousands of women each year and they in turn give back to others.
Pray for FOCUS Children: FOCUS provides children with positive role models, educational services, and an ‘extended’ family through our FOCUS Centers to ensure that kids grow up healthy, smart, and strong to the best of their abilities.
Pray for the continued good work of FOCUS, for those we serve, and for all those who volunteer and support this vital ministry.
GIVE
In 2012, the poverty rate in America hit 16%, the highest rate in 50 years. 50 million Americans live in poverty-stricken families. A family of four making less than $21,200 a year is considered to be living in poverty. Today families and individuals from every age, race, and socio-economic class are experiencing poverty.
Give once: Make a one-time gift to FOCUS that will support our programs to help keep kids in school, provide shelter to the homeless, and help to the working poor.
Give often: Sign up for a recurring donation to FOCUS, which will allow us to better budget for current programs and develop new initiatives.
Sponsor A Center or Program: Become personally invested in a FOCUS program. Support a specific area of interest such as medical aid, education, mentorship, housing, and employment.
Volunteer: Become a part of the FOCUS nation, no matter who you are or where you live. Giving your time and talents to FOCUS will create a personal and meaningful relationship with those in need!
