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Our first IMSE graduate!

Keenan Williams became the first graduate of our Information Management and Systems Engineering (IMSE) program in May. This innovative program launched in 2005 through a partnership with Wayne State University, Ford Motor Company and others. Celebrating with Keenan were Dr. Farshad Fotouhi, dean of engineering at WSU; Marcus Clarke, who helped design the program; Linda Hanks, manager of ITC; Marv Adams, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TD Ameritrade, and CEO William F. Jones, Jr. Learn more »

Understanding Racism

Focus: HOPE’s Generation of Promise program recently carried out its ‘Understanding Racism’ program day event. Students participated in historical awareness exercises to better understand the context of race relations in metropolitan Detroit and also shared their personal perspectives on the topic. The day culminated in a reporting session where students interfaced with high profile community leaders and shared their thoughts on making progress in the area of race relations and closed the day affirming personal commitments to continue working toward improving overall community relations. Learn more »

Diversity is our Strength

Students in our Focus on the Mission program fanned out throughout Detroit recently to take photographs in cultural and ethnic areas. At the end of their busy photo shoot, they gathered for a group photo in Mexicantown taken by Gordon Rodwan, one of the professional photographers who mentor the youths. The students come from suburban and urban high schools for this special diversity and leadership program. Learn more »

Generation of Promise

Generation of Promise recently carried out its final program day at the Boll Family YMCA in Downtown Detroit. Student participants debriefed the activities of the past year, created personal action plans stating their commitment to embracing diversity and addressing the needs of their communities, and worked in teams to plan their graduation ceremony. Additionally, students took part in an activity where they were asked to think about a message that they would like to send out to the world based on their GOP experience. Learn more »

45 year partnership

On April 19, 1968, Focus: HOPE opened its first bank account with National Bank of Detroit. Forty-five years later, officials from NBD’s successor, JP Morgan Chase, came here to celebrate our 45-year partnership. Our CEO William F. Jones, Jr., said he recalled former NBD President Aubrey Lee saying “Father Cunningham was a businessman with a conscience, but needed a banker to keep him in check.” Thanks for 45 years of keeping us on the path toward success! Learn more »

They’ve learned, now they will earn!

The 21st cohort of Earn and Learn students graduated on a very significant date—March 8th which is Focus: HOPE’s 45th anniversary date. The students spent four weeks in job readiness training and now will start working part time jobs and continuing their education. Families of the students attended the program to show their support and pride in their accomplishments. Learn more »

Diaper project wrapped up

Matthew Sauve of Warren thinks big! He adopted our Center for Children for his Eagle Scout project—and got down to business trying to fill a basic need—for diapers. He recently presented LaDawn White, assistant manager of the CFC, with 10,084 diapers/pull-ups and 3,000 baby wipes. A senior at De La Salle Collegiate High School, Suave is heading next year to University of Michigan where he will study computer engineering. With his organizational skills, he’s going places! Learn more »

45 years and going strong!

Focus: HOPE is 45 years old—and as committed as ever to transforming our community. We started out in the wake of the 1967 Detroit riots with a small group of volunteers who were determined to overcome the racism, poverty and injustice in our community. We’ve advocated for a food program that now assists vulnerable families nationwide, we broke the race and gender barriers in the machinist trades, and we’ve transformed Oakman Boulevard into a thriving campus. We have a rich history—and a belief that we can overcome racism and poverty. Learn more »

It's time to start a new career

We welcome the opportunity to help more talented men and women get jobs. Our job training programs not only transform lives but also stimulate the local economy. Every graduate who gets a job becomes a taxpayer and does not have to depend on social services. It's never too late to start a new career. Call us at 313.494.4300 for details. Learn more »

Computer grads

Our highly-successful Connect Your Community computer training classes has graduated yet another class! But to keep going, the program needs a large influx of computers which can be rehabbed and sold to support the costs of providing the training. The computers will be sold at minimal cost to low-income residents so they apply the skills they learn in class and access the internet. See how you can help. Learn more »

From a chance meeting to a job

Judith Brantley, our Neighborhood Jobs Pipeline coordinator, and Deangelo Simpkins met by chance on a bus ride to Chicago—and just a few weeks later Simpkins had a job and was planning his future. It began when Brantley offered to help Simpkins, 25, with his resume and job search. She connected him to various Focus: HOPE resources and the rest, as they say, is history. Learn more »

MTI Graduation

A new batch of machine operators graduated from our Machinist Training Institute recently. At the recent graduation, students talked about how the training gave them more than knowledge and work skills – it gave them confidence and the opportunity for success. Once students complete the program, they are entitled to lifetime job placement assistance from our very talented Job Placement staff. To enroll in the 12-week job training class, contact Admissions at 313.494.4300. Learn more »

IT graduates get sound advice

Lawrence Millben, III, (center) IT director at Fox News Network, passed on his congratulations—and advice—to recent graduates of our Information Technologies Center (ITC). A 2001 ITC graduate, Millben told students how he worked full time and took a full time unpaid internship to get the work experience he needed to accelerate his career. “The certification is only half of what you need,” he said. “You need the experience and you need the drive.” Take unpaid internships if necessary, he said.“The harder you work, the better off you’ll be.” Learn more »

                         

Hot off the press!

Our black and white photography book is here! The Focus on the Mission: Visions of Diversity book features selected photographs taken by area high school students who have participated in this diversity program over the last 17 years. The publishing costs were covered through donations, so proceeds from the sale will help us continuing bringing suburban and urban students together to explore issues related to diversity and to learn photography skills. To order a book, follow this link. Learn more »

Excel Northern Retreat

As part of the Excel Photography Program, nine students and their mentors traveled to northern Michigan on a photographic and leadership retreat November 9–11. Students experienced the majesty of Michigan’s northern woods, rivers and lakes through teambuilding activities and photo shoot assignments. For most, it was the first time they experienced building a campfire, cooking dinner on a fire, tracking animal footprints, seeing bald eagles in the wild and more. Photograph by Melissa Herndon Dodoro at Ludington State Park. Learn more »

Excel-lent!

Students in our Excel photography and youth leadership program recently had the honor of exhibiting their photos at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit. The four-day exhibit began with a special program honoring the high school students who had worked together to explore issues related to diversity and to work with professional photographers to develop their photographic skills. MarQuez Bell, a student at Consortium College Preparatory Academy, proudly displayed photographs taken from field trips to diverse locations in the city. Photo by Melissa Herndon Dodoro. Learn more »

New life for the Bell Building

Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) is transforming the former Michigan Bell Building on Oakman Boulevard at the Lodge Freeway. The building, once owned by Focus: HOPE, will become the headquarters for NSO and will feature 155 one-bedroom apartments for homeless individuals. A number of services will be available onsite, including mental health counseling, addiction treatment, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, problem gambling treatment and a state-of-the-art training facility. Learn more »

Field of Dreams

When Deni Bozinovski heard about the brand new bleachers being stolen from Salsinger Field, he had to do something. He enlisted the help of his friend, Bill Millar (left), a carpenter and together they headed out to the park on Linwood and replaced the stolen benches with wood ones. "If we're going to get the next Prince Fielder out of this field, we had to do something," he said. Bozinovski said if you have the capacity to fix a problem, go ahead and fix it! With the bleachers back, hopefully Little League will start again on the newly-rebuilt field. Learn more »

Kids dig the Community Garden!

Kids are gardening in the Focused Hands Community Garden every Wednesday as part of the Summer in the City at Ford/LaSalle Park. The Ford/LaSalle Park Revitalization Committee has teamed up with Summer in the City volunteers and University of Michigan’s Cultivating Community group to provide fun activities for children in the Focus: HOPE neighborhood this summer. Learn more »

Never too old to learn

At 93, Estell Stanley has the distinction of being the oldest person enrolled in the Connect Your Community computer classes. She says you are never too old to learn something new. Enrolled with her is Estell’s daughter, Gwendolyn Davis, 78 (center). The women, and Cora Lathan, 70, (left) are learning the basics of computer usage from CYC instructor Ameen Shareef. Learn more »

Community and Economic Development

Focus: HOPE's commitment to the neighborhoods around our campus just got bigger. With the launch of our HOPE Village Initiative, Focus: HOPE will lead efforts to make this area a very desirable area to live, work, and raise a family. Our primary efforts will be directed toward supporting the education achievement of children living in our neighborhood. Learn more »

Street Artist

William Erwin, a 2011-2012 Generation of Promise student participant and senior at Cranbrook/Kingswood Upper School, currently has a photography installation entitled "Portraits of Potential" displayed on the exterior of the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit. As stated on his website, williamerwinphotography.com, Erwin's large scale black and white images "showcase the optimistic faces of a diverse group of teens and young adults representing a wide range of potential." Be sure to go inside where Focus on the Mission photographs are on display. These photos were taken by students in our 2012 class. Learn more »

Center for Children

At our Center for Children, youngsters exercise their bodies and minds. Each day is filled with new experiences that promote intellectual, physical, emotional and social development. The new climbing wall in the gymnasium is one of the more popular activities for older children. Our Summer Day Camp is so popular that children ask to come back each year. Learn more »

Generation of Promise

Each year, high school juniors in the Generation of Promise program emerge with a greater understanding of diversity and a commitment to eliminate racism in our community. The teenagers start out as strangers and along the way develop friendships that span various cultural and economic boundaries. Students also participate in exercises that help them develop leadership skills. Learn more »

Dream come true

LaKeisha Johnson said she couldn't believe her eyes when she moved into a new two-bedroom apartment in the brand new Oakman Place Apartments on the east end of our campus. "It seemed like a miracle to me," she said. The Lutheran Child and Family Service of Michigan development opened recently with 24 units for low-income families and homeless youth. LaKeisha's said her favorite part is having a washer and dryer. Something every mother can identify with! Learn more »

                       

Free Health Assessments in Inkster

Garden City Hospital's Health Coach is providing free health assessments every Wednesday at Inkster Food Center, 759 Inkster Road, between 1 and 3:30 p.m. The Health Coach provides clients with diabetes case management, community health resource referrals, health information and screening assessments. Learn more »

Lawyers pack their 50,000th box of food!

The Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers and Catholic Lawyers Society of Detroit reached a milestone May 5 when they packed their 50,000th box of food at our warehouse! The groups have been packing food boxes since 2001 when they asked our late co-founder, Eleanor Josaitis, how they could get involved at Focus: HOPE. We deliver the boxes of food to more than 1,000 homebound seniors each month, so volunteer support in packing the food boxes is vital. Learn more »

Food Program

Our food program is designed with the dignity of 42,000 participants in mind. In a setting that resembles a grocery store, participants receive a grocery list, make their food selections, then proceed through a checkout line. Nutritionally-balanced food is provided to mothers, children and senior citizens through this cost-effective program administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn more »

     

Warm coats for cold weather

Thanks to a partnership with Hyundai North America, we were able to distribute hundreds of coats to our students and low-income families recently. Kaleb Bowdre, 8, said his jacket was "the best coat I ever had!" Kaleb shopped with his brother Isaiah, 10, and sister, Elise, 4, and their mother Chante Bowdre to find the perfect coats. This is the fourth year in a row that Hyundai donated 1,000 coats and $10,000 to Focus: HOPE. Learn more »

A new partnership

With a gift of $300,000 to the Eleanor M. Josaitis Fund, a new partnership was formed. Plastic Omnium’s Inergy Automotive Americas President Mark Sullivan presented a check for $300,000 to Focus: HOPE CEO William Jones and to members of Eleanor’s family at the recent WALK. The donation helped Focus: HOPE set a record in fundraising for the WALK—one of Eleanor’s favorite events—and it established a new partnership. The company plans to get involved by hiring graduates, volunteering, and supporting the mission of Focus: HOPE. Learn more »

Coffee for a cause

Focus: HOPE and Starbucks have more in common than a love of coffee. Both organizations have programs in operation that are designed to get people into jobs. On June 7, Focus: HOPE colleagues and students took over the neighborhood Starbucks on Woodward at Mack to thank The Starbucks Foundation for a $35,000 grant we received through the “Vote. Give. Grow.” initiative. They were almost as excited as we were to have won a national competition for the grant. Learn more »

Public Service Credit Union

Focus: HOPE is proud to partner with Public Service Credit Union. Visit the Focus: HOPE Branch in the Center for Advanced Technologies at 1400 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit. Phone 734.641.8400 x 2410. Learn more »

       
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Online gift shop

We now have a small online gift shop that we hope to grow into a great shopping resource. You can purchase our photography book, notecards and a special t-shirt through the site.  Also, Higher Grounds is producing an organic coffee that benefits Focus: HOPE. 

Focus: HOPE 2012 Annual Report

Focus: HOPE 2012 Annual Report

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