Center For Children | Conference Center

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New route for WALK

It’s already time to start registering for our 39th annual WALK on Sunday, October 13. New this year is a 4.5 mile route in honor of our 45th anniversary year. The route goes east on Oakman to Hamilton, north to Six Mile, then back to the campus via Linwood. This year, we will provide food and entertainment before the WALK so that participants can get home and enjoy the remainder of their weekend. Registration starts at 11 a.m., the program is at 12:30 p.m. and the WALK starts at 1 p.m. Learn more »

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 »

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 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 »

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 »

               

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

     

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 »

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 »

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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WALK with us!

Our 2013 WALK will cover 4.5 miles this year in honor of our 45th anniversary.  You can register to walk, form a team, and/or become a sponsor by clicking here.  This year, the event will end right after the WALK, so get there early to enjoy food, entertainment and camaraderie.

 

Focus: HOPE 2012 Annual Report

Focus: HOPE 2012 Annual Report

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