40th Anniversary Year Begins

It has been quite journey, says Eleanor Josaitis of the 40 years since Focus: HOPE was founded. Throughout 2008, Focus: HOPE will be celebrating its achievements and drawing attention to its graduates and others whose lives have been changed as a result of this organization.

At a press conference recently launching the anniversary year, Focus: HOPE Interim CEO Tim Duperron spoke of recent updates to education and training programs as well as new opportunities the organization is pursuing.

During the year, a new CEO will be appointed and a new fund raising initiative will be announced, said William F. Jones, Jr., chair of the Board of Directors and COO of Chrysler Financial.

He lauded Focus:HOPE as an "organization working to empower individuals to build a strong and economically viable community."

A series of activities will be held in 2008. Check our calendar for details.

Graduate Reunited with Judge

A highlight of the Focus: HOPE press conference was graduate William Motts II telling his dramatic story. Just before the program started, he was reunited (photo at right) with Hon. David Kerwin, retired Recorder's Court judge, who gave Motts a chance to change his life by sending him to Focus: HOPE. Motts took advantage of the opportunity and has become a successful professional.

2008 WALK and Diversity Festival

Our annual WALK and Diversity Festival will be held on Sunday, October 12. There are many opportunities to get involved. We are currently seeking sponsors to support this outstanding event which benefits our scholarship fund. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, call Renee at 313.494.4384.

William F. Jones, Jr., chair of the Focus: HOPE Board of Directors, with Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm at the Focus: HOPE press conference March 26. Below are the Honorable David Kerwin, retired judge, who was reunited at the press conference with Focus: HOPE engineering graduate William Motts II and his wife, Paula.