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FOCUS at WORSHIP

2. A WARM WELCOME AT BREAKFAST

FOCUS intern Andrea Holroyd greets a Breakfast Express guest. Andrea has been attending breakfast regularly, talking with guests and engaging open ended conversation to get a sense of how guests are doing and their feedback about FOCUS programs.

3. SUPPORTING OUR SENIORS

Pictured Above (L to R): Lois Wilson, Judy Coyne, Rev. Deb Jameson, Andrea Holroyd.

Judy Coyne, Commissioner of the Dept. for Aging visited FOCUS Advocates last week. We put our heads together to discuss ways in which we can better serve the seniors who attend breakfast or come into contact with our programs - congregate meals, legal counsel, transportation and other essential services. *FOCUS has informational services packets from the Dept. for Aging for those interested. Click here to access Dept. for Aging website.

4. GARDENS GROW IN ALBANY

Gardening in a Bucket season has wrapped up! FOCUS visited 5 sites with 72 youth among the participants. Take-home tomato seedlings have been distributed at local shelters, city schools, day camps, and the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry.

Also, check out snapshots from the Community Harvest Garden at St. Pauls Episcopal Church (below) . Its lush!

PEPPERS

&

TOMATOES

5. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RETREAT

(Representing the FOCUS covenant churches, left to right: Sheryl Sheraw, Andrea Carver, Jim Reisner, Peggy Becker, Allan Tedrow, Glenn Leupold, Nancy Horan, Kathy Donley, Dennis Radliff. Other representatives include Irving Smith, Jeff Matthews, Richard Moneymaker, Frances Rosenau, Dave Corlett).

The FOCUS Executive Council convened last week to put their hearts and minds together and do FOCUS visioningin an inspirational setting. The group met at Sisters of St. Joseph Hospitality Center for a combined dinner and meeting.

6. ADVOCACY UPDATE AND OPPORTUNITIES

The House rejected the Farm Bill last week amidst heated debate over major pending cuts in benefits in the SNAP (food stamp) program. Mark Dunlea, of Hunger Action Network of New York State stated: We need a bill that strengthens the whole food system to promote healthy foods, help family farmers and end hunger. Read More Here.

The Justice Works Conference is this Saturday! Please contact Labor Religion Coalition if you are interested in attending. They are providing a limited number of free registrations for advocates in faith communities. Contact Jessica Dowsett at: jdowsett@labor-religion.org.
CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE EVENT AGENDA

7. FOCUS SUMMER APPEAL

Your support makes a difference! FOCUS continues to work faithfully sharing bread with the hungry and advocating for a just world for all human beings. With the hands and hearts of our faith congregations and community partners we are empowered to work together to perform deeds of justice and mercy.
OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS FOCUS INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY BREAKFAST EXPRESS FOCUS ON SCHOOL SUPPLY PROJECT FOCUS ADVOCATES GARDENING IN A BUCKET COMMUNITY HARVEST GARDEN

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SUMMER APPEAL LETTER

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