1. Truth Commission on Poverty - July 13
2. Volunteer Picnic - July 20
3. FOCUS Combined Summer Worship - Aug. 6 
4. School Supply Drive
5. FOCUS 50th Gala - October 28

1. Truth Commission on Poverty - July 13

The Capital Region Truth Commission on Poverty in NYS is THIS THURSDAY, JULY 13TH - at 5pm. We had so many responses we needed to move to a larger location - the First United Methodist Church in Schenectady. If you haven't yet RSVP'd, you can do so here: bit.ly/CapTruth  Dinner starts at 5, and the program begins at 5:30pm.

This is part of the New Poor People’s Campaign, and an important part of statewide anti-poverty movement building efforts. Despite New York’s great wealth, more than 3 million New Yorkers live below the federal poverty line, and millions more struggle to make ends meet. In Schenectady, Albany, and Rensselaer counties, 4 in 10 households earn less than the cost of living. Why is this? How are individuals, families and our community affected, and what is being done to respond? How can we create a more just community in which all our neighbors can thrive? Join us!

2. Focus Volunteer Picnic - July 20

Thursday, July 20

Henry Hudson Park Pavilion

Starting around 4:00 pm and lasting until 7 ish.

Plenty of parking. Tremendous view of the river. Playground for children. Field for sports.

FOCUS will provide items to be grilled and the buns; drinks.

Please bring a salad or side dish to share. How about some chips?

Ice cream for dessert!

Please let Belinda know if you are coming! FOCUS office 443-0460 or belindaq@focuschurches.net  We have a map handout for you to take with you.

Directions from: 275 State St (FOCUS)
• Head southeast on State St toward S Swan St
2 min (0.3 mi)

• Take S Pearl St and NY-144 S to left onto Barent Winne Rd which them becomes Lyons Rd in Bethlehem  (7.8 mi)

• Drive down the road and alongside the river. We are at the Large Pavilion on the right across from the playground.

Directions from: I 87

• Get off Exit 22 off of I-87

• Drive down the road and alongside the river. We are at the Large Pavilion on the right across from the playground.

Henry Hudson Town Park
Barent Winne Rd, Selkirk, NY 12158

3. FOCUS Combined Worship Service - Aug. 6

On Sunday, August 6 at 9:30 am the second of the FOCUS Summer Worship Services will be at Emmanuel Baptist Church 275 State Street. Pastor Kathy Donley will be preaching.

The FOCUS congregations are worshiping together at 9:30 a.m. the first Sunday of each Summer month. The third Summer Worship will be on September 3@First Presbyterian Church.

Come and celebrate the diversity of our traditions and the unity of our faith!

4. School Supply Drive

For many families who use the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry, meager resources mean that they may have to choose between buying food and school supplies. No parent should have to make that choice.

That’s why FOCUS sponsors a school supply drive. Faith communities, other groups, and individuals  donate supplies and/or money to help outfit the children of Pantry families with the materials necessary to start the school year right.

This year, we anticipate that 300 students will rely on our drive to get outfitted for school. Donations of supplies and money will be gratefully received. We are also looking for volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute the supplies. If you are interested in helping during the week of August 28-31,  please call the FOCUS office at 443-0460 and ask for Belinda. Volunteers must sign up ahead of time either by phone or by email.

5. FOCUS 50th Gala - October 28