FOCUS Churches
FOCUS was created in 1967 when pastors of four churches in downtown Albany recognized a need to join together in a cooperative spirit. Over the next decades FOCUS identified serious physical needs of those in poverty. For more than 50 years, FOCUS has operated feeding programs which have grown to include tow food pantries, a year-round breakfast program which guests themselves named, "The Breakfast Club." Nothing reflects the sense of welcome more than that name, which FOCUS has embraced. And with each meal provided by the pantry or breakfast volunteers, a huge helping of hospitality is served right alongside.
But FOCUS is also dedicated to educating others about the realities of poverty and advocating for the needs of those suffering injustice. FOCUS has committed to speak truth to power in addition to its direct ministries of the body. This year FOCUS joined with other individuals and organizations through the Poor People's Campaign.
Today, FOCUS is a stand alone not for profit organization, separate from those member churches that first envisioned what such a community could accomplish. FOCUS honors its roots and the original vision (read the FOCUS Covenant here) but continues seeking new ways to address issues we and our neighbors face. We welcome participation from all individuals and organizations seeking justice in our world. We honor those who have made a special commitment to our work together, and those include:
The FOCUS Covenant Congregations:
The FOCUS Interfaith Affiliates:
Unity Church of Albany
Congregation Beth Emeth
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
Islamic Center of the Capital District
New Covenant Presbyterian Church
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Muslim Soup Kitchen Project, Al-Hidaya Center of Latham
FOCUS serves the community through these year round programs:
Breakfast Club: located at Westminster Presbyterian Church, this program provides a hot meal in the winter and a cold buffet express in the summer along with a bag lunch to go. Pastoral staff and ministerial volunteers provide a safe and open opportunity for guests to express themselves. All interested persons or families are offered assistance to obtain local social and human services.
Pastoral Care: pastoral staff and volunteers offer a compassionate ear and an open heart to folks attending winter Breakfast Club. Our goal is to provide safe and open opportunities for guests to express themselves, to encourage a pleasant social atmosphere and to reduce conflict. We also pray with guests who request this comfort. In addition to emotional and spiritual support, FOCUS staff partners with a number of area organizations and agencies to provide practical assistance in obtaining local social and human services, such as housing and health services.
Interfaith Food Pantry: located at Emmanuel Baptist Church, the pantry is open Monday through Friday and the last Saturday of each month. The food pantry provides a small supply of food to individuals and families to help bridge gaps and end hunger.
First Church Food Pantry: located at First Church in Albany, the pantry is open Monday & Wednesday 9:00-11:30 AM. The Food Pantry provides a small supply of food to individuals and families to help bridge gaps and end hunger. Learn more about the FC Food Pantry here.
Gardening in a Bucket: we take to the road with this spring & summer program that helps pantry guests, children and others create a small fresh food “garden” in a bucket—supplies and seeds are provided.
School Supply Program: FOCUS partners with First Church in of Albany to distribute donated school supplies to over 100 Albany children.
Trinity Nursery & Day Care
Trinity Nursery & Day Care is an independent, non-profit organization, currently house in our building. The Board of Directors is comprised of an equal number of members of Trinity UMC and representatives from the day care community. The Daycare serves many individuals receiving government assistance through the DSS program. This is one of the only dacare centers in our neighborhood providing service to families with infants.
Kathleen Bisner, Director
215 Lancaster Street, Albany, NY 12210
518-436-4514
trinityn@msn.com
