WHO WE ARE

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR SERVICE
Serving Harris County with hope, help, and the love of Christ since 1984.

OUR MISSION
Compelled by Christ’s love FOCUS’ mission is dedicated to strengthening families in Harris County by offering life changing support through four pillars: spiritual, emotional, financial, and personal enrichment.
OUR VISION
To be a catalyst for mission-driven outreach as a central hub, supporting Harris County churches in their shared commitment to serve and uplift those in need.
OUR HISTORY
FOCUS was founded in 1984 when local churches and the Department of Family and Children Services saw a growing need in Harris County. Families were struggling, churches were overwhelmed, and it became clear that meeting those needs would take a united community response.
That vision gave birth to Fellowship of Christians United in Service (FOCUS) — a 501c3 nonprofit created by churches from many denominations working together to serve neighbors in need as an integrated auxiliary of churches.
What began with a food pantry, homebound food delivery, clothing assistance, tutoring, home repairs, and Thanksgiving meal distribution has grown into a countywide ministry of help and hope.
In June 2024, most FOCUS ministry programs moved to the Philomena Family Center, named in honor of founding member Sister Philomena Fogarty, whose heart for serving the poor continues to shape our mission.
Today, with the support of more than 160 volunteers and 30 churches, FOCUS serves Harris County by providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those who need it most.
WHERE IT STARTED
LEADERSHIP

Kathy Carlisle
Executive Director

Mallin Hopkins
Director of Retail

Jennifer Churchwell
Boutique Manager
“Meet the team serving our community with faith, compassion, and purpose.”

Curt Ellis
Director of Ministry

Hannah Lunsford
Director of Food Pantry & Volunteers

Nijah Wyatt
Specialty Shop Manager

Regina Jones
Director of Programs

Heather Sellers
Director of Marketing

Justin Prince
Business Development Manager
“A group of dedicated leaders helping guide and steward the mission of FOCUS.”
THE BOARD
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Back Row: Phil Sholar, Pastor Ashley Dobbs, Pastor Desmond Thornton, Pastor Sherrad Hayes, Nick Bruner, Pastor Brad Parker, Father Brian O’Shaunnesey, Steve Howard
Front Row: Larry Crane, Bradon Rogers, Pam Jackson, Lynda Dawson, Peggy Allen, Linda Luttrell and Scott Carow
Not Pictured: Pastor Bo Barber, Steve Goodnoe & Pastor Andy Cunningham
Churches Represented: Mountain Shadows Community, Missionary Bethany Baptist, New Life Community, Union Baptist, MidTree, Hunter Road Baptist, Christ the King, First Baptist of LaGrange, River of Life, First Baptist of Pine Mountain, AME Prospect, Pine Mountain First United Methodist
FINANCIAL PARTNERS
ELLERSLIE GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH
LONGSTREET
BAPTIST CHURCH
COMMUNITY PARTNERS



Harris County School District








