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For the past 40 years FOCUS has sustained the nonprofit organization through the repurposing of gently used donated items. While many nonprofits rely on constant fund raising, FOCUS has managed to financially sustain 50-60 percent of a growing ministry through the sale of items in two store locations: the Boutique for Clothing and the Specialty Store for furniture and household items. This model has ensured the security of the organization and that families and individuals living in the county have access to emotional, financial, spiritual, and enrichment support programs. However, for future growth and planning the sustainability model must also grow. With the projected increase in population in Harris County and as the wealth to cost of living gap widens, FOCUS is positioning to meet the increased needs of our community.
According to recent data, 67 percent of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, with a growing number reporting financial stress each month. While private-sector wages have increased by 23.3 percent since August 2020, essential expenses have risen even faster; grocery prices are up 24.7 percent, housing costs have surged 28.2 percent, and energy prices have climbed 43.3 percent.
Consequently, the sustainability model must grow to ensure that needs such as food insecurity, emergency financial assistance, recovery programs, and many other support programs are funded to meet the demand.
Current Vulnerability to the Sustainability Model
Each week tons of clothing, household items, and furniture are received through the FOCUS donation bin, dropped off, or picked up by volunteers. Weekly, a large team of volunteers and staff sort through the items to separate, size and store seasonal items, discard damaged items, repair, and paint furniture. Because of a critical lack of space, during the final stage of processing, FOCUS volunteers are forced to place over 100 bags of clothing and other items in a second donation bin to be shared with a nonprofit partner. In addition, items are transported back and forth between the two stores for storage and or merchandizing stock. In addition to space shortage, the donation process is labor intensive, requiring several storage sheds in multiple locations and is inefficient. A recent analysis of the “process of a shirt” indicated 13 touches to process one shirt. This limited space also prohibits the stores from opening more than three days per week.
The Solution?
The proposed new facility, named the “The FOCUS Mission Center” will house both FOCUS thrift stores, a donation and processing center, and an “Enrichment Center” for training in ecommerce, furniture/appliance restoration, clothing mending/cleaning, and the “UP-Next” program.​
The relocation of the stores will allow for:
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A financial sustainability model which can grow to meet current and future ministry demands
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The ability to store, process, and repurpose all donations rather than sending excess donations to outside nonprofit organizations
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The ability to add store hours for increased financial sustainability
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Increased collaboration between volunteers and staff serving at the Philomena Family Center and the Mission Center
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Increased participation in the “UP-Next” Enrichment Program
Although all the above are crucial for continued growth and sustainability, the greatest of all of these is the ability to forge deeper, life-changing relationships with those who are suffering. The UP-Next Program provides an exciting addition to FOCUS ministries.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
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Since 2020 FOCUS has had the privilege of building deep relationships with broken and lost individuals and families, which have led to restored and strengthened lives. In the past, FOCUS had attempted curriculum-based programs like financial and budget management, resume writing, etc. to help families and individuals move from poverty to independence. These programs, although based on sound theory, suffered from long-term commitment and behavioral changes. In other words, a prescribed study, based on a finite delivery time such as 6-8 weeks was not effective for the huge diversity of challenges faced by each participant. What we have discovered is the power of intentional and purposeful long-term relationships to facilitate unimaginable transformation. Over the past 4 years FOCUS staff have had the opportunity to prove this theory. With God’s perfect timing and the power of the Holy Spirit, FOCUS staff and volunteers have had the privilege to walk beside over 20 people who were broken, lost and in despair. Each person has a personal story, distinctive struggle, individual needs, and comes from various walks of life. They all are seeking hope for a new and better life. Several of these people started as clients in one of the FOCUS programs, others were volunteers seeking a place to belong, and several were hired as FOCUS staff. Their needs ranged from a hearing-impaired young man, individuals struggling with addiction, homelessness, living in abusive homes, and several with mental illness. Although many are still receiving FOCUS support, several are now in their own home, with great jobs, attending church, and volunteering.
The “UP Next” program is simple:
Provide employment or purposeful volunteering with the FOCUS team, using the “Enrichment Center” as a place of training, confidence building, and putting the broken pieces back together!
The Heartbeat of the UP Next Program:
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Accept each person with the unconditional love of God
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Engage participants in volunteerism, finding healing while helping others who are hurting
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Encourage participation in Bible study, and the appropriate FOCUS program, i.e., Celebrate Recovery, children’s program, Emergency Services, Food Pantry, etc.
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Surround the participant with a team of staff and volunteers who understand the needs of the broken and are dedicated to a long-term relationship
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Provide individual assistance for personal growth and development – for example, prepare for driver’s license, budget for a place to live, working through the court system, resume writing, enrollment in higher education, etc.
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Connect the participant with a local church
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Take it slow and let healing come on their timeline
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Continue the relationship once healed
This type of program involves a “village” of volunteers and staff surrounding each person. The results are indescribable. To see a homeless mother find a job, sleep in her own apartment, and have her children returned is true restoration and the vision of FOCUS.
UP Next Goals
The UP Next program is designed to help individuals overcome various barriers to poverty by setting personal goals. Here are some of the key areas the program focuses on:
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Transportation: Ensuring participants have reliable transportation to secure employment.
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Education: Providing access to educational opportunities to enhance skills and job prospects.
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Recovery and Counseling: Offering support for recovery and counseling services to address emotional and mental health needs.
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Financial Literacy: Assisting with financial management and budgeting to promote financial stability.
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Employment: Helping individuals find and maintain stable employment.
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Social Supports: Building a strong support network to help participants navigate challenges and access resources.
The UP Next program recognizes that overcoming these barriers can take time, and for some, it may take years to achieve independence. The goal is to help individuals reach a point where they can "fly away" and live independently.
Because the UP Next program is based on individual needs, it is recognized that for some, it may take years to overcome the emotional scars of life and the final goal of independence. We call this the “bird flying away”.
Building and Room Naming Opportunities:
We invite you to express your interest in building and room naming opportunities. FOCUS has served the community for 40 years and is well-positioned to continue its legacy. Your contribution offers enduring recognition for your commitment to fostering a space dedicated to healing and restoration within our community. Please call Kathy Carlisle, 706-681-6561 for more information.
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