Houston, February 26, 2024
Photo: goarch.org
The Houston branch of the Orthodox nonprofit FOCUS North America held a kickoff meeting last May dedicated to opening a pregnancy resource center, after which local faithful set about researching programs, identifying a location, and fundraising.
According to a new report from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, FOCUS Houston has found a home and will soon be able to open the much-needed center.
FOCUS (The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve) “exists to serve the poor by bringing together Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occupation, Clothing, Understanding, and Shelter and other assistance to address the needs of local communities,” according to the organization’s mission statement.
FOCUS “works to address the ultimate cause of poverty in the world: disconnection from Christ and disconnection from one another. It does this by providing people with opportunities to serve alongside and discover their kinship with others while addressing needs in their local communities.”
The organization provides food, clothing, shelter, and more throughout the country, including in Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit, Southern California, Gateway City, and West Central Pennsylvania.
Thanks to the tireless labors of the Orthodox community in Houston, FOCUS’ new pregnancy resource center will be moving into a 1,700 square foot space on the campus of the Orthodox St. Constantine School.
The center will offer help to young families and mothers in the Houston area, where 27.6% of homes are run by a single parents and 19.5% of the population lives below the poverty line.
“FOCUS Houston will empower mothers by offering necessities, opportunities, and guidance.”
FOCUS Houston Director, Susanne Haddad said: “We envision a community where expecting mothers, new mothers, and children can experience Christ’s unconditional love through a supportive, accepting, and compassionate environment.”
Thanks to a matching grant, donations to FOCUS Houston up to $5,000 will be doubled.
Learn more about and support FOCUS Houston at the FOCUS North America site.
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