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FOCUS Churches of Albany Fall 2015 Newsletter
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8
IN FOCUS
275 State Street
Albany, NY 12210
We Need Your Help
Your contributions make a positive difference in the
lives of our hungry neighbors.
The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry is now providing a 6-day
supply of groceries to an average of 327 families each month.
The FOCUS Breakfast Express runs April through October and
serves a cold buffet breakfast twice a week.
Please help us by giving:
_____ $ amount
_____ $ amount — In honor of/in memory of (circle one) ______________________
_____ Please send me information about volunteering in FOCUS programs.
Name ____________________________________ Phone _________________________________
Address __________________________________ E-mail ________________________________
Please return to: FOCUS, 275 State Street, Albany NY 12210
Robert and Leslie Westphal, In Honor of
Bob Kamp, Paul Bascom and Irving Smith Betty Williams, In Memory of Drs. Elmer
and Grace Green, Israel AME Church
Lois Wilson
Gloria and David Wood, In Memory of
Irving Smith
F. Elizabeth Wright
Bill and Amy Yates
Alyssa Yeager, In Honor of Mark Yolles, from his friends in Channing Circle
Barbara Zaron
Margaret Zettle
David and Iva Zornow
Adirondack Beverages
Emmanuel Baptist Church
First Church of Albany
First Presbyterian Church
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
GE Foundation
Hannay Reels
Islamic Center of the Capital District
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
Trinity United Methodist Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Delmar Reformed Church
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
American Baptist Church Matthew 25 Fund
Donors Play Vital Role...continued from page 7
Vol. 9, No. 3 Fall 2015
Looking Ahead
September 28
Hunger Action Network Annual
Membership Meeting
@ Westminster Presbyterian, p. 4
October 11-13
Faith for a Fair NY gathering @
Dominican Retreat Center, p. 4
October 28
Winter Breakfast Volunteer
Orientation Luncheon, 12 pm @
Westminster Presbyterian
October 28
Non Violent Communication
Workshop Training, p. 6
November 3
Election Day
Winter Breakfast Resumes
November 14
Income Inequality Event @ Trinity
United Methodist, featuring John
Brueggemann, Prof. of Sociology,
Skidmore College—save the date!
FOCUS is the collabo-
ration of seven cove-
na nt i ng c hur c he s ,
joined by five faith af-
filiates and many
other partners —
united in a common
calling to serve
o u r n e i g h b o r s '
needs in Albany’s
Capitol Hill and be-
yond as God’s servant
people in a broken and
hurting world.
FOCUS
“to everything there is a season”
To the FOCUS Community,
By now many of you within the FOCUS
churches have heard of my intention to
draw my time at FOCUS to a close. To
those in the wider community circles
this may be the first you’ve heard that
I am ending this chapter of my journey.
Since 1999 I have been blessed with
the most meaningful and challenging
work of my career thus far. It has been
a calling, my life’s work in this time
and place and I have been honored and
privileged to have walked with you in
this shared life called FOCUS. I will
leave fulfilled in the knowledge that
together we have accomplished a signif-
icant piece in our common ministries.
We received the mantle from ecumeni-
cal and interfaith visionaries and cre-
ated a faith based nonprofit organiza-
tion. We have “focused” on a mission of
hospitality, mercy, advocacy and jus-
tice. It is a hybrid ministry that con-
tinues to be an ongoing experiment of
living God’s reign
together. There
are many chapters
ahead in your
shared life and I
truly believe God
is with you and
blesses you with
all good things as
you continue this
gift called FOCUS.
I will be transitioning from FOCUS at
the end of the year. I too look forward to
what God has for me next. I hope to see
you around as I plan to stay put and
work and play in the Capital Area.
We are on the journey together. Know
that you have blessed me and have been
to me a great community of support,
challenge and care.
Sincerely, with gratitude and love,
Search Update from President Nancy Horan
As guided by the FOCUS by-
laws it is the responsibility of
the Executive Council to hire
the Executive Director. This
hasn’t been an activity of the
Council in seventeen years so
I want to share with you the
process that has been put in
place. When the Executive Director position
becomes vacant, the Executive Council shall
appoint a committee to conduct a broad and
diligent search. The Committee will recom-
mend candidate(s) to the Board of Directors.
At its June meeting, the FOCUS Executive
Council created a search commit-
tee to solicit and evaluate re-
sumes, conduct interviews and
recommend a candidate for the
position of Executive Director of
the FOCUS churches. Advertising
of this position began in July on a
national level and through de-
nominational judicatories and
seminaries.
The search committee is made up
of representatives from the cove-
nant partner churches. Committee
Answers to “Facts about the FOCUS
Interfaith Food Pantry” (Page 6)
1. Congregation Beth Emeth,
First Unitarian Universalist
Society of Albany, Islamic Center
of the Capital District, New
Covenant Presbyterian, and St.
Andrews Episcopal. 2. Emmanuel
Baptist Church, 275 State St.,
Albany 3. Monday – Friday and
the last Saturday of the month
4. Produce and dairy products
5. 327 families per month
6. 18 meals per person
7. 4.5 visits 8. 2887 9. 131,656
pounds 10. To provide food to
hungry families today, and advo-
cate for just public policies that
address poverty issues.
Organizations
Contributions from
April 2015-August 15, 2015
Rev. Deb Jameson
Continued on Page 2
Individuals
2 7
Anonymous
Viola Abbitt
James and Carol Ackerman
Reszin Adams
Nick and Jeanne Alesandro
Aimee and Guy Allaud
Fran Allee
Jane and George Allen
Jim Amanatides
Mary K. and Anthony E. Amodeo
Richard Angelo
Cassandra and Victor Artale
Michael and Toni Asbury
Neil Rice and Astrid Petterson
Susan and Floyd Barwig
Joyce Bascom
Richard and Peggy Becker
Helen and Frank Benoit
Elizabeth Berberian
Susan and Albin Berzinis
Eileen Bossard
David and Ann Brandon
Paula Brewer
Leslie Bristol
Peter and Martha Brown
Carol Bullard
Patty M. Burch, In Honor of all the
volunteers who make FOCUS possible Ella Campbell
Scott Alan Carlton, Grateful for the
loving support of the FOCUS Ministry
Lois and Patrick Caulfield
Vanessa L. Cayford
Elaine Clawson
Hon. Richard Conti
Nicole Cooper
Martha and Thomas Corneil
Janet Cornell
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Correia, In Memory
of Robert and Caroline Barkman
Julia Creighton, In Memory of
Carolyn Garvin
Richard and Dawn Dana
Betty Devine
Kathy Donley
Kevin J. Dulin
Susan and Albert Easton
Irene Econome
James Edgar
Linda English
Robin Forshaw
Lawrence Gambino
Nancy Pierson and Gary Gold
Janet Gelzheiser, In Memory of Francis L. Gelzheiser
Shirley Gibbons, Grateful for the
dependable volunteers of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry
Arlene Gilbert, In Memory of Eva Gerrmill
Trudy and Larry Gordon, In Memory of Katherine Enockson
Mary Jo Green , Grateful for our care community in Albany area especially
Westminster Presbyterian
Ann Greenlee, In Memory of Dr. Grace Green
Worth Gretter
David and Margaret Hannay
Lori Harris
William Hasselbach
Lorelei Heidenstrom
Paula Hennessy
Nancy Horan
Pat and Bob Hunziker
E. Louise Jameson, In Memory of Donald Jameson
Wilma Jenssen, In Honor of Kitt Jackson
Dolores Johnson
Annette Johnson
Jim and Mary Kalas
Fran Kamp, In Memory of Paul Bascom Kane and Lekakis
Karen Kaufmann
Karen Kendall
Virginia King
Susan L. Klim
Dawn and John Knutson
Paul Koberger
Alison Kurtessis , In Honor of David
Corlett’s retirement from Delmar Reformed
Nancy Landrigan
Pat Lavin
Lawrie Lierheimer
Roseann Lohrey
Louise and Michael Lounsbery
Kenneth W MacDonald
Betty and Roy Mallory
Tony and Marilyn Malone
Barbara and Chuck Manning
Julie and David Martin
Margaret and C. William Mayer,
Celebrating 61 Years of Marriage
Elizabeth and David McMillan
Tom McPheeters
Peter and Donna Meixner
Ellen Messina
Elizabeth Miller
Esther Moore
Philomena M. Moriarty
Eileen Hoffman and David Munro
Terence P. Murphy
David and Martha Musser
Shirley and Rudy Nelson
Lynnette Noonan
Kathryn Nuding
Nancy Ost
Laura Paris
Jean Poppei
Margaret and Paul Randall
Kathy Ravida
Mrs. Clayton E. Rose
M. Ruth Russell
Peter C. Sarinelli, In Memory of
Ruth J. Culnan Peter and Nancy Schiff
Alice Schrade, Celebrating Family and
being able to help Tom Scott, In Memory of
Katherine Enockson Abraham and Mona Selover
Robert and Pamela Selover
Geraldine L. Shanley
Jeanette Sharp, In Memory of Robert D. Sharp
Peter B. Shawhan
Deborah G. Shoup
Edie Simpson
Mark and Linda Sippel, In Memory of Katherine Enockson
Dwight Smith
Carolyn Smith
Susan Sneeringer, In Memory of Janet
Hengerer and In Honor of Arthur Hengerer Elaine and Walter Spoor
Cora Stackelberg
Judith and William Jr. Stanwicks
Linda and Robert Stevens, In Honor of
David and Margaret Hannay
Judith and LeRoy Suess
Abigail Sugarman
Allan and Mary Jean Tedrow, Celebrating the FOCUS Ministry of
Rev. Debra Jameson
Ned and Patricia Trudeau, Grateful for Ministries of food, education and jobs.
Samuel A. Trumbore
Barbara Warner
Lois Webb
Lora Wesner
Arlen Westbrook
Donors Play Vital Role in FOCUS Programs
Contributions Made between April 2015 and August 15, 2015
(continued on page 8)
members include Judy Hartley (Westminster
Presbyterian), Donna Baker Holley (Delmar
Reformed), Anthony Malone (Emmanuel Baptist),
Peter Pagerey (First Church in Albany), Stephanie
Threatte (Trinity United Methodist), and with a
member from First Presbyterian to be named
shortly.
Nancy Horan, as President of the Executive
Council, convened the group on August 23rd to
begin the process. Tony Malone agreed to be
chair of the committee. It is hoped that we will
have a new Executive Director in place before
Rev. Deb leaves in order to have a period of tran-
sition. The Council will be responsible for the fi-
nal hiring decision. Your prayers and support
during this time are appreciated.
Connecting with Seniors Panel
On Wednesday, FOCUS Churches of Albany was
well represented at the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on Faith Communities: Keeping
Seniors Connected and Engaged! Pastor Susan
Vincent-Cox (First Church in Albany) led the key-
note address. Belinda Quaye (FOCUS Volunteer
Coordinator) and Lois Wilson (Westminster Pres-
byterian); Pastor Susan Vincent-Cox and Cheryl
Gowie (First Church in Albany) were on the Con-
necting Seniors panel.
Breakfast Express (BEX)
For two weeks in August the FOCUS Breakfast
Express moved outside on State Street.
Unwanted Visitors at
Community Garden
The FOCUS Community Harvest Garden, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, met with some tough challenges this summer in the form of 3-4 pesky groundhogs who were all too interested in disrupting the happy seedlings.
St. Paul’s Outreach Committee Chair Perry
Smith reports that thanks to resources provided
by FOCUS, supplies were purchased to put up a
fence. A professional came and moved the ground-
hogs to a distant home and the new fencing has
protected this summer’s harvest – pantry families
are enjoying the produce.
Thank You St. Paul’s!
Search Update
Continued from Page 1
Winter Breakfast Program
Can you help? The Winter Breakfast Program begins November 3. Volunteers are needed T, W and TH mornings. Email Belinda at [email protected] or call the FOCUS office 443-4060.
3
IN FOCUS is a publication of the FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. Rev. Debra Jameson, Editor. FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization covenanting with Delmar Reformed, Emmanuel Baptist, First Church in Albany, First Israel AME, First Presbyterian, Trinity United Methodist, and Westminster Presbyterian. Affiliates of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry Program in-clude Congregation Beth Emeth, First Church in Albany, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Islamic Center of the Capital District, New Covenant Presbyterian, and the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
The FOCUS office is located at 275 State St.,
Albany NY 12210.
Phone: 518-443-0460 FAX: 518-443-0461
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Focuschurches
Website: www.focuschurches.net
Gardening in a Bucket (GIAB) took place in the FOCUS
interfaith food pantry in mid-June and invited pantry
guests to take home a two-gallon pot containing toma-
to seedlings (far and away the most popular plant) or
bell peppers. Seed packets were also given out. About
40 families took part in the bucket giveaway and many
more took seeds to start their own gardens. Seeds in-
cluded broccoli, cucumber, sweet corn, yellow and
green squash, lettuces, and herbs. Over two hundred
seed packets were given away.
Along with this adult project, GIAB for Kids was a
great success! The project went “on the road” to four
sites in Albany and one in Menands. Brighter Choice
Elementary School for Boys greeted us warmly on
three days in late May. Sixty kindergartners partici-
pated in decorating pots and then planting them with
cherry tomato seedlings to take home. The next stop
was Boys and Girls Club, where six girls participated.
We also went to Schuyler Inn, a homeless family shel-
ter in Menands. Fifteen kids took part in this evening
activity. At Marillac Shelter, also for homeless fami-
lies, we started the evening’s activity with the younger
kids (Pre-K to third grade), but about half-way
through, several older kids came in and asked if they
could get involved too. We were happy to say yes!
Our last event was held at the First Church in Albany’s
Urban Day Camp, where 19 kids participated, bring-
ing the total number of participants to 114, more than
double the number from last year.
The best thing about GIAB for Kids was seeing the
excitement the kids brought to the project. They were
enthusiastic about both decorating their pots and plant-
ing their seedlings. Staff and volunteers were amply
rewarded for their work by seeing the kids’ eagerness
and smiles as they participated.
We could not have done this project without our won-
derful volunteers - Yolanda Bostic, Margie Gonzalez,
Lori Harris, Judy Hartley and her students, Pastor
Josh, Edith Leet, Juanita O’Neil and Paula Sippel –
who all brought zest and energy to the project and really
helped it succeed. A big “Thank You!” to all of them!
Becca Leet, GIAB Coordinator
6
FOCUS Summer Worship Bucket Gardening All Over Albany
Facts about the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry
How many can you answer?
1. What faith communities are affiliates of the food pantry?
2. Where is the pantry located?
3. When is the pantry open?
4. What are the most popular food items among guests?
5. How many families, on average, visit the pantry each
month?
6. How much food is given out?
7. What is the average number of visits families make per
year?
8. How many volunteer hours are utilized to keep pantry
operating?
9. The number of total pounds of food given out in 2014?
10. What is the 2-fold goal of the food pantry?
August 2 Worship at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Tea
ch-In
on
wa
ge issu
es
Ju
ly 5 W
orsh
ip a
t First
Presb
yterian
Ch
urch
Pantry Wish List:
Driver needed for Thursday 9:15 am pick-up at Food
Bank in Latham, now through mid-November*
Extra personal care items (deodorant, shampoo, bar
soap, razors, feminine items…)**
*contact Belinda at 443-0460, [email protected]
** A sister pantry will be closed during September and FOCUS
will be serving extra families from West Hill neighborhoods.
September 6 Worship at Trinity United Methodist
Sharpen your communication skills
Nonviolent Communication — “Learning the Language of
Love: an Introduction to Nonviolent Communication” will be held
on Wednesday October 28th, 1:30-3:30 pm, at Westminster Presby-
terian. FOCUS Board Member Rev. Susan Vincent Cox ,who is
certified in NVC, will be the facilitator. This event is open to all
FOCUS volunteers who are interested in learning more. If you
would like to know more about the NVC community in the Albany area,
'LIKE' the Facebook page NVC in the Capital NY Region. Please contact
Belinda at 443-0460 or [email protected] if you are
interested in attending this free event.
FOCUS Advocacy
Opportunities
The FOCUS Advocates will soon be
gathering to learn about upcoming issues
in next year’s legislative session and
strategize our advocacy. If you are inter-
ested in being a part of this group, contact
Joe at the FOCUS office, or send him an
e-mail directly: [email protected]
Mark your calendars for the following up-
coming events!
Hunger Action Network of NYS will
be holding their annual members meeting
on Monday Sept 28th from 9:30-4:00pm at
Westminster. The keynote speaker will be
Jessica Powers from WhyHunger, and
workshops will be offered on the Fight for
$15, community organizing, and social de-
terminants of hunger and poverty. Sug-
gested donation of $10 for Hunger Action
Network members, and $15 for non mem-
bers. Contact Deb Catozzi for more infor-
mation: [email protected] 518-434-7371.
For all the saints,
who from their labors rest
FOCUS mourns the loss of two long-time volunteers. Paul Bascom, from First Presbyterian, served as a deacon and elder, was involved in many organizations and served for years as the pickup and delivery trans-porter for FOCUS Food programs; and, Robert Frye, a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Bob dedicated his Thursday mornings to helping run the FOCUS Winter Breakfast Program.
Bread for the World Lobby Day
Joe Paparone, FOCUS Advocacy Coordinator
On June 9th, I travelled to Washington D.C. to join our partners in
Bread for the World, an international Christian anti-hunger organiza-
tion, in their annual lobby day. As I’m new to the organization and still
growing in my knowledge of their work, it was good to meet with other
members from New York who have participated in various capacities
with Bread over many years. Most of my fellow lobbyists have been coming to D.C. annually for
years. I was encouraged to hear their stories of how they got involved. The trend went something
like this: they were involved in a local food pantry or soup kitchen (usually through their church).
They heard about Bread through a presentation, and realized that charity alone was not enough to
end hunger; systemic changes to the food system and to our structures of assistance are needed.
They then became champions of Bread in their communities, organizing offerings of letters, partici-
pating in the lobby days, and recruiting friends and neighbors to join the fight against hunger.
Legislative Updates
Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance (HPNAP) funding in NYS: The Hunger Action
Network is continuing to push for additional funding for this vital program. We are currently await-
ing the release of the Governor’s Hunger Task Force Report - which will inform next steps for advo-
cacy. The report should be released in September, keep an eye on FOCUS Alerts for updates.
Child Nutrition reauthorization. Congress returns to session in September, and will re-authorize
the law that sets funding and policy for our country’s child nutrition programs, including school
meals, summer feeding, and the WIC nutrition program for pregnant and new mothers along with
their small children. All of these programs have helped millions of children over the past decades.
You can help urge your representatives to support and expand these critical programs, by going to
www.bread.org and sending a letter. Any other upcoming actions that can be taken will be shared in
the FOCUS Alerts.
Faith for a Fair NY will be holding their annual
retreat October 11th-13th. We’ll look at successful
movements in New York and across the country -
including the Fight for $15 and Moral Mondays -
and look ahead to what we can expect in the com-
ing year. FOCUS scholarships are available.
For more information or to register, contact
Joe Paparone: [email protected]
There will be a Hunger Awareness Press Con-
ference on Monday, November 23rd, to highlight
and address the ongoing needs throughout our re-
gion and state. More details to come– check website.
Westminster and First Presbyterian students worked together on the Serving Albany Youth Mission in June
Emily Bianchine, Hannah Dorn and Joshua Bliss helped with the First
Maxine Quaye helped with the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry.
State Employees: Please remember
FOCUS in the SEFA campaign.
FOCUS’ number is 50-00147
All donations go directly to the
FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen.
Thank You Volunteers!
A core portion of FOCUS’ identity is its volunteers - the very heart and
soul that enables FOCUS to do as much as we do. We could not provide
the 150,000 meals that nourish our guests, nor the hospitality, compas-
sion and justice seeking spirit without the village of people who help in
our programs. In 2014 there were 278 volunteers who provided 7,910
hours of service in FOCUS programs (averaging out to 28 hours per
person).
This summer in July, on a hot steamy evening, volunteers gathered for
a lovely time of conversation and good food.
New York delegates at Bread Lobby Day.
Volunteer Picnic
Paul Bascom Bob Frye
4 5
FOCUS Summertime Student Helpers
FOCUS Advocacy
Opportunities
The FOCUS Advocates will soon be
gathering to learn about upcoming issues
in next year’s legislative session and
strategize our advocacy. If you are inter-
ested in being a part of this group, contact
Joe at the FOCUS office, or send him an
e-mail directly: [email protected]
Mark your calendars for the following up-
coming events!
Hunger Action Network of NYS will
be holding their annual members meeting
on Monday Sept 28th from 9:30-4:00pm at
Westminster. The keynote speaker will be
Jessica Powers from WhyHunger, and
workshops will be offered on the Fight for
$15, community organizing, and social de-
terminants of hunger and poverty. Sug-
gested donation of $10 for Hunger Action
Network members, and $15 for non mem-
bers. Contact Deb Catozzi for more infor-
mation: [email protected] 518-434-7371.
For all the saints,
who from their labors rest
FOCUS mourns the loss of two long-time volunteers. Paul Bascom, from First Presbyterian, served as a deacon and elder, was involved in many organizations and served for years as the pickup and delivery trans-porter for FOCUS Food programs; and, Robert Frye, a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Bob dedicated his Thursday mornings to helping run the FOCUS Winter Breakfast Program.
Bread for the World Lobby Day
Joe Paparone, FOCUS Advocacy Coordinator
On June 9th, I travelled to Washington D.C. to join our partners in
Bread for the World, an international Christian anti-hunger organiza-
tion, in their annual lobby day. As I’m new to the organization and still
growing in my knowledge of their work, it was good to meet with other
members from New York who have participated in various capacities
with Bread over many years. Most of my fellow lobbyists have been coming to D.C. annually for
years. I was encouraged to hear their stories of how they got involved. The trend went something
like this: they were involved in a local food pantry or soup kitchen (usually through their church).
They heard about Bread through a presentation, and realized that charity alone was not enough to
end hunger; systemic changes to the food system and to our structures of assistance are needed.
They then became champions of Bread in their communities, organizing offerings of letters, partici-
pating in the lobby days, and recruiting friends and neighbors to join the fight against hunger.
Legislative Updates
Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance (HPNAP) funding in NYS: The Hunger Action
Network is continuing to push for additional funding for this vital program. We are currently await-
ing the release of the Governor’s Hunger Task Force Report - which will inform next steps for advo-
cacy. The report should be released in September, keep an eye on FOCUS Alerts for updates.
Child Nutrition reauthorization. Congress returns to session in September, and will re-authorize
the law that sets funding and policy for our country’s child nutrition programs, including school
meals, summer feeding, and the WIC nutrition program for pregnant and new mothers along with
their small children. All of these programs have helped millions of children over the past decades.
You can help urge your representatives to support and expand these critical programs, by going to
www.bread.org and sending a letter. Any other upcoming actions that can be taken will be shared in
the FOCUS Alerts.
Faith for a Fair NY will be holding their annual
retreat October 11th-13th. We’ll look at successful
movements in New York and across the country -
including the Fight for $15 and Moral Mondays -
and look ahead to what we can expect in the com-
ing year. FOCUS scholarships are available.
For more information or to register, contact
Joe Paparone: [email protected]
There will be a Hunger Awareness Press Con-
ference on Monday, November 23rd, to highlight
and address the ongoing needs throughout our re-
gion and state. More details to come– check website.
Westminster and First Presbyterian students worked together on the Serving Albany Youth Mission in June
Emily Bianchine, Hannah Dorn and Joshua Bliss helped with the First
Maxine Quaye helped with the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry.
State Employees: Please remember
FOCUS in the SEFA campaign.
FOCUS’ number is 50-00147
All donations go directly to the
FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen.
Thank You Volunteers!
A core portion of FOCUS’ identity is its volunteers - the very heart and
soul that enables FOCUS to do as much as we do. We could not provide
the 150,000 meals that nourish our guests, nor the hospitality, compas-
sion and justice seeking spirit without the village of people who help in
our programs. In 2014 there were 278 volunteers who provided 7,910
hours of service in FOCUS programs (averaging out to 28 hours per
person).
This summer in July, on a hot steamy evening, volunteers gathered for
a lovely time of conversation and good food.
New York delegates at Bread Lobby Day.
Volunteer Picnic
Paul Bascom Bob Frye
4 5
FOCUS Summertime Student Helpers
3
IN FOCUS is a publication of the FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. Rev. Debra Jameson, Editor. FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization covenanting with Delmar Reformed, Emmanuel Baptist, First Church in Albany, First Israel AME, First Presbyterian, Trinity United Methodist, and Westminster Presbyterian. Affiliates of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry Program in-clude Congregation Beth Emeth, First Church in Albany, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Islamic Center of the Capital District, New Covenant Presbyterian, and the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
The FOCUS office is located at 275 State St.,
Albany NY 12210.
Phone: 518-443-0460 FAX: 518-443-0461
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Focuschurches
Website: www.focuschurches.net
Gardening in a Bucket (GIAB) took place in the FOCUS
interfaith food pantry in mid-June and invited pantry
guests to take home a two-gallon pot containing toma-
to seedlings (far and away the most popular plant) or
bell peppers. Seed packets were also given out. About
40 families took part in the bucket giveaway and many
more took seeds to start their own gardens. Seeds in-
cluded broccoli, cucumber, sweet corn, yellow and
green squash, lettuces, and herbs. Over two hundred
seed packets were given away.
Along with this adult project, GIAB for Kids was a
great success! The project went “on the road” to four
sites in Albany and one in Menands. Brighter Choice
Elementary School for Boys greeted us warmly on
three days in late May. Sixty kindergartners partici-
pated in decorating pots and then planting them with
cherry tomato seedlings to take home. The next stop
was Boys and Girls Club, where six girls participated.
We also went to Schuyler Inn, a homeless family shel-
ter in Menands. Fifteen kids took part in this evening
activity. At Marillac Shelter, also for homeless fami-
lies, we started the evening’s activity with the younger
kids (Pre-K to third grade), but about half-way
through, several older kids came in and asked if they
could get involved too. We were happy to say yes!
Our last event was held at the First Church in Albany’s
Urban Day Camp, where 19 kids participated, bring-
ing the total number of participants to 114, more than
double the number from last year.
The best thing about GIAB for Kids was seeing the
excitement the kids brought to the project. They were
enthusiastic about both decorating their pots and plant-
ing their seedlings. Staff and volunteers were amply
rewarded for their work by seeing the kids’ eagerness
and smiles as they participated.
We could not have done this project without our won-
derful volunteers - Yolanda Bostic, Margie Gonzalez,
Lori Harris, Judy Hartley and her students, Pastor
Josh, Edith Leet, Juanita O’Neil and Paula Sippel –
who all brought zest and energy to the project and really
helped it succeed. A big “Thank You!” to all of them!
Becca Leet, GIAB Coordinator
6
FOCUS Summer Worship Bucket Gardening All Over Albany
Facts about the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry
How many can you answer?
1. What faith communities are affiliates of the food pantry?
2. Where is the pantry located?
3. When is the pantry open?
4. What are the most popular food items among guests?
5. How many families, on average, visit the pantry each
month?
6. How much food is given out?
7. What is the average number of visits families make per
year?
8. How many volunteer hours are utilized to keep pantry
operating?
9. The number of total pounds of food given out in 2014?
10. What is the 2-fold goal of the food pantry?
August 2 Worship at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Tea
ch-In
on
wa
ge issu
es
Ju
ly 5 W
orsh
ip a
t First
Presb
yterian
Ch
urch
Pantry Wish List:
Driver needed for Thursday 9:15 am pick-up at Food
Bank in Latham, now through mid-November*
Extra personal care items (deodorant, shampoo, bar
soap, razors, feminine items…)**
*contact Belinda at 443-0460, [email protected]
** A sister pantry will be closed during September and FOCUS
will be serving extra families from West Hill neighborhoods.
September 6 Worship at Trinity United Methodist
Sharpen your communication skills
Nonviolent Communication — “Learning the Language of
Love: an Introduction to Nonviolent Communication” will be held
on Wednesday October 28th, 1:30-3:30 pm, at Westminster Presby-
terian. FOCUS Board Member Rev. Susan Vincent Cox ,who is
certified in NVC, will be the facilitator. This event is open to all
FOCUS volunteers who are interested in learning more. If you
would like to know more about the NVC community in the Albany area,
'LIKE' the Facebook page NVC in the Capital NY Region. Please contact
Belinda at 443-0460 or [email protected] if you are
interested in attending this free event.
Individuals
2 7
Anonymous
Viola Abbitt
James and Carol Ackerman
Reszin Adams
Nick and Jeanne Alesandro
Aimee and Guy Allaud
Fran Allee
Jane and George Allen
Jim Amanatides
Mary K. and Anthony E. Amodeo
Richard Angelo
Cassandra and Victor Artale
Michael and Toni Asbury
Neil Rice and Astrid Petterson
Susan and Floyd Barwig
Joyce Bascom
Richard and Peggy Becker
Helen and Frank Benoit
Elizabeth Berberian
Susan and Albin Berzinis
Eileen Bossard
David and Ann Brandon
Paula Brewer
Leslie Bristol
Peter and Martha Brown
Carol Bullard
Patty M. Burch, In Honor of all the
volunteers who make FOCUS possible Ella Campbell
Scott Alan Carlton, Grateful for the
loving support of the FOCUS Ministry
Lois and Patrick Caulfield
Vanessa L. Cayford
Elaine Clawson
Hon. Richard Conti
Nicole Cooper
Martha and Thomas Corneil
Janet Cornell
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Correia, In Memory
of Robert and Caroline Barkman
Julia Creighton, In Memory of
Carolyn Garvin
Richard and Dawn Dana
Betty Devine
Kathy Donley
Kevin J. Dulin
Susan and Albert Easton
Irene Econome
James Edgar
Linda English
Robin Forshaw
Lawrence Gambino
Nancy Pierson and Gary Gold
Janet Gelzheiser, In Memory of Francis L. Gelzheiser
Shirley Gibbons, Grateful for the
dependable volunteers of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry
Arlene Gilbert, In Memory of Eva Gerrmill
Trudy and Larry Gordon, In Memory of Katherine Enockson
Mary Jo Green , Grateful for our care community in Albany area especially
Westminster Presbyterian
Ann Greenlee, In Memory of Dr. Grace Green
Worth Gretter
David and Margaret Hannay
Lori Harris
William Hasselbach
Lorelei Heidenstrom
Paula Hennessy
Nancy Horan
Pat and Bob Hunziker
E. Louise Jameson, In Memory of Donald Jameson
Wilma Jenssen, In Honor of Kitt Jackson
Dolores Johnson
Annette Johnson
Jim and Mary Kalas
Fran Kamp, In Memory of Paul Bascom Kane and Lekakis
Karen Kaufmann
Karen Kendall
Virginia King
Susan L. Klim
Dawn and John Knutson
Paul Koberger
Alison Kurtessis , In Honor of David
Corlett’s retirement from Delmar Reformed
Nancy Landrigan
Pat Lavin
Lawrie Lierheimer
Roseann Lohrey
Louise and Michael Lounsbery
Kenneth W MacDonald
Betty and Roy Mallory
Tony and Marilyn Malone
Barbara and Chuck Manning
Julie and David Martin
Margaret and C. William Mayer,
Celebrating 61 Years of Marriage
Elizabeth and David McMillan
Tom McPheeters
Peter and Donna Meixner
Ellen Messina
Elizabeth Miller
Esther Moore
Philomena M. Moriarty
Eileen Hoffman and David Munro
Terence P. Murphy
David and Martha Musser
Shirley and Rudy Nelson
Lynnette Noonan
Kathryn Nuding
Nancy Ost
Laura Paris
Jean Poppei
Margaret and Paul Randall
Kathy Ravida
Mrs. Clayton E. Rose
M. Ruth Russell
Peter C. Sarinelli, In Memory of
Ruth J. Culnan Peter and Nancy Schiff
Alice Schrade, Celebrating Family and
being able to help Tom Scott, In Memory of
Katherine Enockson Abraham and Mona Selover
Robert and Pamela Selover
Geraldine L. Shanley
Jeanette Sharp, In Memory of Robert D. Sharp
Peter B. Shawhan
Deborah G. Shoup
Edie Simpson
Mark and Linda Sippel, In Memory of Katherine Enockson
Dwight Smith
Carolyn Smith
Susan Sneeringer, In Memory of Janet
Hengerer and In Honor of Arthur Hengerer Elaine and Walter Spoor
Cora Stackelberg
Judith and William Jr. Stanwicks
Linda and Robert Stevens, In Honor of
David and Margaret Hannay
Judith and LeRoy Suess
Abigail Sugarman
Allan and Mary Jean Tedrow, Celebrating the FOCUS Ministry of
Rev. Debra Jameson
Ned and Patricia Trudeau, Grateful for Ministries of food, education and jobs.
Samuel A. Trumbore
Barbara Warner
Lois Webb
Lora Wesner
Arlen Westbrook
Donors Play Vital Role in FOCUS Programs
Contributions Made between April 2015 and August 15, 2015
(continued on page 8)
members include Judy Hartley (Westminster
Presbyterian), Donna Baker Holley (Delmar
Reformed), Anthony Malone (Emmanuel Baptist),
Peter Pagerey (First Church in Albany), Stephanie
Threatte (Trinity United Methodist), and with a
member from First Presbyterian to be named
shortly.
Nancy Horan, as President of the Executive
Council, convened the group on August 23rd to
begin the process. Tony Malone agreed to be
chair of the committee. It is hoped that we will
have a new Executive Director in place before
Rev. Deb leaves in order to have a period of tran-
sition. The Council will be responsible for the fi-
nal hiring decision. Your prayers and support
during this time are appreciated.
Connecting with Seniors Panel
On Wednesday, FOCUS Churches of Albany was
well represented at the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on Faith Communities: Keeping
Seniors Connected and Engaged! Pastor Susan
Vincent-Cox (First Church in Albany) led the key-
note address. Belinda Quaye (FOCUS Volunteer
Coordinator) and Lois Wilson (Westminster Pres-
byterian); Pastor Susan Vincent-Cox and Cheryl
Gowie (First Church in Albany) were on the Con-
necting Seniors panel.
Breakfast Express (BEX)
For two weeks in August the FOCUS Breakfast
Express moved outside on State Street.
Unwanted Visitors at
Community Garden
The FOCUS Community Harvest Garden, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, met with some tough challenges this summer in the form of 3-4 pesky groundhogs who were all too interested in disrupting the happy seedlings.
St. Paul’s Outreach Committee Chair Perry
Smith reports that thanks to resources provided
by FOCUS, supplies were purchased to put up a
fence. A professional came and moved the ground-
hogs to a distant home and the new fencing has
protected this summer’s harvest – pantry families
are enjoying the produce.
Thank You St. Paul’s!
Search Update
Continued from Page 1
Winter Breakfast Program
Can you help? The Winter Breakfast Program begins November 3. Volunteers are needed T, W and TH mornings. Email Belinda at [email protected] or call the FOCUS office 443-4060.
8
IN FOCUS
275 State Street
Albany, NY 12210
We Need Your Help
Your contributions make a positive difference in the
lives of our hungry neighbors.
The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry is now providing a 6-day
supply of groceries to an average of 327 families each month.
The FOCUS Breakfast Express runs April through October and
serves a cold buffet breakfast twice a week.
Please help us by giving:
_____ $ amount
_____ $ amount — In honor of/in memory of (circle one) ______________________
_____ Please send me information about volunteering in FOCUS programs.
Name ____________________________________ Phone _________________________________
Address __________________________________ E-mail ________________________________
Please return to: FOCUS, 275 State Street, Albany NY 12210
Robert and Leslie Westphal, In Honor of
Bob Kamp, Paul Bascom and Irving Smith Betty Williams, In Memory of Drs. Elmer
and Grace Green, Israel AME Church
Lois Wilson
Gloria and David Wood, In Memory of
Irving Smith
F. Elizabeth Wright
Bill and Amy Yates
Alyssa Yeager, In Honor of Mark Yolles, from his friends in Channing Circle
Barbara Zaron
Margaret Zettle
David and Iva Zornow
Adirondack Beverages
Emmanuel Baptist Church
First Church of Albany
First Presbyterian Church
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
GE Foundation
Hannay Reels
Islamic Center of the Capital District
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
Trinity United Methodist Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Delmar Reformed Church
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
American Baptist Church Matthew 25 Fund
Donors Play Vital Role...continued from page 7
Vol. 9, No. 3 Fall 2015
Looking Ahead
September 28
Hunger Action Network Annual
Membership Meeting
@ Westminster Presbyterian, p. 4
October 11-13
Faith for a Fair NY gathering @
Dominican Retreat Center, p. 4
October 28
Winter Breakfast Volunteer
Orientation Luncheon, 12 pm @
Westminster Presbyterian
October 28
Non Violent Communication
Workshop Training, p. 6
November 3
Election Day
Winter Breakfast Resumes
November 14
Income Inequality Event @ Trinity
United Methodist, featuring John
Brueggemann, Prof. of Sociology,
Skidmore College—save the date!
FOCUS is the collabo-
ration of seven cove-
na nt i ng c hur c he s ,
joined by five faith af-
filiates and many
other partners —
united in a common
calling to serve
o u r n e i g h b o r s '
needs in Albany’s
Capitol Hill and be-
yond as God’s servant
people in a broken and
hurting world.
FOCUS
“to everything there is a season”
To the FOCUS Community,
By now many of you within the FOCUS
churches have heard of my intention to
draw my time at FOCUS to a close. To
those in the wider community circles
this may be the first you’ve heard that
I am ending this chapter of my journey.
Since 1999 I have been blessed with
the most meaningful and challenging
work of my career thus far. It has been
a calling, my life’s work in this time
and place and I have been honored and
privileged to have walked with you in
this shared life called FOCUS. I will
leave fulfilled in the knowledge that
together we have accomplished a signif-
icant piece in our common ministries.
We received the mantle from ecumeni-
cal and interfaith visionaries and cre-
ated a faith based nonprofit organiza-
tion. We have “focused” on a mission of
hospitality, mercy, advocacy and jus-
tice. It is a hybrid ministry that con-
tinues to be an ongoing experiment of
living God’s reign
together. There
are many chapters
ahead in your
shared life and I
truly believe God
is with you and
blesses you with
all good things as
you continue this
gift called FOCUS.
I will be transitioning from FOCUS at
the end of the year. I too look forward to
what God has for me next. I hope to see
you around as I plan to stay put and
work and play in the Capital Area.
We are on the journey together. Know
that you have blessed me and have been
to me a great community of support,
challenge and care.
Sincerely, with gratitude and love,
Search Update from President Nancy Horan
As guided by the FOCUS by-
laws it is the responsibility of
the Executive Council to hire
the Executive Director. This
hasn’t been an activity of the
Council in seventeen years so
I want to share with you the
process that has been put in
place. When the Executive Director position
becomes vacant, the Executive Council shall
appoint a committee to conduct a broad and
diligent search. The Committee will recom-
mend candidate(s) to the Board of Directors.
At its June meeting, the FOCUS Executive
Council created a search commit-
tee to solicit and evaluate re-
sumes, conduct interviews and
recommend a candidate for the
position of Executive Director of
the FOCUS churches. Advertising
of this position began in July on a
national level and through de-
nominational judicatories and
seminaries.
The search committee is made up
of representatives from the cove-
nant partner churches. Committee
Answers to “Facts about the FOCUS
Interfaith Food Pantry” (Page 6)
1. Congregation Beth Emeth,
First Unitarian Universalist
Society of Albany, Islamic Center
of the Capital District, New
Covenant Presbyterian, and St.
Andrews Episcopal. 2. Emmanuel
Baptist Church, 275 State St.,
Albany 3. Monday – Friday and
the last Saturday of the month
4. Produce and dairy products
5. 327 families per month
6. 18 meals per person
7. 4.5 visits 8. 2887 9. 131,656
pounds 10. To provide food to
hungry families today, and advo-
cate for just public policies that
address poverty issues.
Organizations
Contributions from
April 2015-August 15, 2015
Rev. Deb Jameson
Continued on Page 2
