FOCUS

Vol. 4, No. 3 Fall 2009

Leading with Our Strength

By Rev. Deb Jameson, FOCUS Community Minister

Looking Ahead
October 28 Breakfast Program Volunteer Lunch
Westminster Pres., Noon

November 3 Breakfast Program Starts

Westminster Pres., 7 a.m.

December 21 Memorial Service for Homeless

Location TBA

In case we needed more evidence of the hardship inflicted by the country's devastating economic crisis, last month we got it: first, more Americans than ever are receiving food stamps. The Department of Agriculture reported that 35.1 million people relied on government help to buy groceries in June. Thats 713,000 more

February 7 FOCUS Annual Meeting

Westminster Pres.

Election Day Marks Start of Breakfasts

The 26th season of the FOCUS Winter Breakfast Program begins on Election Day, Nov. 3. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week through April 15, you can find a hot breakfast served 79 a.m. at Westminster Pres., 85 Chestnut St. Returning staff include Rodney Pringle, Janitor; Becca Leet, Food Manager; and Missy Marceau, CoCoordinator. Glenn Van Oort joins the staff this year as Co-Coordinator. Orientation and a luncheon for volunteers are scheduled for October 28 at Westminster Pres. To sign up, please call/email Alison at 443-0460, focuschurches @juno.com.

March 19-22 Ecumenical Advocacy Days

Crystal City, VA

May 2 CROP Walk

First Lutheran, 1 p.m.

May 21-22 Come Alive & Thrive Conference with Rev. Tony Cam polo
Location TBA

June 13-17 Bread for the World Gathering

Washington, DC

than in the previous month and a 22% jump from the previous year. Second, just two weeks ago the US Census Bureau released data estimating that the number of Capital Region residents living in poverty grew in 2008 to 10.6 percent from 10 percent in 2007. Some 84,224 of the 791,096 people in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties are living below the poverty line, according to the Census Bureau's 2008 American Community Survey estimates. These last 12-18 months have been extremely brutal on those living in poverty. How has this impacted our work together? More working families are relying on emergency feeding services and public assistance programs than in past years. The FOCUS Winter Breakfast experienced a 25% increase in the number of meals served (16,000) and morning guests (120). Last month, we saw 288 families with 194 children come through our Pantry, totaling 10,450 meals given out. These numbers will not be declining anytime soon. Providing these resources (continued on page 7)

Interfaith Pantry Increases Aid to Households

The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry has increased the amount of groceries for guests to six days worth of food instead of five. That provides the equivalent of 18 meals per person. This summer, the Pantry served more than 800 families and 30,000 meals. The Pantry is looking for volunteers to help pick up orders at the Regional Food Bank in Latham once every 3-4 weeks. If youre interested, please call Lorraine at the FOCUS office, 443-0460. Lord, to those who hunger, give bread. And to those who have bread, give the hunger for justice. Latin American Prayer

Inside
Summer Projects...4-5 Save the Dates...........7
FOCUS is the collaboration of five churches in Albanys Capitol Hill united in our common calling to serve our neighbors needs as Gods servant people in a broken and hurting world.

State Employees: Please remember FOCUS in the SEFA campaign. FOCUS number is 50-00147

FOCUS Welcomes New VISTA Staff Member

the Peace Corps, but in America), with the central goal of eliminating poverty. VISTA Fellows work behind the scenes in nonprofit organizations to build the organizations capacity and sustainability. Alison grew up just across the river in Averill Park. She has been living in Albany for the past three years, and she recently completed her bachelors degree in English from the University at Albany. Her interest in the VISTA program came from a desire to give back to the city she has grown to love. I thought the VISTA program was a good way for me to use the skills I gained in college for the good of people living in Albany, she said. You cant live here without seeing the evidence of poverty all around, and I felt that indirect service would be the Fight Poverty Passion best way for me to make a difference. Alison chose to work at FOCUS because she felt it was a cause she could really get behind. Nutrition has always been very interesting to me, and I think in this country we often take for granted the availability of food, she said. I
w ith

Pantry Pays Tribute To Special Helpers

At its Volunteer Recognition Dinner on September 25, the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry recognized volunteers and organizations that have made significant contributions to its operation. Bill Mayer, a member of Westminster Presbyterian was honored for his decades of service to the FOCUS ministries. Emmanuel Baptist Church was recognized for its gracious hospitality and patient love, in making space for the Pantry operations and its volunteers, Margie and Bill Mayer staff, and guests. Thanks go also to the following for their donations to the Pantry since February: Lynn Czerw, Mary Scott, Bethlehem Lutheran, First Unitarian, St. Andrews Episcopal, Jerry Nackenson, Pam & Jim OBryan, Westminster Presbyterian, New Covenant, Apostolic Gospel, Congregation Beth Emeth, Lewis Boxwell, First Presbyterian, Emmanuel Baptist, Zoe Avery, and Trinity United Methodist.
Alison Roblin

Emmanuel members receiving a certificate on behalf of the congregation are (l. to r.) Becca Leet, Pat & Bob Hunziker, and Edie Simpson.

Restaurant Nights to Aid Hunger, Homeless Relief

On November 14 and 15, area restaurants will band together to fight hunger and homelessness in our community. The restaurants will donate 10% of their proceeds to FOCUS feeding programs and the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society. Our neighbors living in need have been hit especially hard by the economic downturn and we have experienced a significant increase in the number of people seeking help this year, said Rev. Deb Jameson. The Restaurant Nights (Nov. 14 and 15) are designed to bring attention to two critical issues in our community and to raise awareness and build support for families and individuals in our community who are living in crisis. A list of restaurants is in formation and will be sent to congregations in early November. Visit www. hatas.org for an updated list.
ITS EASY TO HELP FOCUS FEED THE HUNGRY! Just visit www.igive.com, register FOCUS Feeding Programs as your cause, and download the iGive toolbar. Then every time you search the Internet or buy something online through iGive.com, FOCUS Feeding Programs receive a donation at no cost to you!

Some of you may have already met our newest addition to the FOCUS staff, Alison Roblin. Alison has come to FOCUS through the Siena College VISTA Fellows Program, which recruits and trains college graduates to complete a year of service in a number of local nonprofits in the capital region. VISTA is a governme ntfunded program through Americorps (much like the

wanted to do my year of service where I could have a tangible impact on the lives of people who dont always have their basic needs met. Upcoming projects include coordinating volunteers for the Winter Breakfast Program, coordinating the spring FOCUS fundraiser, and representing FOCUS at fundraising and recruitment events. Alison is honored to be part of the FOCUS team and looks forward to a challenging year of service.

Americorps Worker Starts Second Year

Will McMorris completed his first year of service at FOCUS and has accepted an offer to stay on for a second year. Will continues in his role as parttime office manager, answering the phones, overseeing mailings, restocking the Pantry, and interfacing with many of our guests and volunteers. He recently represented FOCUS at the Capital Region Ecumenical Organization gathering. I am blessed to be part of what I call my FOCUS experience, Will says, but it is so much bigger than that. My heart is filled by what we all do in the name of our Lord for those FOCUS helps. Campolo To Keynote Come Alive Conference Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, author of Red Letter Christians, will keynote the Come Alive and Thrive Conference set for May 2122 in the Albany area. FOCUS is a cosponsor. Save the date.

Nutrition Programs Up for Reauthorization

This fall, Congress is reviewing the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, which was set to expire on September 30. The act includes all the federal child nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast and the National School Lunch Programs, the Summer When Did I See You Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Hungry? Food Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Although the programs are permanently authorized, Congress uses the reauthorization process to review and update them to meet current Watch for launch needs. Advocates are urging Congress to of our new expand the programs and make them more FOCUS website! nutritionally sound. As FOCUS went to print, Congress appeared headed for a short-term extension of the popular nutrition law. To follow latest developments, go to the Food Research and Action Center: www.frac.org.

Pantry Manager Lorraine Houk (center of circle) visits Emmanuel Baptists Rainforest Adventure to accept a gift to the Pantry that the children collected over the summer.

Summer in FOCUS Means Learning, Sharing, Worshipping, Playing

Instructor Matt Lahut (left) works with students to solve some hardware issues.

Computers Generate Insights For Both Students & Teachers

Fourteen high school students, all from low-income families, were in the second graduating class of FOCUS Computers for Kids program this summer. They now know how to take a computer apart and put it back together. They also know how to create a website, do a Powerpoint presentation, and use various kinds of software. They can speak the lingo of computers now, said Jordan Mitchum, one of the instructors. And they learned not to quit when they ran into a problem, even when it would have been easy to give up. The students were told that they now have the skills to work in the computer section of any area big-box store. Some of them have already expressed interest in pursuing Information Technology as a career. And their handson experience will continue. Each student keeps the computer that he or she worked on. Were leveling the playing field to give these low-income kids equal access to technology because its not level as it stands now, said Rev. Deb Jameson. These kids come from families that have faced tremendous hardships and lack of opportunities. The kids didn't have a lot of hope and its exciting to see that they now have marketable skills and they see the potential for a job in the computer industry. The students arent the only ones who benefited from the summer experience. For

Matt Lahut, the lead instructor (and a member of Emmanuel Baptist), it was his first professional experience as a teacher. When I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a bachelors degree in Computer Science seven years ago, I thought I would be doing office work for most of my professional career, Matt said. And I was okay with that. But as a college student, no one told me that office work is only as interesting as the project you are assigned to complete. After graduation, all the fun work was taken, and I found myself working on uninspiring software projects that I wouldnt choose to use on my ownand this significantly increased the challenge of staying focused and working at peak performance. The opportunity of working as an instructor at Computers for Kids was a significant change of pace. I had a lot of flexibility in creating potential lesson plans, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but never overwhelming. The class kept me on my toes in a very positive way. Although I had grown up with informal teaching and leadership roles, this was my first time those two roles came together in a paid position. Many teachers say that they like their jobs because of the growth they see in their students. I appreciate that as well, but theres something more: teaching work has had a great impact on my work ethic. In simple office work, its too easy to procrastinate or not work up to ones potential, with only one person to answer to. But in a classroom, my choices visibly affect the lives of 14 students every day. Its 14 times as important that I do a great job, and not just be another cog in (continued on page 6)

FOCUS summer worship meant fellowship, communion, and celebration of our mutual faith and of Rev. Deb Jamesons 25 years of ordination. (Clockwise from above) coffee hour at First Presbyterian, communion at Emmanuel, Rev. Deb with Rev. Paula Gravelle and Steven Carlson, welcoming First Lutheran into the FOCUS family, and a celebratory reception at Emmanuel.

School Supply Project Is Major Success!

By any measure, FOCUS 2009 School Supply collection was a major success. One hundred nine or m or e c hild ren from families who use the Pantry picked up backpacks full of supplies in the week before school began. Forty students living at Schuyler Inn (an overflow shelter for homeless families) also received backpacks full of school supplies. After meeting the needs of individual students, the project donated three or more large boxes of school supplies to each of 16 Albany public schools, who will distribute them to low-income students during the school year. Charitable donations from Tough Traveler in Schenectady and the State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU) enabled the project to provide backpacks, and many contributions of money, supplies, time, and energy filled them. Generous donations of supplies were made by: Anonymous, Lynn Czerw, Sandy Damhof, Laurie Graham, Mary Green, Rich(continued on page 6)

Golfers Raise Food Funds

The rain held off (mostly) for the friendly competition among golfers from our congregations and community last month at Frenchs Hollow Fairways. Neck and neck, three of the teams finished within one shot of each other, but the Westminster Presbyterian foursomeJohn Bossung, Jr., John Bossung, Sr., John Kinum and Rich Morgan dominated with an 18-hole round of 68. Longest Drive belonged to John Bossung, Jr., of Westminster Presbyterian and Closest to the Pin was picked up by Ken Graham, Jr., of Emmanuel. Kudos to Ian Leet, Lorraine Houk, and Alison Roblin for cooking and organizing. Thanks to generous participants and sponsors, the event raised $2,296 for the FOCUS feeding programs.

Bucket Gardening Grows In Participation, Support

Gardening in a Bucket 2009 saw a 48% increase in participation and a 25% increase in seedling distribution from 2008 totals. During the month of June, 71 Pantry families received plants, soil, buckets, and fertilizer along with more than 250 seedlings and seed packets for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, parsley, lettuce, and radishes. Many of the gardeners were very excited about the idea of growing their own vegetables for the first time. We are pleased to be the recipients of a nationally competitive A Pantry guest grant from GardenBurger to takes home a continue Gardening in a Bucket in tomato seedling. the summer of 2010.

Save the Dates: To Remember, To Feed the Hungry, To Advocate for Justice

Leading with Our Strength...

(continued from page 1) has resulted in more people power, time, deliveries, food orders and finances to keep pace with these growing numbers. How have we responded to these tumultuous times? Together we have opened our arms and hearts, sharing our resources generously. It has meant more volunteers and staff making sure that along with meals and groceries people in need of FOCUS services are treated with respect and compassion. We continue a commitment to feeding our hungry neighbors today while seeking just public policies and laws that will eliminate hunger and make food security a right of every individual. FOCUS feeding program contributions have remained steady during this lean period, an indicator that supporters don't shy from being charitable during tough times. There is awareness among our givers that though we may all be tightening our belts, the poorer and hungry among us have no belt to tighten. The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry is now providing a six-day supply of food (18 meals per person) for every household. tion weekend addressing this FOCUS Winter Breakfast opens November 3 to global injustice. Join hundreds of joyfully offer hospitality, faith-based advocates in taking safe space, a take-away action on U.S. legislation that will lunch, and a hot breakfast welcome immigrants, protect refugees, and prevent displaceto anyone who is hungry. A L at in Am eric an ment of millions. Please mark your calendars for prayer guides us daily in the life and work of our colMarch 1922, 2010 to attend the next Ecumenical Advocacy Days laborative efforts: Lord, to those who hunger, give Conference. The 2010 conference will be held at the Doubletree in bread. And to those who have bread, give the hunger Crystal City, Virginia. Details are for justice. at advocacydays.com. The 2010 Bread for the Walking to End Hunger World Gathering will be June 1317 in Washington DC. Bread The 2010 CROP Walk for the World is an advocacy orwill take place on Sunday, ganization promoting a collective May 2, 2010. Christian voice urging decision The Walk in makers to end hunger in the Albany is one United States and abroad. Details of the largest are at bread.org. in the counMake plans now to attend try. It raises one or both of these events. close to $100,000 each year For scholarship information, for hunger programs here e-mail Rev. Deb Jameson at and abroad. Plan now to be focuschurches@juno.com. a CROP Walker next Ma y.

Christopher Higgins, Albany County Legislator representing residents in the 6th District, presents a grant from Albany County to Rev. Deb Jameson as Will McMorris, Edie Simpson, and Lorraine Houk look on.

FOCUS Team Walks for AIDS Aid

Thanks to the FOCUS Team who walked last month in AIDS Walk 2009, celebrating the lives of persons with HIV/AIDS and raising money for needed local services. Coordinated by Stephen Winters, our team raised $947! The event was sponsored by the Community AIDS Partnership, a program S. Winters of CARES, Inc.

School Supplies Project...

(continued from page 5) Reformed, Emmanuel Baptist, First Presbyterian, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Laurie Graham, Mary Green, Richard Hansen, Becca Leet, Edith Leet, Paula Hennessy, Pauline Jacobus, Journey United Church of Christ, Fran Kamp, Barbara Lahut, New Covenant Presbyterian, Britany Orlebeke, Mary Rothrupt, St. Andrews Episcopal, St. MargaretMarys, Harriet Seeley, Mary Jean Tedrow, Trinity United Methodist, the Vandervoots, Chris Wager, and Lisa Walker. and Westminster Presbyterian. We thank the following individuals for the volunteering to sort, pack, and distribute the supplies: Mary Jean Tedrow, Becca Leet and Edith Leet (Coordinators), Aimee Allaud, Jane Allen, Nancy Benedict, Cindy Dwyer, Jane Ferguson, Pat Foster, Gary and Kathy Hammer, Jeanne Kardash, Barbara Lahut, Matthew Lahut, Archana Mane, Shweta Mane, Carol Anne Manzer, Vera Scadura, Lisa Walker, and Deacon Christine Wickman.
I FOCUS is a publication of the FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. Rev. Debra Jameson, Editor. Graphic design and production by EHL Editorial Services, Albany NY. The FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. is a not-forprofit 501(c)3 membership organization including Emmanuel Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Israel AME Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Affiliates of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry Program are Congregation Beth Emeth, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, New Covenant Presbyterian Church, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Program Partners include Delmar Reformed, Delmar United Methodist, and First Lutheran Church. The FOCUS office is located at 275 State St., Albany NY 12210. Phone: 518-443-0460 FAX: 518-443-0461 Email: focuschurches@juno.com

A Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil for our homeless friends who have died during the year will be held on the Winter Solstice, December 21. Time and location will be announced.

Advocating for Justice on a Global Basis

Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a movement of the ecumenical Christian community and its recognized partners and allies. It is grounded in biblical witness and shared traditions of justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. Through worship, theological reflection, and opportunities for learning and witness, the goal is to strengthen our Christian voice and to mobilize for advocacy on a wide variety of U.S. domestic and international policy issues. Theme for the 2010 conference is: And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. Luke 9:58 Jesus had no place to lay his head. Neither do tens of millions of immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons. Be a part of an ac-

Computers Generate Insights...

(continued from page 4) the system. And its a great feeling when I do it right. Sponsors of Computers for Kids include the FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc., Albany County Legislature, Albany High School, American Baptist National Ministries, City of Albany Summer Youth Employment Program, Delmar Reformed Church, First United Methodist Church of Delmar, Hannay Reels, Kopp Family Foundation, nfrastructure, Standish Family Foundation, Times Union Hope Fund, Westminster Presbyterian Mission Committee, and individual donors.

FOCUS Worship & Annual Meeting

February 7, 2010 Westminster Presbyterian

We Need Your Help

The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry is now providing a 6-day supply of groceries to an average of 250 families each month. The FOCUS Breakfast Program served more than 16,800 meals in 2008-09. We expect more people will need a hot breakfast in 2009-10. Your contributions help feed hungry families in Albany. 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 Address______________________________ E-mail

Phone __________________________ ________________________________

Please return to: FOCUS, 275 State Street, Albany Y 12210

Gifts to FOCUS from June 1 to September 30, 2009

Individuals: Ted & Reszin Adams, Nick & Jeanne Alesandro, Aimee & Guy Allaud, Keith Barber, Christina & Edward Blanchard, John Bossung Jr., John Bossung Sr., Lewis T. Boxwell, Wesley & Barbara Bradley, Leslie Bristol, Stacy & Paul Brodfuehrer, Martha Brown, Carol Bullard, Pat Ca mpbell, Pamela Clements, Hon. Richard Conti, Barbara Cooley, Martha & Tom Corneil, Priscilla Crago, Gerard Deighan, Irene Econome, Linda English, Katherine Fletcher, Fran & Janet Gelzheiser, J. Kenneth Graham, David & Margaret Hannay, Katherine Harris, Virginia Hayes, Lee Helsby, Gail & Sam Hill, Kathleen Hodges, Nancy Horan, Pat & Bob Hunziker, Pauline Jacobus, Fran & Robert Kamp, Dorothy King, Kathy Linhardt, Michael Lounsbery, Julie Mader, John & Norma Malagrida, and Barbara & Chuck Manning. Also, Sandra & Tom Marston, Mrs. Frank Martin, William & Margie Mayer, Lorna McCartan, Suzanne McClure, Tom McPheeters, Donna & Peter Meixner, James & Margaret Miller, Russ & Rebecca Myer, Pam & Jim OBryan, Nancy Ost, Sylvia Pirani, Margaret & Paul Randall, Ann Raymond, Jim Reisner, Andrea Ricard, Peter Rupert, John & Ruth Russell, Peter C. Sarinelli, Vera Scadura, Martha & Fred Schroeder, Peter & Nancy Schiff, Robert & Pamela Selover, Abraham & Mona Selover, Alexandra Shepherd, Elizabeth Sipe, Allan & Mary Jean Tedrow, Robert Therriault, Robert & Lois Thomson, Stella Tsai, Robert & Gail Van Kuren, Robert & Leslie Westphal, Ken & Margaret Wieland, Jacqueline Williams, Lois Wilson, Gloria & David Wood, Bill & Amy Yates, Pola & Mark Yolles, and Margaret Zettle. Faith Communities: Congregation Beth Emeth Social Action Committee, Delmar Reformed, Emmanuel Baptist Benevolence, First Presbyterian Mission, New Covenant Presbyterian, St. Andrews Episcopal, Trinity United Methodist, and Westminster Mission Committee. Organizations: Advanced Physical Therapy, Albany County Legislature, Feinstein Foundation, Garden Burger, St. Andrews Society, and State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA). Grateful for: the work of Deb Jameson by Linda Becker & John Wolcott. In Memory of: Lewis & Maria Carver by Andrea Carver, Brenda Biggs by Ray & Katherine Henrikson; Howie & Liz Foye, my parents, by Margaret Schalit; Linda Spoor Kwong by Elaine & Walter Spoor; all women and children who suffer the effects of war and conflict by Ned & Patricia Trudeau. In Celebration of: Our 67 th wedding anniversary by Charles & Ruth Estey. In Honor of: My children, Ashley and Meredith, by Caroly Synder Le mmon; Talib Alsaifullah by John Maddaus; Lois Wilson by Lorraine Plauth; Trinity United Methodist Church by Jeanette & Robert Sharp; Marian Lamar and Elly Rice celebrating their 80th birthdays by Robert & Linda Stevens; Aimee Allaud and the winter breakfast program by Dianne Symansky.

I N FOCUS 275 State Street Albany, NY 12210