FOCUS is rooted in the Orthodox Christian understanding that serving others is not just charitable work, it is a way of encountering Christ Himself.

Our work is not only about meeting material needs, but about welcoming people into service that service that restores dignity, transforms lives, and builds community.

FOCUS operates service hubs or “Centers” across the United States, with new locations continuing to open each year. These Centers are locally rooted and nationally supported, allowing us to respond directly to the needs of each community while maintaining a unified mission. FOCUS also offers a variety of National Programs to communities across the country, regardless of their proximity to a FOCUS Center.

Depending on the Center, services may include:

● Daily meals and food distribution;
● Clothing closets and essential goods;
● Shelter, transitional, and long-term housing support;
● Job readiness and life skills programs; and
● Services for expectant and/or single mothers.

Many of our more established Centers also include chapels and regular opportunities for prayer. Many smaller-scale FOCUS Centers operate out of parishes and have a deep tie to the Church’s liturgical life.

We serve anyone in need regardless of background, belief, or circumstance. Our approach is rooted in hospitality, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as created in the image of God.

Volunteers serve both at local FOCUS Centers and through National Programs like YES (Youth Equipped to Serve) and the Back-to-School Backpack Program. These experiences are intentionally designed to be formative, helping participants grow in compassion, humility, and faith.

FOCUS honors donor intent and is committed to careful stewardship of all funds receive, along with the utmost transparency in communicating how those funds are accounted for.

When you give directly to a FOCUS Center, a baseline 92% goes directly to programs and services (with the National Office helping to bear administrative costs). Your gift supports tangible, life-changing work in communities across the country.

If you give to the National Office, your gift directly supports (i) ongoing administrative support and supervision for all Centers, (ii) the development of new Centers across the country, and (iii) the offering of National Programs which allow an ever-widening circle to directly participate in service.

Yes. You may choose to give to a specific FOCUS Center, the National Office, or National Programs (or some combination). FOCUS is a ministry with national reach and local impact. All gifts—whether local or national—help advance the mission of FOCUS across the country.

FOCUS is a privately supported organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, parishes, and private foundations. Alongside our work in serving vulnerable populations, the mission of FOCUS is also to mobilize the generosity of the faithful and direct it to an ever-expanding network of service.

Yes. FOCUS North America is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Yes. We accept:

● Qualified Charitable Distributions (IRA giving);
● Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) grants; and
● Gifts of appreciated stock.

These giving methods can provide significant tax advantages while maximizing your impact.

Yes. Our monthly giving program, The Circle of Saint Basil the Great, provides a steady and reliable source of support for our work.

Absolutely. We would love to connect with you personally. Reach out to development@focusna.org and a member of our team will respond.

We envision a Church known for love in action–where serving the poor reveals the living presence of Christ to the world. We are working to establish a FOCUS presence in more cities across the country—growing toward a network of 100+ Centers—each one serving as a place of encounter, healing, and transformation.

We work with local clergy and lay leaders to discern needs and build sustainable support for new, community-supported Centers. If you are interested in bringing FOCUS to your area, we would welcome a conversation. Reach out to info@focusna.org and a member of our team will respond.

We regularly share updates through:

● Email newsletters;
● Impact reports; and
● Stories from Centers and those we serve (videos, social media posts, etc).

We are committed to transparency and to showing how your generosity is making a difference in communities across the country.

FOCUS is governed by an independent Board of Directors, is overseen by an Executive Management Team (Executive Director, Director of Finance, Director of Development, and Director of Operations), and submits to an annual audit by an independent firm. FOCUS is affiliated with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, ensuring accountability and alignment with the life of the Church

No. While we provide essential services, our deeper mission is spiritual.

We believe that in serving others, we encounter Christ, and that this encounter transforms hearts, communities, and lives. Our work is an expression of the Gospel lived out in everyday life.