Focus America offers several programs that run every year. These programs started out as student-run projects that evolved into larger community service programs adopted by Focus America to continue throughout the year. All of our programs help underserved communities who require the basic necessities such as food and clothing while breaking the barriers of diversity and providing role models for the young.

On-Going Focus America Programs

Focus America's Family First Program: Qualified families are adopted for a 12-month period of time to receive monthly food, educational supplies, winter clothing, assistance during the holidays, and personal mentoring to help establish financial budgeting. Each family works with Client Coordinators who assist them during the 12 month period of time, helping to match the family up with available services and donors who provide the monthly food packages. Click here for more information.

Project Protege: An exciting and interactive national program that allows people from around the country to participate in the Family First Program, adopting a family in their own backyard. Mentorship is provided to these volunteers over the Internet in "virtual classrooms" donated by Blackboard. Click here for more information.

Annual Focus America Projects:

Project Holiday Cheer (2002, 2003, 2004): Focus America sponsors children from various agencies throughout the country. Student volunteers match children up with donors who send educational items, clothing, and toys during the holiday seasons. In 2002, we sponsored 75 children in Illinois and New Jersey. In 2003, we sponsored almost 1200 children in seven states. All children are working in the system with various government or non-profit agencies. Click here for more information.

Project Pencils (2003 & 2004): Focus America raises school supplies and uniforms for needy children who reside in our geographic areas. Distribution is based upon supplies donated and the needs of applicants. Student volunteers work hard collecting as many school supplies as possible to properly equip and motivate the children in need when they return to school in the Fall. In 2002, we shipped uniforms to students in Pembroke, Illinois. In 2003, we also distributed over 300 backpacks full of supplies to children in Morris and Passaic County, NJ. We also shipped four large boxes of pens, pencils, teacher supplies, staplers, and other items to Pembroke, IL. Click here for more information.

Project Winter Warmth (2002, 2003, & 2004): Student volunteers collect coats, hats, mittens, and blankets to donate to local community soup kitchens for distribution to the needy before the beginning of winter. In 2003, we donated over 500 coats in Newark and Morristown, NJ as well as 80 pairs of mittens to Pembroke, IL.

Click here to read our diary of efforts in all geographical areas and for all projects.