Center For Children | Conference Center

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Weatherization Program

New jobs are emerging in the weatherization area as federal funding has been made available to help low income homeowners make their residences energy efficient. Our 10-week weatherization training teaches how to install insulation, replace roof shingles, install new windows, re-glaze windows, etc. Contractors hire our graduates because they know they have the skills needed to get the job done right. Learn more »

Health Care Training

Our new Patient Care Technician program helps individuals launch careers in the growing health care industry. Those who are new to the health care field can earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)certification and become a Patient Care Technican (PCT). Those who have CNA certification can complete the PCT program in just 16 weeks. This program is offered in conjunction with Oakland University. Students participate in hands-on learning at the Oakland School of Nursing Riverview Institute in Detroit. Learn more »

Grad from 2010

Cherrell Franklin, who completed her associates degree from Lawrence Technological University, is congratulated by Focus: HOPE Co-founder Eleanor Josaitis. Franklin is one of 11 students who completed their associates degrees and eight who completed their bachelor's degrees in engineering through Focus: HOPE's Center for Advanced Technologies. Learn more »

Information Technologies Center

Our ITC program is noted for its success in preparing students for certifications offered by Microsoft, CompTIA and Cisco. After completing their course work, students often work together in teams with an instructor to study for the exams. That team spirit permeates the ITC and reflects Focus: HOPE's commitment to help individuals start on the path to promising careers. Learn more »

Machinist Training Institute

New technology in our Machinist Training Institute allows students to use computer software and CNC machines for manufacturing. They also use manual machines, like lathes and mills, to learn manufacturing concepts. By the time they graduate, students are prepared for to work in a variety of industries. Learn more »

Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT)

Our Center for Advanced Technologies graduates well-rounded engineers who have both academic preparation and hands-on work experience. Students complete internships in various aspects of engineering, and the top students work on our government research and development contracts. The R&D exposes students to state-of-the-art technology. Learn more »

           

From a barren field rose a playground

Rain couldn’t stop it. Heat and humidity couldn’t stop it. Financial challenges couldn’t stop it. The construction of an entire playground at Paul Robeson Academy took place on July 24 with 268 volunteers working together to build a place where neighborhood children can exercise, use their imagination, and have fun. Learn more »

Puppets on Parade

Large scale puppets and robots were paraded through our neighborhood recently by their creators, students at Glazer Elementary School and Paul Robeson Academy. The children worked with students from University of Michigan to create the puppets and open discussion about their lives and the importance of education. The giant puppets were truly works of art. Learn more »

Family Learning Center Grand Opening

The Links, an association of professional women of color, presented Focus: HOPE with $50,000 at the Grand Opening of our new Family Learning Center. As the founding sponsor, The Links made it possible to create a center which will provide workshops, seminars and referral services for people living in the neighborhoods surrounding the Focus: HOPE campus in Detroit. Several hundred adults, families and children participated in workshops and health screenings at the June 29 opening program. The center officially opens on July 12. Learn more »

Center for Children

At our Center for Children, youngsters exercise their bodies and minds. Each day is filled with new experiences that promote intellectual, physical, emotional and social development. The new climbing wall in the gymnasium is one of the more popular activities for older children. Our Summer Day Camp is so popular that children ask to come back each year. Learn more »

Community and Economic Development

Focus: HOPE's commitment to the neighborhoods around our campus just got bigger. With the launch of our HOPE Village Initiative, Focus: HOPE will lead efforts to make this area a very desirable area to live, work, and raise a family. Our primary efforts will be directed toward helping families and supporting the education achievement of children at Glazer Elementary School and Paul Robeson Academy. Learn more »

Generation of Promise

Each year, high school juniors in the Generation of Promise program emerge with a greater understanding of diversity and a commitment to eliminate racism in our community. The teenagers start out as strangers and along the way develop friendships that span various cultural and economic boundaries. Students also participate in exercises that help them develop leadership skills. Learn more »

Youth Development

Urban and suburban teenagers share their experiences through two youth development programs at Focus: HOPE. In Focus on the Mission, students work with professional photographers to explore the city and its cultural areas. Before long, they are learning from one another and finding that, though their life experiences may differ, they share common interests and goals. Learn more »

             

Special Holiday Delivery

The generosity of our donors made it possible to purchase hams and fresh food for a special delivery in late March. Focus: HOPE CEO William F. Jones, Jr. distributed food boxes at the Village of Oakman Manor where Locie Davis, 67, was suprised and happy to receive the extra food. "I am most appreciative for the Focus: HOPE food program," she said, adding the special delivery was "a lovely gesture.” Learn more »

Food Program

Our food program is designed with the dignity of 41,000 participants in mind. In a setting that resembles a grocery store, participants receive a grocery list, make their food selections, then proceed through a checkout line. Nutritionally-balanced food is provided to mothers, children and senior citizens through this cost-effective program administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn more »

   

Braylon Edwards Donates Box Fans

Focus: HOPE and many of our food center clients are longtime fans of Braylon Edwards, a wide receiver for New York Jets and former University of Michigan All-American. For several years, Edwards has distributed food to those in need — and he recently returned with 250 box fans to take the heat off senior citizens and others who often struggle to get through hot summer days without air conditioning. Edwards and his family and friends distributed the fans in person at our Westside Food Center. Learn more »

Shop Rats Race!

Our Shop Rat wheelie car build has finished up with five of our engineering students who worked with 12 eighth graders from Paul Robeson Academy to build cars under the direction of Derek Sale, Robeson science teacher. The students raced their cars at the Michigan International Speedway in Jackson. The project was sponsored by the SME Foundation and Shop Rat Foundation. Learn more »

When the General Visits

Not many college students have the opportunity to interact with a four-star general. But when General Ann Dunwoody visited Focus: HOPE recently, Nichole Gilbert had the privilege of explaining her work on an exciting government R&D project. The project allows our engineering students to use the latest technology while researching how to restore parts that have been damaged by corrosion. Learn more »

Comcast Cares Day

Comcast employees spent a recent morning at Focus: HOPE working in our local park, planting flowers in the Focus: HOPE Park, and packing a record 2,250 food boxes for delivery to homebound seniors. Those pictured here worked in Ford/LaSalle Park where they painted the swing set (using their handy bucket truck to reach the top!), the flag pole, benches and the basketball posts as well as removed graffiti from the playscape, spread mulch, cleaned up 30 bags of debris and weeds, and edged the park. Whew! Thanks to the Comcast crew, the park is now ready for use by children in our neighborhood. Learn more »

Microsoft and WALK 2009

An enthusiastic team of Microsoft colleagues walked in support of the Focus: HOPE mission at WALK 2009. After walking four miles, they enjoyed entertainment and camaraderie afterwards. Microsoft, which also donates software for our Information Technologies career training program and for Focus: HOPE operations, has been a WALK sponsor for several years. Learn more »

         
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Video

WALK with us Oct. 10

The theme for our annual WALK on October 10 reflects our strong commitment to the community:  Embracing Detroit. Everyday.  Register now to participate or become a sponsor. It begins with a four-mile walk and is followed by food and diverse entertainment. The camaraderie at this event is unsurpassed.  Mark your calendars for 10-10-10.

Family Learning Center Special Edition

HOPE in Focus Family Learning Center Special Edition, June 2010

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