FOCUS celebrates 40 years of service

For Immediate Release

July 17, 2023

Media Contact: LaShayla R. Clark, [email protected], 470-610-0832

Atlanta nonprofit, FOCUS, celebrates 40 years of service to families of children with disabilities

 

“As a parent to a child with a disability, you quickly realize that the world was not made for individuals with disabilities, but FOCUS celebrates exactly who our children are and fosters connection and commonality amongst children and families. This is just as important today as it was 40 years ago when we began.” states Frances McBrayer, FOCUS Executive Director.

In 1983, two families seeking support for themselves and for their children with rare genetic illnesses founded FOCUS (Families of Children under Stress, Inc.).

Today, FOCUS offers wraparound programs of support to families of children, teens, and young adults who are medically complex or have significant developmental or physical disabilities as well as to bereaved parents.

What began as a small, living room support group has grown into a successful nonprofit organization serving over 4,500 families in Georgia. On August 26, 2023, FOCUS will celebrate 40 years of achievement at SummerFest.

In its first decade, FOCUS offered parent support groups and an annual education conference to help guide parents and to connect them to important resources for their children.

In 1994, FOCUS successfully ran its first summer of adapted day camp, Camp Hollywood. Camp Hollywood has grown to serve over 200 campers in eight locations across metro Atlanta.

“My son had a wonderful week. All of the staff and volunteers gave these young people a lot more than camp this year. You also gave us moms a little extra happiness” says a Camp Hollywood parent.

In 2009, the Kool Kidz Foundation merged with FOCUS, bringing with it active programs adapted for children with disabilities. One of these, fondly known as FAST Fins (FOCUS Adaptive Swim Team) continues to be only adaptive swim league of its kind in the Atlanta area. In 2022, FAST Fins reached a record number of 99 swimmers who improved their physical health and swimming skills while making friends with other children like them.

In 2017, the Fragile Kids Foundation merged with FOCUS, which marked the beginning of the FOCUS equipment program. This program includes a loaned equipment program and an equipment grant program. In 2022, FOCUS provided $151,000 in medically necessary equipment to children in need.

“I just wanted to thank you, FOCUS and all of the donors for the grant to purchase the Convaid Cruiser for my son. FOCUS has been a blessing in my life, not only for the grants, but all of the seminars, fun days, and all the other numerous support options” says an equipment grant recipient.

To celebrate four decades of service, community, and giving, FOCUS will host their annual fundraising event, SummerFest, at the Eagle Rock Conference Center on August 26th. This 21 and older event will include games, unlimited drinks, and dinner by Moe’s Southwest Grill. Featuring live music by the band 120 East and many prizes to win, including UGA Football tickets and more, the Atlanta community is sure to have a wonderful time celebrating 40 years of FOCUS.

You can purchase tickets to SummerFest at the FOCUS website here. More information about the FOCUS organization can be found at https://focus-ga.org/. All proceeds from SummerFest go to benefit the special children and families of FOCUS.

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About FOCUS

Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) was founded in 1983 by families who were looking for connection and support for their children and themselves. The mission of FOCUS is to embrace and equip families of children with disabilities to make everyday life better. Fun, Comfort, Hope and Equipment are the four pillars of FOCUS to create a community for families of children with disabilities. FOCUS offers wraparound programs of support to families of children, teens, and young adults who are medically complex or have developmental/physical disabilities. Programs include hospital support, workshops, adapted day and overnight camps, adapted swim teams, parent share groups, family camps and activities, grants for critical medical equipment, and more. To learn more, visit focus-ga.org.

 

For media questions contact LaShayla Clark, [email protected].

Contact Information

Name: LaShayla R. Clark, Development and Communications Coordinator

Organization: FOCUS – www.focus-ga.org; [email protected]

Address: FOCUS 3825 Presidential Parkway Suite 103 Atlanta, GA 30340

Phone: 770-234-9111

@focuskidsga