Faces of FOCUS

Parent Leader Rosa.

Rosa

Rosa is the parent of a child in Sadler Elementary School.  She has worked for English classes for herself and other parents who want to help their kids with their homework and communicate better with teachers. 

Minette Mullings 

Minette, a member of the John Calvin Presbyterian community organization in south Orlando, sees FOCUS as "making sure programs are provided to meet the needs of people."

Minette has become more concerned for other people through her participation in FOCUS. And, she has been impressed by how people who could not speak in public before a group have become confident leaders who are no longer afraid to speak out about "what they know is right."

"Well," Minette responded when asked about faith, "FOCUS begins with faith - it's faith-based with all meetings beginning with prayer even those with public officials and others." She concluded by saying: "The value of FOCUS lies in not only meeting the needs of the people but in helping them learn how to get things done in an orderly fashion. FOCUS encourages community involvement so that all work together, enabling them to accomplish more that one person working alone."

REV. ALFREDO MONTEIRO

Father Alfredo works with the community organization at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in South Orlando. "I like to work with FOCUS because it is an interfaith effort to help people, especially those who are in need and isolated", says Father Alfredo. Through FOCUS, he is "able to work with clergy and lay leaders with the same goal: the common good."

As associate pastor, Father Alfredo sees the work of FOCUS as especially important-not only for its ability to raise awareness about community issues-but also for providing opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.

"The discipline of FOCUS meetings and the organizing skills leaders learn give new meaning to their lives," Father Alfredo believes.

"I see excitement, happiness and hope every time we start working on a new issue. I always see Faith in Action."

PRISCILLA ROBINSON

Rev. Priscilla Robinson is an ordained member of the community organization ministry at First AME Church of Rosemont. Rev. Robinson believes that the success of FOCUS is due to the fact that "the members of FOCUS have the tenacity to ask the ‘hard questions' of those in power..."

Priscilla took on a leadership role at a public meeting with the County Mayor. "Because of my participation in FOCUS, I have grown more aware of my need to be involved in the political process. It is not acceptable to sit back and allow things to happen, since the public is ultimately affected by decisions made and permissions granted in the process."

"FOCUS is an invaluable sleeping giant to the citizens it serves. The brightest of futures remain to be seen in the wake of this work. My faith has been increased and my hope strengthened by the interaction with others in the community of faith." This is the value of FOCUS for Rev. Robinson.

"The wonder in all of this is the power that these relationships hold and nurture."

LULA PAUL

Lula Paul is currently involved in St. Margaret Mary Catholic's Church & Community Organization.

"Things are better in the community. I can visit my neighbors," says Lula. She and other leaders who live in the West Winter Park neighborhood have worked side-by-side with parishioners at St. Margaret Mary for a couple of years. "I pay more attention and participate more. Running meetings with other leaders makes me stronger." Last year leaders worked with City officials to ensure that all children had access to summer youth programs at the local community center through targeted promotion and scholarships.

This year, leaders are addressing concerns about public safety. The high volume of cars and speeding through the residential area of West Winter Park, as well as illegal parking, are frustrating and unsafe for residents. One child was struck by a truck while on his bike and other residents are scared for their grandchildren when they go to their bus stops and the community center-which lacks a good crosswalk. Lula shares that "A lot of us don't' pay much attention to people in our neighborhood and to what is happening with them, but FOCUS helps us pay attention to each other."