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History

In December 2000, Nell Nichols shared with three other women, Valesia Daniels, Anissa Hicklen and Naomi Miller, her vision to organize a group of women who would work together to give back to the community by reaching out to children, the elderly and the less fortunate in a positive way.

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On Saturday, January 13, 2001, Mrs. Nichols' vision materialized with a meeting attended by eleven people, and the group now known as FOCUS Organization, Inc. was born. Eight of the eleven became charter members and four of the eight charter members are still members today. FOCUS stands for Family, Opportunity, Community, Unity and Sharing. The vision was that this would be a group of caring, motivated and willing women working together helping families, children and the elderly within the community. It is also the vision of FOCUS that the members fellowship and provide emotional support for one another. Therefore, the members worship together once a quarter, have an annual outing, celebrate each person’s accomplishments, and acknowledge and support members in any adversities that they might face. There are currently 23 FOCUS members. 

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Since that historic day in 2001, members of FOCUS have worked diligently to ensure the vision stays alive. FOCUS has provided community services in various ways. We have fed the homeless, given educational assistance, adopted families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, provided Easter baskets and school supplies to homeless children, visited the elderly in rest homes and provided them with gift baskets and Christmas caroling. We unofficially adopted a few organizations that we help and share necessities with two or three times a year: Durham Urban Ministries, Harbour House Ministries, and Ellison’s Rest Home. These accomplishments have been made possible through dues, donation of time and effort, and various fundraisers throughout the year. Our annual fundraisers are pecan sales, scholarship dinner and this year, we have added concessions at Durham Bulls games. 2003 was a very significant year for FOCUS because we became incorporated, received state tax exemption, and gave our very first scholarship award.

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In 2004 we received Federal tax exempt status, and were able to give four scholarships. With your help, FOCUS has provided more than $116,500 in scholarship assistance to deserving young ladies attending colleges or universities. FOCUS Organization, Inc. is a past recipient of the MLK, Jr. “Keeper of the Dream” award for its community service work.

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People assisting in our endeavors can now write off their donations on their taxes. This shows that visions do materialize, dreams do come true, and God continues to rain down blessings as we send up praises. It is the hope and commitment of FOCUS that through our efforts, we will make a positive difference in our community and help to make it a healthier, safer and friendlier place to live.

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