Focus: HOPE

n 1968, Father William Cunningham (1930–1997) and Eleanor Josaitis co-founded Focus: HOPE, an organization dedicated to intelligent and practical solutions to the problems of hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness. Together, they adopted the following mission:

Recognizing the dignity and beauty of every person, we pledge intelligent and practical action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice. And to build a metropolitan community where all people may live in freedom, harmony, trust and affection. Black and white, yellow, brown and red from Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and religious persuasion we join in this covenant. —Adopted March 8, 1968

Since our modest beginning 43 years ago, we have grown to become a nationally renowned civil and human rights organization diligently working to bridge the racial divide in southeast Michigan through our

Food program,
Career training programs, and
HOPE Village Initiative.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, established in 1971, assists mothers, children up to age 6, and low income senior citizens age 60 and older. In 40 years, Focus: HOPE has been instrumental in providing canned and packaged food for 21 million people who struggle to survive on meager incomes.

Through Focus: HOPE’s career training programs, more than 11,000 talented men and women have established careers that pay sustainable wages. The graduates broke the race and gender barriers in the machinist trades and have helped diversify the workforce in the information technology and engineering areas.

Since the mid-1990s, Focus: HOPE’s community development and community arts programs have improved the quality of life for residents in its surrounding neighborhood. These efforts were expanded in 2009 with the launch of the new HOPE Village Initiative which is committed to supporting academic achievement of children living in the neighborhoods around the campus. Inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, the HOPE Village Initiative aims to make this area of the city a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

Our holistic approach has garnered Focus: HOPE numerous citations and awards from federal and state governments, national corporations and private institutions. Since our inception, we have touched the lives of thousands of people and today, we remain committed to our initial mission to pledge intelligent and practical action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice.

Please note: the email address above is for the Volunteers and Community Outreach department. See the website for contact info for other departments.