The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
While the unforeseen, unfortunate pandemic may have slowed down worldwide momentum, it did not stop progress at Focus: HOPE.
Swiftly, Focus: HOPE had to shift its operations, programs, and expectations. Under the leadership and responsive and precise decision-making of Portia Roberson, Focus: HOPE pivoted to provide direct assistance to thousands of people. It leveraged partnerships to offer much-needed relief to Detroit residents, hardest hit by the virus. And
overwhelmingly, it surpassed the goals it set out to achieve once the pandemic gripped the City. Prior to the State of Michigan’s lockdown, Focus: HOPE’s executive team met every day, strategizing, planning, and preparing for the worst-case scenario. Thanks to these efforts, Focus: HOPE avoided massive layoffs, continuing to support constituents by redeploying staff.
Meanwhile, Focus: HOPE continued to provide 41,000+ seniors with food every month. Workforce Development and Education (WDE) programs were
offered virtually. Early learning programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start, were paused, but teachers and staff continued to reach out to
families through tele-meetings. Additionally, Focus: HOPE provided its Early Learning families with food, milk, infant supplies, formula, and diapers.
Thanks to this work, Focus: HOPE mitigated the spread of the pandemic among employees and community members, but still provided thousands of dollars of value to the community through resources.