2023 Year In Review

The motto of Friends in Focus is “we serve, not because of what we give, but why we give”. The simple meaning of this phrase is being of service, helping others is much more important than the act itself. A service can provide hope, which can inspire the recipients to explore opportunities that may not have been realized previously. Our role is not to wait for someone else to address a need when we are capable and with collaboration, success is more than possible, but probable.

This is why we are thankful for 2023, it was another great year for Friends In Focus. We hear so much about the shortages of goods and services and labor due to the pandemic, but rest assured, there has been no shortage in our efforts to serve in Montgomery County. We continued to embrace our mission of  increasing educational opportunities in the schools of Montgomery County, North Carolina and developing and implementing programs and activities for senior citizens in the community.

Some of our efforts included the following:

• the Ninth Annual Community Appreciation Gala on June 24th of this year. We recognized Mrs. Mary B. Gilman, an educator. Mrs. Gilman received the Milfred F. Greene Outstanding Achievement Award for her work inside and outside of the classroom. Like Mr. Greene, she dons the title “A Passionate Educator”, which was also the theme for the night. With over 200 guests, it was a time of fun and fellowship for the community.

• our scholarship program returned to its pre-COVID form where we provided scholarships to eleven (11) college bound students. These students were recognized at the aforementioned gala. Also, at the gala, we heard from 2014 scholarship recipient, Mr. Elvin Bounphengsy, outlining the great work he is doing in information technology. It is encouraging for current scholarship recipients to hear about the success of previous scholarship recipients.

• the Annual Mt. Gilead Back to School Picnic and Rally, once again used a drive-through format. This was the 8th edition of the back-to-school picnic and rally, and minus the picnic; it was quite successful. Volunteers assisted in distributing bookbags, other school supplies, books to read, and snacks to 131 students. Also, financial contributions were made to the student emergency funds of several schools. This event was possible through a community-wide effort, coming together in the name of education, supporting Montgomery County students. We are especially thankful to the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Gilead, NC, and the Ministerial Alliance for their collaboration.

• the Friends In Focus Summer Enrichment Program, located at Highland Community Center, is designed to work with students in reading, behavior, and citizenship. This three-week program included a trip to the Qubein Children’s Museum in High Point, NC, and concluded with a celebration of almost 20 students’ accomplishments. We were very pleased with their progress.

• each year, Friends in Focus reaches out to families needing assistance with their efforts to provide holiday gifts for their children. Working with the school district personnel and community leaders, we selected two families, with a total of four (4) children. This is always a heart-warming experience for us.                    

On behalf of Friends In Focus, thank you for your support and we look forward to a successful 2024.

“we serve , not because of what we give, but why we give”