2020 Year In Review

2020 was the beginning of a new decade. In our wildest dreams, we did not imagine a year filled with uncertainty, fear, and alarm. With a pandemic as a backdrop, such description is understandable, and yet, some organizations steadied themselves and looked for alternative ways to address their mission, especially, when serving others. Friends In Focus had a similar mindset. We do not make widgets. As our motto states, “we serve…we give”

Although a number of our programs and events were cancelled due to the coronavirus, we still managed to be of service to others. We forged ahead in the following ways.

• volunteering in Montgomery County, NC for over eight years, we lent our voice in support of addressing the pandemic and highlighting those citizens disproportionately challenged by the virus. This included communication with the school system and the county leadership.

• with 55% fewer candidates than a year ago, the Friends In Focus Scholarship Program awarded five (5) college scholarships to minority seniors in the Montgomery County School System, encouraging more minorities attend college. It is expected this number will improve and return to usual levels in the new year.

• not deterred by the pandemic, the 5th Annual Mt. Gilead Back to School Picnic and Rally transformed to a drive-through effort. Volunteers assisted in distributing bookbags and other school supplies and snacks to over 120 students. Also, financial contributions were made to the student emergency funds of several schools. This was a successful community event, strongly supported by the faith community.

• we continued our consulting relationship with Highland Community Center and with the school system teaching 100% remotely, Friends In focus partnered with Highland to offer an afterschool program to assist students struggling with remote learning or did not have access to the internet. This was done adhering to all safety guidelines.

• each year, Friends in Focus reaches out to families, needing assistance with their efforts to provide holiday gifts for their children. Working with school district personnel and community leaders, we selected two families, each with five children. This is always the highlight of what we do every year.

• with our travel restricted and unable to implement a number of our programs, we focused our efforts on how to tell the story of our mission in hopes more will join us in serving the citizens of Montgomery County. As a result, we launched our new website in November 2020. It remains a work in progress. Please take time to browse https://www.friendsinfocus.org and consider the opportunities for engagement.

Yes, 2020 was a difficult year and Friends In Focus is ready to advance its mission with our supporters and those we serve. As we all work to put this pandemic behind us, let us all do our part by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing our hands. These are simple things we can do to help each other. After which, we can prepare ourselves to address the needs of those who have surely been hurt by this coronavirus.

As always, on behalf of Friends In Focus, thank you for your support. We look forward to 2021.

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