THE GENESIS OF A SHARED COMMITMENT
THE GENESIS
In early June 2020, a group of friends gathered for holiday enjoyment. While conversing about our community, we each talked about wanting to help uplift the community and our young people in some tangible way. We all felt a need to be of service to a community we have enjoyed and been a part of for many years. Having worked together as a group on past projects, we noted we all had a passion for service and agreed we worked well together. We decided to form a group focused on the change we wanted to see in the world. It is from these conversations that the Bryant, Maddox, and Moore families decided to form an organization where we could continue to be of service.
in July 2020, we came together to design a value-add and mutually beneficial faith-based 501c (3) not-for-profit organization and named it The Family FOCCUS Initiative LLC (“FFI”).
In December 2023, the Bryant family withdrew with "emeritus" status from their official roles in FFI leadership to pursue other quality-of-life endeavors.
OUR OUTREACH MISSION
Our mission is focused on assisting and equipping the at-risk student population in our community with the necessary resources that will help them obtain the academic skills, knowledge and self-motivations required to become self-sufficient. These essentials include (Academic Support) proper nutrition, personal hygiene items and supplemental school supplies, and (Scholarships for College) monetary encouragements to help graduating seniors pursue higher education for future success. In addition, we have established our first (Scholarships for College) for qualified graduating seniors from Hunter Huss High School. Applications are scheduled for April of each year.
OUR REWARDING JOURNEY
There are many at-risk schools in Gaston County, but we started our efforts with the Hunter Huss High School community. The COVID-19 pandemic created even more stressors for the community. Many families lost jobs and many students were learning remotely from home most of the week. Our community – was in great need.
Spectrum News1 “Everyday Hero” Recognition
Janet F. Maddox, as president of The Family FOCCUS Initiative (FFI), interprets this verse to mean, although we may not immediately see the reward for our good doings, they will come. Do not give up! Perseverance is key.
Spectrum News1 saw this Christian strength in Janet and on July 24, 2021, they selected her to be featured on their “Everyday Hero” community awareness television series. Janet’s nomination and selection was based on her tenure and retirement from the City of Gastonia, quasi-retirement employment with the City of Shelby, and more importantly, the community outreach performance of FFI.