Spectrum News1 “Everyday Hero” Recognition
Supporting The Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center: A Domestic Violence Shelter
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.
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.
FFI Supports Food Lion Feeds
Janet Maddox, President FFI and Tyrone Food Lion Store Manager
FFI believes no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from or must make the choice between paying bills or buying food. That is why it is important for FFI to focus on alleviating food insecurity by providing support to nourish our local communities through Food Lion Feeds. We raised donations to provide 129 meal boxes, multiplied by (family of 4 members), equal 516 individuals impacted.
FFI Supports Unsheltered Homeless
Gastonia Street Ministry
” The Gastonia Street Ministry is very appreciative of the support given by The Family Foccus Initiative. The Gastonia Street Ministry is dedicated to helping the homeless with their everyday basic needs as well as their spiritual needs and we are always in need of partners to help us in our efforts. FFI has donated the essentials the homeless people need on a daily basis. The donations of foods, personal hygiene products, socks and clothing go a long way in meeting the day to day needs of our recipients. Thank you again for your continuous support. Minister Joan Williams
FFI Community Advocacy Observations
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
Food Insecurity on College Campuses
FFI is aggressively engaged as "Hunger Advocates" and will constantly conduct policy analysis and research across the country related to policies that impact hunger.
A The Hope Center report from spring 2020 found that 38 percent of students at four-year institutions were food insecure, in addition to 44 percent of students at two-year institutions - rates far higher than the national average. Despite increased demand for food assistance, full-time college students face barriers like the college SNAP rule that make it difficult to qualify for benefits.