FOCUS History

Over 50 years of faith, collaboration, and community service.

FOCUS was created in 1967 when four downtown churches joined together in response to great social change.​ ​ 

​​In the 1960s downtown Albany was undergoing radical change with construction of a new state office complex.  It was also a time of social change, the civil rights movement and anti-war controversy.

Four downtown churches (First Presbyterian, Emmanuel Baptist, Westminster Presbyterian, and Trinity United Methodist) were dealing with these issues and with many of the same questions. As a result FOCUS was formally created 50 years ago to “Do together what we could not do alone”

The FOCUS Food Pantry (opening in 1976) and Breakfast Program (opening in 1984), were formed as “temporary” feeding programs to meet the increasing need. Both have expanded and are still central to FOCUS’s mission.

Many volunteers from the FOCUS churches and the wider community are key to the operation of these vital programs. Advocacy has become an increasingly important part of FOCUS’s mission, addressing issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness – charity and justice go hand-in-hand.

FOCUS History Timeline

  • First Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Emmanuel Baptist Church formed Joint Planning Committee.

  • Trinity United Methodist Church joined, until 2025. First joint service was held in November, and first newsletter, named FOCUS, was issued in 1969.

  • FOCUS Food Pantry opened at Trinity, now located at Emmanuel.

  • FOCUS Community Garden, led to the hiring of Street Minister, Andy Russ.

  • Rev. Rich Guralnick began as Community Minister, until 1987.

  • Winter Breakfast Program started, 3 mornings a week at Westminster.

  • Rev. Kevin Wansor, began as Community Minister, until fall of 1992.

  • Israel African Methodist Episcopal Church joined, until 2015.

  • Tom McPheeters became Director of Community Ministry, until 1999.

  • Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson Valley joined, until it closed.

  • Rev. Deb Jameson began as Community Minister and Director, until 2015.

  • FOCUS incorporated and obtained a 501c(3) non-profit designation.

  • Delmar Reformed Church joined as a covenant partner congregation.

  • Breakfast Express began, 2 days a week during the warmer months.

  • The First Church in Albany joined as a covenant partner congregation.

  • Rev. Jim Ketcham, served as Executive Director.

  • (January) Richard Becker named Interim Executive Director & Rev. Renee Hollinshed served as Executive Director.

  • (April to September) Richard Becker served as Interim Executive Director & Fred Boehrer served as Executive Director until 2024

  • (June to January) Richard Becker served as Interim Executive Director.

  • Keith Leahey is currently serving as Executive Director.

Over the years, FOCUS Churches joined together in a number of other ways. These include, with a few examples:

Worshipping together:

Joint services sometimes with invited guest preachers, special music, Easter Dawn services

Collaboration with allies:

Hunger Action Network of NYS, Capital Area Council of Churches, Labor-Religion Coalition, Capital Region Ecumenical Organization, Interfaith Alliance, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless

Gardens and fresh produce:

FOCUS Community Garden, Harvest for the Hungry, Grow an Extra Row, Gardening in a Bucket

Programs for children and families:

Singing City Camp, Project Love, Computers for Kids, Stars & Bells, school supplies

Responding to needs in the community:

Task Force for Humanity in Justice (in response to Attica), Kairos Counseling Center, Albany Area Housing Opportunities, AIDS Care Team

Study, faith formation, training:

FOCUS Institutes, book studies, partnership with Capital Region Theological  Center, retreats, Advent and Lenten devotionals, Non-Violent Communication workshops

Take a walk down memory lane!

Step back in time and celebrate the rich history of FOCUS! This special 25th Anniversary publication offers a glimpse into the milestones, memories, and incredible community spirit that have shaped our journey. From humble beginnings to decades of service, this is a tribute to the people and stories that made FOCUS what it is today.