ANNUAL REPORT
2025
Greetings FOCUS Supporter:
Our annual report is in part a recognition of all who supported the work of FOCUS, but further conveys a real example of how the collective efforts of many can merge to generate a powerful force which turns into hope through intentional actions.
To the many who support our work – thank you! Whether your support was a financial or material donation or volunteering time, or both – the support you so generously gave made the mission of FOCUS come to life for thousands in our community who count on us in times of need.
In this report, you will see the impact we made together in 2025.This partnership of many does make an enormous difference in providing warmth and nourishment to our neighbors.
We can't thank you enough and we look forward to continuing our partnership with you in 2026.
With deep gratitude,
The FOCUS Team
2025 Annual Report Contents
2025 Program Highlights
School Supply Drive
This year, FOCUS worked with Albany City School District’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Cathy Edmonson, to identify students in most need of school supplies. The community’s response was overwhelming and required the rental of a U-Haul truck to deliver the thousands of items collected. Thanks to these donations, students started the school year better prepared and ready to learn. We appreciate everyone who supported the school supply drive.
Winter Wear Drive
Through the generosity of community donations, FOCUS was able to distribute 130 coats, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, and hand/feet warmers to those in need. Many of these items were provided to those currently unhoused. We are so thankful for the support from our community partners CDPHP & B. Lodge for their assistance in delivering warmth to our Breakfast Club Guests
Website & Brand
In support of these communications efforts, FOCUS launched a newly designed and modernized website and introduced a refreshed logo. FOCUS is grateful to Elizabeth Grayson, Founder & Designer of RoeJan Design (roejandesign.com), for the generous gift of her time and talents in making this work possible.
The updated website is mobile-friendly and more accessible, providing a clearer and more welcoming entry point for learning about FOCUS programs, impact, and ways to get involved. Together, the refreshed website and logo present a cohesive, modern identity that supports communication, builds awareness, and strengthens connections with the community.
Communications
In 2025, FOCUS took intentional steps to strengthen how we communicate our mission, impact, and available resources to the broader community. This work began with identifying who we are seeking to reach and clarifying the messages we need to share. As a result, FOCUS communications have become more consistent and centered on the hope that FOCUS brings to life and sustains within our community.
With the support of Erik Kriss, a retired reporter and communications professional, FOCUS conducted interviews with guests and volunteers to share personal stories and highlight the impact of our programs. Behind the scenes, we improved information sharing and support outreach efforts aimed at increasing awareness, volunteer engagement, and donor support.
FOCUS communications rely on active engagement from our community. Reading, sharing, and responding to emails, social media posts, and website content helps extend the reach of our mission and ensures that information about programs and resources is seen by those who need it most.
2025 Financial Highlights
Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report
Total Income: $916,030
Food Pantry & Breakfast Club
By The Numbers
Food Pantry
Total Meals Served: 159,606
(1 meal = 2 servings of fruits/vegetables, 1 serving of protein/dairy, & grains)
Total Individuals Served: 8,867
Children under 18: 2,917 (33%)
Adults 18-59: 4,745 (53%)
Adults over 60: 1,205 (14%)
Holiday Bags Provided:168
Breakfast Club
Total # of Breakfasts Served: 12,479
Total # of Take-Out Lunches Served: 11,905
Children Under 18: 1%
Adults 18-59: 79%
Adults Over 60: 20%
Volunteers
121 volunteers provided support at the Food Pantry and Breakfast Club.
Remembering Margery Whiteman
Serving with Passion and Purpose
Margery’s service to FOCUS went far beyond making hot breakfast in the kitchen or serving guests in the dining hall at the Breakfast Club. Margery believed in the work FOCUS was doing in the community, addressing food insecurity at the grassroots level. Heather Diddel, a long-time friend, reflecting on Margery, said, “Margery walked her path with passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to service and friendship.” She was very proud of the work FOCUS was doing in the community and was not shy about taking every opportunity to share it with others, becoming a community ambassador for the agency.
“Margery is the reason I learned about FOCUS. She loved what FOCUS did. Margery loved volunteering at the FOCUS breakfasts so much that she repeatedly spoke about it in glowing terms. So much so that my husband Sam and I couldn’t resist finding out more. The rest is history, as they say,” said Heather. As a result, Sam and Heather continue to serve FOCUS in the kitchen, making the best breakfast you can find in the Capital Region.
When asked why Margery volunteered at FOCUS, Michael Whiteman, Margery’s husband, said, “Margery felt very strongly about giving back to a community that was so generous to us.” “She knew there were many suffering in the same community we called home.” Margery became so committed to the work at FOCUS that even during times of health challenges, she still showed up to make someone’s day a little better. “I remember a time when Margery broke her arm, and she still showed up at breakfast!” said JoAnn Smith, a good friend and fellow FOCUS volunteer.
Margery began her service with FOCUS in 2016 and continued right up until her passing. Even during significant health concerns, Margery served as a member-at-large on the FOCUS Board of Directors, helping the agency look forward and plan for sustainability and the expansion of services to better serve our neighbors in need. On behalf of FOCUS and the guests whose lives she touched, we honor Margery’s faithful service and lasting impact.
Thank You To Our 2025 Individual Donors
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Wil C. Ackerly
Linda Allanson
Aimee Allaud
Christine Allgeier
Richard C. Angelo
John F. Barr III
Deborah A. Bartell
Sue Kamp and Ken Bean – In Honor of Fran and Bob Kamp
Richard and Peggy Becker
Rev. Brigid Beckman
Henry and Theresa Beekley
Elizabeth L. Berberian
R. S. Bird Jr.
Jeri S. and Robert Bosman
Lewis T. Boxwell
Mrs. Barbara Bradley
Paula Brewer
Leslie A. Bristol
Mark Brody, Attorney
Karen L. Brown
Joeanna Brown
Ellen M. Browne
Bruce Brynolfson – In Memory of Irving Smith
Carol Bullard
Shari Ann Burr
Jean Burton
Carol Lee Butt
Nicholas C. Buttino
Frank and Diane Callahan
Dominick M. Calsolaro – In Memory of Stephen Winters
Anthony and Alison Calvagno
Prentiss Carnell – In Honor of Janet Gelzheizer
Alice E. Carpenter
Dwight and Leslie Cheu
C. Elaine Clawson
Ellen Coffey
Hon. Richard Conti
Janet R. Conti
Mike and Laura Cooper
Rev. David and Susan Corlett
Janet B. Cornell
Kirkham R. Cornwell Jr. – In Memory of Regina Dew
Lura and Robert Correia – In Memory of Evelyn Roderick
Peter Crasto-Donnelly
Richard Cross
Nancy Crowder
David and Marilyn Curtis
Lynn M. Czerw
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Virginia Daley
Barry Z. Davies
Lynda DeBell
Ann and Mike Denton
Michele Desrosiers
Marion Dickenson
Catherine Dickert
Heather Diddel
Jim Wilkerson and Rev. Kathy Donley
Ian Duckor
Judith Enck and Mark Dunlea
Salvatore J Duva
Frederick A. Eames
Robert F. Eberle
Laurel Edwards
Marla Eglostein
Carl and Joan Ekengren
Jenny Novosel and Karen Empie
Ben and Linda English
Debra and Eric Fagans
Michael V. Farrell
Caren J. Feinberg
Jason and Lisa Fesmire
Betty Flood – In Memory of Andrew John Mingo
Carole Fults
Lynn Gelzheiser – In Honor of Janet Gelzheiser
William T. Gettman Jr.
Shirley J. Gibbons
Kevin R. Gilrain & Daniel J. Dyksen
Carol and Roger Green
Barry and Karen Greene
Worth Gretter
Jim Gunty
Elizabeth Hammer
David and Ann Hannay
Elizabeth Harbinger
Katharine B. Harris
Joseph Roche and L. Lee Helsby – In Memory of Keith Barber
Kathy Moore and Judy Henningson
Ray and Katherine Henrickson
Judge Stephen Herrick
Charlene and Paul Hesse
Eileen Hoffman
Donna B. Holley
Nancy J and Richard A Horan
Wendy Hord
Tanya P. Hotalen
Elizabeth B Hotaling
Patrick Hu
The Rev Martha Hubbard
Becky A. Hudak
Brian Hughes
Glenn and Donna Humphreys
Bob and Pat Hunziker
Ellen M. Rosenberg and Kenneth Hupart – In Honor of Tim Dodman
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Stephen and Martha Iannacone
Kevin R Gilrain & Daniel J. Dyksen
Dolores Johnson
Annette M. Johnson
Karen M. Jones – In Memory of Marie and Harry Mathison
Marilyn M Kaltenborn
Rev. James J. Kane
Elijah Keagin-Force
Jim Ketcham
Margaret and Steve King
Curtis J. and Becky Klope
John and Dawn Knutson
Kate and Erik Kriss
Betsey Kuzia
Cathy Laccetti
Deborah Lafond
Tom and Barbara Lahut
Jordan Langner
Richard Lavigne
Joan E. Leary
John and Susan Leath
Carolyn Snyder Lemmon Esq.
Mary Ann Licht
Kathy Linhardt
Roseann G. Lohrey
Robert Lohse
Bill and Anne Long – In Honor of Virginia Hayes
Kenneth W. MacDonald
David and Deborah MacLeod
Tony and Marilyn Malone
Barbara and Chuck Manning
Michael and Robin Manning
David and Julie Martin
Doug Martin
Douglas and Kristine Martin
Rev. Jeff Matthews
Rev. Jeff Matthews – In Honor of Trinity UMC and Rev. Russell and Joyce Smith
Margaret M. Mayer
Alfred M and Linda Mayou
Judith M. McAllister-Lewis – In Honor of Michael McAllister
Katherine McCarthy
Peter and Lynne McKee
Fiona McKinney
David and Elizabeth McMillan
Tom McPheeters – In Memory of Margery Whiteman
Patrick McSharry
Peggy A Meester
Ellen L. Messina
David and Barbara Metz
Marcia and Robert Meyer – In Memory/ Honor of Trinity United Methodist Church
Elizabeth A. Miller
J. G. Montgomery
Esther Moore – Grateful for Emmanuel Baptist Church
Connor and Liz Mulcahy
David and Martha Musser
Vaughn Nevin
Heidi and Lee Newberg
Damien Newman – In Honor of Richard and Peggy Becker
Damien and Elizabeth Newman
Terrence and Jean Michelle Nieman
Shirley Noble
Lynnette M. Noonan
Michael and Stacey Novak
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Ordway
Nancy K. Ost
MaryKate Owens
Rev. John and Marilyn Paarlberg
Peter and Ruth Pagerey
Mary-Beth Patrick
Marilyn Pendergast
Jerry Petell
Gary Gold and Nancy Pierson – In Memory of Margery Whiteman
Jean-Paul and Valerie Plamondon
Jean E. Poppei, Ph.D.
Iteke Prins
Paul and Margaret Randall
Kathy M. Ravida
Cheryl Reeves
Rev. Rebecca Richards
Marianne Rings
Mary L. Rogers
Patricia Richards and David Rothfuss
Virginia M Rubey
Dennis Ryan
Janine Saatman
Robert and Linda Samson
Peter C. Sarinelli
Angelina and Dominick Scafidi
Marie Scalzo
Carl and Susan Schell
Nancy Willie - Schiff – In Memory of Peter Schiff
Rosemary Schultz
Keith E. and Mary P. Scott
Thad Gemski and Sarah Scott – In Honor of Keith and Mary Scott
Harriet B. Seeley
Carol A. Segal – In Memory of Molly Larson
Jennifer Selkirk – Memory of Sister in-law, Colleen Selkirk
Kathryn Shaffer
Dhrumil Shah
Peter B. Shawhan
Donald Sidon
Tim Sigrist
Bob Sinacore
Ted Smith
JoAnn and Raymond Smith – In Honor of Margery and Michael Whiteman; In Memory of Margery Whiteman
Carolyn Smith
Kenneth and Kendra Smith-Howard
Denise Sorsby
Linda L. Spencer
David C. and Barbara C. Spink
Jeannie Steigler
Amy J. Steiner
Mary Jo Stenson
Rev. Katy Stenta
Linda and Bob Stevens
Janet L. Strominger
Abigail Lewis Sugarman
James Sussman
Karen and Albert Taafe – In Honor of Jim and Molly Larson
John Tauriello
Allan and Mary Jean Tedrow
John Thomas – In Honor of Pastor Dave Corlett
Todd and Jennifer Thomas
Joanne H. Thompson
Faye Tischler
Hon. Paul Tonko
Graham and Julie Tootell
Ned Trudeau
Glenn and Eileen Van Oort
Rev. Chris and Ellen Vande Bunte
Rev. Chris Vande Bunte
Deborah M. Vogel
Darlene Ward
Lora O. Wesner
Patricia A. Wilcox
Kris and George Wilhelm
Pat and Dave Willey
Join the list of donors and give today!
Community Partners & Organizational Gifts
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Albany College Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Albany County Department of Mental Health
Albany County Mobile Outreach Treatment Overdose Response (MOTOR)
Albany County District Attorney’s Office
Albany County Department of Social Services
Albany Stratton V.A.
Alliance for Positive Health
Associates for Training and Development (A4TD)
Cares of NY, Inc.
Catholic Charities
Counterdrug Task Force
Center for Law & Justice
Fidelis
FinanceNY
Fusion Recovery
Homeless & Travelers Aid Society (HATAS)
Health Capital District
IPH
Joseph’s House of Troy
Living Resources
Mental Health Empowerment Project
National Union of the Homeless
Non-violent Medicaid Army
Northeast New York Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (NENYCOSH)
PathStone
Poor People’s Campaign
Saint Catherine’s Care-A-Van
Siena College Center for Academic Community Engagement
Sync Albany (Supporting Your Neighbors Collaboratively)
The City of Albany Neighborhood Services
Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region Health
and Wellness Division
University at Albany Community
and Public Service Program
United Tenants of Albany
Whitney M. Young
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Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany
First Church in Albany
St. Vincent De Paul Parish, Albany
Trinity United Methodist Church, Coeymans Hollow
St. Patrick's Church, Ravena
Venture Churches Food Pantry, Selkirk
St James Church, Albany
Muslim Soup Kitchen Project, Latham
Stewart’s Shops
Food Pantries for the Capital District
Smith Center Disability Services
Living Resources
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Adirondack Beverages
Avila Food Drive Committee
Avila Retirement Community
Bank of Greene County Charitable Fund
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Beverwyck Ecumenical Ministries
Capital Area Council of Churches
CDPHP
Classis of Albany
Delmar Reformed Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Fight Hunger Bag Program
First Presbyterian Church
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
Food Pantries for the Capital Region
Gilrain-Dyksen Giving Fund
Hannaford
Hannay Reels
Heidi and Lee Newberg Foundation
Independent Family Office, LLC
New Covenant Presbyterian Church
PURSUIT
Trinity United Methodist Church Acknowledgement
In 2025, Trinity United Methodist Church ceased its Lark Street operations. This was difficult and unsettling news to hear, particularly considering Trinity was a founding member of FOCUS Churches of Albany. As we reflected on this loss, and experienced the grief of saying good-bye to this longtime partner, we also found so many reasons to celebrate the many years Trinity played an integral part in keeping our mission alive. Thank you so very much Trinity for all the support you gave over the years, and for helping to build a strong foundation that FOCUS still stands and thrives upon.
Click through the printed version of the Annual Report below or view/download the PDF.