Reverend Renee Hollinshed
Acting Executive Director revrenee@focuschurches.net Rev. Renee recently moved 3,500 miles from Seattle to Albany where she was called as a part-time pastor to the Sojourner Truth AME Zion Church. She and husband, Randolph came to FOCUS as volunteers in the Breakfast Club where their gifts for justice and service were quickly put to work! Most recently, Rev. Renee lived and worked in Seattle, Washington. For most of her career, Rev. Renee was a respected Paralegal, working for various law firms, law schools and judges. While in Seattle, Rev. Renee pursued a Masters degree in Psychology and began work as a Mental Health Clinician. In 2016, she became the Alumni Director for the same organization she had worked for as a Clinician. In addition to her husband of 30 years, Rev. Renee has three children, 6 adopted children and 10 grandchildren. She lives in Catskill, NY and was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. revrenee@focuschurches.net |
Mike Asbury
Pastor of Breakfast Programs Michael.f.asbury@gmail.com Mike began working at FOCUS in 2012, is a father, a grandfather and a retired public servant, a retired United Methodist pastor and now gratefully the Pastor of the Breakfast Club at FOCUS Churches. Mike refers to the “Club” as the “Morning Miracle, a “parish” formed by the Holy Spirit. "To be of simple service in this spiritual community is the joy of my job. To watch guests find physical, mental and spiritual healing is beyond all words." He was raised in Watervliet. Michael.f.asbury@gmail.com |
Betsy Gorman
Director of Communications betsyg@focuschurches.net Betsy came to FOCUS in 2017 and has more 25 years experience as a communications director for businesses, membership organizations, government agencies and advocacy groups. "It makes me happy to work for an organization whose sole mission is to help elevate the lives of those in need. Here at FOCUS I am surrounded by people who understand the transformative power of serving others." Betsy was born and raised on Long Island. |
Judy Henningson
Director of Food Programs judithh@focuschurches.net Judy began working at FOCUS in 2010 and is the Director of Food Programs and co-coordinator of the Breakfast Program. In her spare time she continues to study natural history and the fiber arts, especially weaving. Judy loves the collegiality of the FOCUS community. "The good will of the guests and volunteers at Breakfast Club make it a safe and welcoming space for a wide diversity of people, as well as a great place to eat." She was raised just up the river in Watervliet. judithh@focuschurches.net |
Lorraine Houk
Director of Food Pantry lhouk@nycap.rr.com Lorraine began working at FOCUS in 2008. As the manager of the food pantry, she oversees the daily operation, files all required reports, works on the budget, food ordering and statistics. Lorraine is on the Membership committee for Food Pantries for the Capital District and in her free time loves to garden and cook. She was born and raised in Voorheesville. |
Karen Kendall
Food Pantry Associate kkendall1@nycap.rr.com Karen retired as an X-ray tech in 2009 and promptly began volunteering at the FOCUS Food Pantry. She was hired in 2013 and hasn't looked back! She spends her free time traveling, cat sitting, visiting her son and his family, reading and enjoying music with her friends. Karen grew up in Albany. |
Becca Leet
Food Manager for FOCUS Winter Breakfast & Coordinator of Gardening in a Bucket beccal@focuschurches.net Becca has been working at FOCUS since 2006 and was a volunteer for two years before that. She is inspired by how the guests and volunteers of FOCUS programs work together and look out for one another. Becca is currently studying psychology at Maria College and is thinking of being a mental health counselor. When she's not working or studying, she likes to read, write letters, and cook. She was born and raised in Albany. |
Chaz Martel
Co-Coordinator, Breakfast Program pieix@aol.com Chaz has been working at FOCUS since 2011 and enjoys working at Breakfast Club because it provides him with an anchor for his workweek. “I enjoy getting to know the many faces of Jesus who grace the community with their varied talents.” When he is not at FOCUS, Chaz has a small market research firm where he collects data from movie openings for the distribution houses. He is from New York City. |
Daniel Sowah Mensah
Food Pantry Specialist dansowah13@gmail.com Daniel has been working at FOCUS since 2014. After graduating from the University, he taught fine Art at the senior high school level for 13 years before relocating to the United States. "I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds with different cultures. In my leisure time I love to draw and paint." He was born in Accra -Ghana and moved to the U.S. in 2013. |
Belinda Quaye
Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator belindaq@focuschurches.net Belinda has been working at FOCUS since 2013. Her biggest inspiration are the FOCUS volunteers who she says "Inspire me so much. I enjoy sharing the FOCUS mission with prospective FOCUS volunteers, it reminds me often the important work we do for our neighbors in need." She was born in Tema, Ghana and moved to the U.S. in 2010. |