What leaders are saying about New Focus...Dr. Marvin Olasky, World Magazine editor, author of Compassionate Conservatism, The American Leader"New Focus is at the center of the faith-based revolution in poverty-fighting. Emphasizing true person-to-person compassion and challenging poor and rich spiritually and materially. New Focus helps to bring about real change in lives, instead of merely passing out spare change."
Dr. Amy Sherman, Author of Restorers of Hope: Reaching the Poor"New Focus is helping churches around the nation move from 'commodity-based' benevolence to a mercy outreach that touches the whole person - body and soul. They have a proven commitment to training churches in the practical 'how-tos' of Christ-centered ministry that emphasizes personal relationships and aims at sustainable, positive transformation in the lives of those served. They are helping churches to make a real difference in the lives of needy families."
Art Schoonwald, Pastor of a Christian Reformed Church"New Focus provided the missing piece that we needed as we had been trying to do ministry in the community and reach people for Christ. New Focus ties everything together, the physical and spiritual needs were met and it holds people accountable. At the same time it gives people of the church an opportunity to use their diversity of gifts in a timely and effective way."
Richard Bean, Pastor Clearlake Church of the Nazarene, Clearlake, CA"We partnered with our denominational leadership and a ministry called Vision 21 to find participants affordable housing. People who have been through New Focus have become credit worthy and candidates for housing."
Janie Gruen, NF Needs Coordinator at Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Lafayette, IN"We made a difficult break from being a hand-out program to a ministry that sought changed lives. We also decided to extend the outreach of our own ministry by partnering with a small, downtown church that serves low-income families. We offered our [New Focus trained] volunteers and finances to help them meet the needs of their congregation. It's been amazing to see these two fellowships from different denominations and socioeconomic backgrounds come together...to minister to the whole person."
Brenda Armstrong, Crown Financial Ministry Single Parent Ministry/Christian Financial Concepts - Money Matters"New Focus is designed to help families that want to get off welfare. It teaches biblical principles and offers incentives for single parents that meet requirements, which include setting up a budget, attending weekly meetings, and completing assignments. Earned points are traded for goods and services that meet needs."
Chris Walchuk, NF Needs Coordinator, St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato, MN"We teach people to live below their means, because the [New Focus] program's typical client is someone in survival mode whose finances and credit status are totally out of control. We're not in the business of paying your rent and saying 'Good Luck.' We measure success objectively by people's debt reductions, and subjectively by weekly self-assessments over 18-weeks. Through a group of twelve community churches over five years, more than 100 families, totaling 276 individuals, have been impacted."
Deanna Carlson, Adjunct Scholar, Author The Welfare of My Neighbor"I love New Focus because it provides a way for any church, big or small, rich or poor, to lift up their neighbors in need. New Focus creates a way for anyone in a congregation, no matter their age or state, to get personally involved in life changing outreach. It is hard to say who benefits more from New Focus, the church or the neighborhood. I highly recommend this ministry to your congregation."
Dr. Ed Dobson, Pastor Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI"New Focus has revolutionized our benevolent ministry. It enables us to deal with the whole person and offer long-term solutions."
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WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING ABOUT NEW FOCUS...Homeless to Bills Being Paid On Time!New Focus has been such a wonderful blessing to our family. It has opened our eyes to a very promising new life. From being homeless to having the ability to rent a home, have our rent and monthly bills paid on time....this type of normal living had never been a part of our life before. Our second blessing from New Focus is our Financial Coach, Andy, who has been behind us all the way, teaching us how to get on the right path. Andy is friendly and humorous but strict. His best quality is that he is the most honest, caring person that on his own time helps us to achieve our goals. We thank New Focus for all of our blessings and the love and care for others that they so honestly and openly give. --- Steve & Janet
Accountability!New Focus has been a Godsend. The program is there so that we can understand finances and goals and how to be accountable for what we spend our money on. My coach has been stern but caring, she makes me accountable "oh boy" and that is a wonderful character builder, for you must be honest and responsible at the same time. I value my education from New Focus and will carry what I learned for my lifetime, hoping my children will in turn learn from me. --- Tracy
Saving for a Home!New Focus has made a big difference in our life. It has taught us how to budget our income and save up for a house we are trying to buy. It has also shown us things about God's word that has helped us realize the truth and why we are here today. A special thanks to Kay and to Vern for everything they have done for us. --- Manuel & Misty
Financial Organization for the First Time in 50 Years!New Focus has brought an organization to our lives that we have not experienced in over 50 years. We have had our lives challenged to focus on Jesus, not material possessions. As a result, we have moved from a financial life focused on buying what we want, and hoping there is income to support it, to an essential focus on accountability first of all to God, and then to the concept of getting out of all debt. Where are we now? We see great hope that in another year we will be out of debt except for our home loan and paying cash each month for everything. We have set clear goals for even "small" things, like curtains for the house and number of Burger King visits. Sounds silly, but we are sensing more peace and hope about our financial life than ever before. --- Ken & Joyce
Gave Me Faith!Three years ago, I was a pitiful soul longing for something. Today I am a strong, self-sufficient, in charge financially sound woman. New Focus taught me change, love, commitment, accountability, trust, but most of all FAITH. If you put faith in God your life will change! And if you put your life, heart, and soul into God's hands then you are headed in a wonderful and peaceful direction. (Now, there are still hurdles in life, but they are not mountains). I did this three years ago and crossed many mountains of trials and tribulations, and today I am in a home with my son and raising two grandsons. I am able to take care of my monthly expenses and even have a little savings, but this is due to the training and accountability and love from Kay, Marion, Anne and Vicki. These wonderful women (my guardian angels) watched over me for three years and stood by me every step of the way. I would like to thank the many church members that helped me with my new house. --- Cynthia
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