FOCUS was started in the early 70's by a group of community leaders who had a vision of empowering women. These women started a tradition of professionalism and volunteerism that continues to this day. FOCUS continues to plant the seeds for girls and women to grow and succeed in life and in their careers.

Our Board
Our Board of Directors are:
Albie LaFave - President
Elizabeth Smiley - Vice-President
Susan Crowder - Secretary
Sue Lewis - Treasurer
Millie Fife - Board Member
Diane Hogshire - Board Member
Ida Perea - Board Member
Karen Waters - Board Member

Our Staff
FOCUS has a professional staff who provide teen programs, counseling, career services, and program support.
Michelle Ba'th Bates - Program Coordinator, Resource Mothers, G.E.M.S., and Reach - mbates@focusville.org
Sandi Burke - Career Counselor - ext. 19 - sburke@focuscville.org
Robin Eliason, Ph.D. - Director of Counseling and Career Services - ext. 27 - reliason@focuscville.org
Chapin Faulconer, M.Ed., NCC, LPC - Counselor - ext. 16 - chapinf@earthlink.net
Cindy Frazer - Counselor - cindyaldrete@gmail.com
Delores Martin - Front Desk/Receptionist - deloresmartin@rocketmail.com
Catherine "Penny" Martin-Garland - Teensight Director - cmartingarland@focusville.org
Elizabeth Poarch - Finance Manager - ext. 17 - lizpoarch@aol.com
Linda Sprouse - FOCUS Flea Market - 979-4465
Pat Willis - FOCUS Flea Market

Our History
In 1972, after years of holding discussion groups in participants, homes, FOCUS Women's Resource Center opened in a room donated by Westminster Presbyterian Church on Rugby Road. The founders chose "FOCUS" as the name of the new organization to signify its mission enabling women to focus on their considerable talents and abilities.

In the beginning FOCUS concentrated on three program areas: education, counseling, and employment opportunities. The operating philosophy, then as now, was an affirmation of the worth and abilities of women and a dedication to serving all women, without regard for age, race, or other personal circumstances.

In 1974 FOCUS became a 501 (3) non-profit agency and hired part-time staff. By 1978, private and grant funding had increased and FOCUS employed its first full-time executive director, Lila Lassetter.

FOCUS became a United Way agency in 1980. Throughout its history, FOCUS has responded to the changing needs and circumstances of women and their families. FOCUS nurtured Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) and Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA), which are now independent non-profits. In 1988, FOCUS established TEENSIGHT to address the issue of teen pregnancy and parenting, and it remains a vital part of FOCUS today. FOCUS has endured because of the strength of its mission and the large cadre of volunteers who support the organization with the gifts of their time, efforts, and financial resources.