The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
On Thankoffering Sunday at the Presbyterian Church of Stronghurst, Julie Bell, Director of Family Outreach Community Center, was special guest speaker.
Julie explained the mission of FOCC and how they work to fill that goal which was set by co-founders- the late Alicia Pence and her friend Danielle Covert.
"The Family Outreach Community Center) exists to improve the quality of life for residents of Henderson County, Illinois by providing assistance for families in need, implementing programs in county," she said.
Julie, a Union High School and Monmouth College graduate, said, "there are families in Henderson County struggling, needing help and encouragement to rise above poverty. FOCC builds relationships with these families and has a passion for showing them vision of a promising future." Julie said while doing this we also strengthen the towns within.
"Since its founding in 2010, we have served over 707 families, and 1,945 individuals within!"
"We offer a food pantry, parenting and family assistance programs, plus employment and career development programs.
FOCC Core Values are: We believe in a Christian focus:all people are created in the image of God and are precious to Him.
We believe in collaborating with others to serve our community.
We believe in empowering people to rise above the need for our services.
Julie detailed the work they do at FOCC accomplishing their mission, including Operation Back Pack where last year 70 kids were helped, and this year 45 have signed up.
Grant money and donations are used to fund FOCC.
Trips are taken to the food banks in Davenport, Iowa or in Peoria, bringing back 5 thousand pounds of food for their Food Pantry.
After the closing of Lomax Food Pantry, Julie said she has seen an increase in numbers as people who are coming to Stronghurst for help.
She talked about programs FOCC puts together such as the Angel Tree project, the Food Pantry, and fundraisers.
She said how she appreciates the cooperation of the community members who bring food to the pantry. "If we say we need fruit, then we receive fruit," she said.
She told of the large display of clothes, shoes, baby supplies, diapers, school supplies, school clothing, and their community garden.
They conducted a nonperishable food items and personal care products drive during the Christmas Walk in Stronghurst and take part in most community events, including the county 4-H fair,
FOCC organizes pledge drives, spaghetti suppers, the new 1-144 fundraiser, provide Christmas food baskets which they obtain turkeys and hams for, just to name a few.
FOCC also helps with interviews, resumes and cover letters, guides them with proper dress, and other assistance needed in finding a job.
Julie said that one of their goals is to someday have a free-standing building.
At present they are in the basement of the Farm Bureau building which makes it difficult for handicapped and those unable to climb stairs.
FOCC follows the school snow days calendar. "If they closed, we are too, she said. Otherwise we are here Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. You can help out by being a volunteer, giving money, supplies, and by praying for us. It's all appreciated.
Quilts drape pews of the Presbyterian Church of Stronghurst during their annual Thank Offering service. The quilts sewn by their sewing group, will be given to FOCC Director Julie Bell (far right) who was special guest speaker Sunday.
Others pictured from left are Deb Gillam, Julie Love, and Virginia Ross.