FOCUS Bridgeport Ministry Update

Glory to God! June was a month of tremendous blessings and we’re so grateful to see God at work through the people and parishes that make up FOCUS Bridgeport!

June Highlights

Thanks to your prayers and support, Bridgeport Public Schools acknowledged this ministry with its “In It, To Win It” Recognition Award for “exemplary dedication and meaningful contributions” to students and families at Beardsley School. This recognition is ultimately a reflection of God’s grace and the generosity, faithfulness, and commitment of the Orthodox community–working, praying, serving, and contributing to this ministry.

Throughout June, volunteers made and distributed 325 healthy snack bags to Beardsley School students, served nearly 100 neighbors at our monthly Community Meal, and shared a hot meal with more than 140 children and family members at our Beardsley Father's Day Family Night.

July Volunteer Opportunities

This month, we're providing bagged lunches for children attending the summer reading program at Luis Muñoz Marin School on July 2, 9, and 16. Volunteers are needed to prepare sandwiches, pack lunches, and help distribute meals and shine God’s light!

Join us to help at our monthly Community Meal on Saturday, July 25, from 9:30–1:00 p.m. outside Holy Ghost Orthodox Church as we serve homemade meals to-go for our neighbors.

We're also in the midst of our annual Backpack Drive! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we're halfway to our goal of providing 400 backpacks for local children—we've reached 200, with 200 more to go! At just $10 per backpack, your gift helps a child start the school year with confidence while easing the financial burden on local families. Together, we can make sure every child begins the school year ready to succeed!

Teens are invited to our Orthodox Youth Leadership Event on August 15, from 9:00 - 4:30. This one day experience prepares youth to put their faith into action with other Orthodox youth in the area. Participants will engage in hands-on service and leadership development. Contact Linda Kolton to register by July 15.

While the practical, tangible support is an important part of what we do, the work reminds us that this Orthodox ministry is not only about food, it's about bringing people together, building community, and helping families experience the love of God through simple acts of care and hospitality. We invite you to be a part of what’s growing in Bridgeport!

To volunteer, donate, or learn more, contact Linda Kolton at lkolton@focusna.org, or visit FOCUS Bridgeport at www.focusnorthamerica.org/bridgeport/

To sign-up for the July events, click onto the following link:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/FOCUSBridgeport?CFID=5f685854-b29c-4683-b659-6c3fb1a404b8&CFTOKEN=0#

We wish to acknowledge Cathy Hotova who has volunteered at several events, and to Pam Buzi, and to Bob Lazar with his grandchildren, who both recently volunteered at an event - feel free to talk to them about their experiences.

Below please find a few photos from a few FOCUS Bridgeport events that were held in June.