FOCUS secures new location

For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Feeding Our Communities with United Services (FOCUS) has secured a new location to house its community services under one roof.

FOCUS will take up a portion of the vacant building at 2321 West Grand Avenue in Wisconsin Rapids.

FOCUS was formed in February of 2020 when the South Wood Emerging Pantry Shelf, The Neighborhood Table and the Rapids Family Backpacks program merged as one nonprofit organization to collectively combat food insecurity and develop related services in the South Wood County area.

The West Grand Avenue location was recently purchased by Sparhawk Properties LLC owned by Mark Sparhawk.  Sparhawk became aware that FOCUS was seeking a location over the past year where all three of the services could operate together and worked with FOCUS to make it a reality.

“I am grateful we can offer a space that can serve the FOCUS group’s needs so they can continue their great work in our community,” Sparhawk remarked.

“Moving together under one roof will allow us to take advantage of the many synergies we had identified in our feasibility study to merge as one organization,” said Terri Rapp, FOCUS chair. “It is our hope that by having one location clients will have the convenience of enjoying a warm meal at The Neighborhood Table, then pick up their monthly pantry allotment before heading home – all in one stop. The colocation also makes it more convenient for our volunteers as a number of them volunteer at more than one of our services. We are truly thankful that this co-location effort has been encouraged and supported by the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin.”

“While FOCUS has received support to get this major project underway, the community’s financial support is needed to complete the project and build needed operating funds. Plans for the capital campaign are in the works and will be announced soon,” a FOCUS release stated. “If you are eager to show your support of this co-location project, please send your tax deductible donation to FOCUS on the FUTURE, 2511 Eighth St. South, No. 242, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494.”