For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Feeding Our Communities with United Services (FOCUS) has begun building renovations for their new home at 2321 W. Grand Avenue in Wisconsin Rapids.

The “FOCUS on the Future” community campaign kicked off in July to raise funds to complete the relocation project and build operating funds.

“We are pleased to report that our initial community goal of $250,000 has been met with the generous support of over 230 community donors.  However, unforeseen issues have been uncovered which will significantly increase the cost of the renovations. We need to keep the campaign open for now to cover these unplanned expenses,” said Mary Schultz, fundraising chair.

“We greatly appreciate the support from our local community and these matching grant opportunities. It will be exciting to have all three of our services, all with missions related to food insecurity, under one roof to better serve our community.”

FOCUS was formed in early 2020 when three local nonprofits merged to better combat food insecurity in the South Wood County area of Wisconsin.  Those services include the South Wood Emerging Pantry Shelf, The Neighborhood Table community meal program, and Rapids Family Backpacks program.

Operating within one centralized location will allow FOCUS to provide warm meals and monthly food allotments more efficiently to community members in need, while also offering convenience to the volunteers who help carry out the organization’s mission.

With the additional space, FOCUS will better assist with food insecurity and collaboratively develop additional related services in the South Wood County area.

For more information, or to donate, contact “FOCUS on the Future,” 2511 Eighth St. South, No. 242, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494, or visit www.FOCUSofSWC.org.

FOCUS is anticipating opening in their new facilities during the early part of 2022.