Focus Points Family Resource Center

Impact Statement

Focus Points is one of the main providers of services in Denver to Spanish-speaking, immigrant families. There is a great need for our services -- we have waiting lists for all our programs, including English as a Second Language classes and Early Childhood Education. Focus Points serves more than 1,500 families per year, all of them hard working immigrants who want to fulfill the American dream.

Families who don't speak English have great difficulty finding work, dealing with schools, and accessing medical care. Their children are at risk of falling behind in school. Already, nearly half the students in Denver Public Schools grow up in Spanish-speaking families.

Focus Points uses the Family Literacy model to get each member of the family involved in education. We offer dozens of English as a Second Language classes at multiple sites around metro Denver. Our Early Childhood Education programs help parents to start reading to their children in the first years and understand the skills their children will need to succeed at school. We also offer Adult Basic Education classes to people who read below the eighth grade level and GED classes for people who did not graduate from high school and want to take the GED exam. Focus Points also offers parenting classes to help families deal with problems like substance abuse and domestic violence, as well as understand the principles of good nutrition and healthy living.

Needs Statement

1.) Unrestricted funding
2.) Funding to support Early Childhood Education and Adult Education services.
3.) Volunteers, including board members
4.) Funding and volunteers to work on technology upgrades, including web site.

Background Statement

Focus Points was founded in 1995 when the principal of Ebert Elementary School recognized that struggling families in the Five Points community could benefit from a family resource center. Its founders knew that, to be successful, the organization must reflect the community it serves. At that time, Five Points was mostly African-American. Today, the Latino population is predominant and Focus Points' programming addresses their unique needs.
In addition to its strong presence in the Five Points neighborhood, Focus Points has recognized an opportunity to serve the Latino population that is emerging in northeast Denver and Aurora. In recent years, Focus Points has grown and expanded its programming around metro Denver.

The need for Focus Points' services is great: there are waiting lists for all of the organization's programs. Immigrants now comprise 10% of Colorado's population, and the large majority of them are Spanish speaking. People who do not speak English face enormous challenges to self-sufficiency, educational attainment, and overall well-being and quality of life. They have difficulty communicating with doctors, schools and potential employers. Many families struggle to adjust to a new culture and a language they don't understand. However, because of the demand for English as a Second Language classes in Denver, there is typically a two-month wait to enroll.

Scores on statewide tests show that students with lagging English skills are falling behind. While 69% of students who speak only English met or exceeded reading standards, just 11% of students with lagging English proficiency did as well.

The need for Early Childhood Education and parenting programming within the target community is critical because research shows that young children's development determines whether they will be ready for school. Once a child falls behind, he or she will have a very difficult time catching up. The most effective way to ensure children's development is by helping parents learn to be supportive and nurturing during the early, formative years.

In 2008, Focus Points expects to serve 1,300 families. More than 95% of these people come from Spanish-speaking families and the large majority are immigrants from Mexico. The population served is largely young, made up of new parents and their children. Most of them face tremendous obstacles because of poverty, lack of education and language barriers.

Focus Points is one of a few Denver area nonprofits that has the expertise to meet the needs of the Latino population and has gained the trust of its local community to provide meaningful, effective and culturally appropriate services. Current programs emphasize teaching adults basic education skills in reading and writing; teaching Spanish speakers fluency in English; providing Early Childhood Education and programs that strengthen Latino families while respecting their values.

Executive Director Statement

Here at Focus Points, we see miracles every day.

Claudia, a 30-year-old mother of two, is thrilled when she discovers she now knows enough English to talk to a doctor about her son's symptoms. Miguel, a young father, now understands how important it is to read to his three-year-old daughter every night. And Maria, a 19-year-old who had to leave high school when her family moved to the United States, is able to earn her GED.

It's stories like these that make our work so exciting. Through learning that invites every member of the family to participate, we're able to change lives. Our families become less isolated, more successful and start to feel like part of the larger community.

We are constantly seeking new ways to assist the 1,300 families who turn to Focus Points for help every year. Besides our award winning Early Childhood Education and Adult Education programs, Focus Points is now launching new initiatives to bring the fathers of newborns into our programs and to help families access the health care system.

Your support means everything to us! Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Board Chair/President Statement

Focus Points has grown quickly in recent years, allowing the organization to serve more families and add new services. The need is great, as the population of Spanish-speaking families continues to grow in our community.

Focus Points adopted a strategic plan in 2007 with several goals for the organization, including diversifying fundraising sources, locating a permanent home for Focus Points and expanding inclusiveness on the board. Progress has been made on all these goals. Focus Points has greatly increased support from foundations and is working to boost contributions from individuals.

Focus Points is also reaching out into the community to attract new board members with the background and expertise to understand the challenges the organization faces. We welcome your input and your support.