2025-08-11T15:53:59-04:00 2024-12-31 582026697 LONG & COMPANY PC 1325 SATELLITE BLVD NW STE 1504 SUWANEE GA 300244662 990 2024-01-01 581577602 FAMILIES OF CHILDREN UNDER STRESS INC FAMI 7702349111 3825 PRESIDENTIAL PARKWAY STE 103 ATLANTA GA 30340 FRANCES MCBRAYER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 7702349111 2025-08-11 true true WILLIAM E LONG JR CPA P00171899 6783274382 2025-08-11 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z FRANCES MCBRAYER 3825 PRESIDENTIAL PARKWAY STE 103 ATLANTA GA 30340 1515079 false X WWW.FOCUS-GA.ORG X 1983 GA AT FOCUS, OUR MISSION IS TO EMBRACE AND EQUIP FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES TO MAKE EVERYDAY LIFE BETTER. 16 16 64 224 0 867196 1156007 125010 139056 76706 104522 6377 21358 1075289 1420943 89881 193865 0 618093 606525 0 63125 355665 408997 1063639 1209387 11650 211556 2926958 3093844 380071 335041 2546887 2758803 X AT FOCUS, THE MISSION IS TO EMBRACE AND EQUIP FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES TO MAKE EVERYDAY LIFE BETTER. CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN FOCUS ACTIVITIES RANGE IN AGE FROM BIRTH THROUGH 29 YEARS OLD AND HAVE MANY TYPES OF MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES, PHYSICAL, AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, INCLUDING RARE GENETIC SYNDROMES, CEREBRAL PALSY, AUTISM, AND DOWN SYNDROME. FOCUS FAMILIES ARE RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE AND SHARE THE COMMON BOND OF HAVING CHILDREN WITH SIGNIFICANT HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THEIR LIVES. MANY OF THE CHILDREN FOCUS SERVES REQUIRE LIFE-LONG CARE, FROM ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (FEEDING, TOILETING, DRESSING, BATHING) TO ASSISTANCE WITH GROOMING, MEALS, FINANCES, AND HOUSEHOLD SAFETY. AS A RESULT, THEIR PARENTS NEED SUPPORT, INFORMATION ABOUT AVAILABLE RESOURCES, A COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THEIR CHILD, AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT THAT MAKES DAILY LIFE A LITTLE EASIER. FOCUS OFFERS A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO FULFILL ITS MISSION INC false false 404848 88032 SUMMER CAMPS & CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES FOCUS OFFERS A HIGHLY RATED, ADAPTED SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF DISABILITIES. FOCUS DAY CAMP STAFF INCLUDES SPECIAL EDUCATORS, PARAPROFESSIONALS, NURSES, AND MUSIC THERAPISTS TO ENSURE THE CARE THAT EACH CAMPER NEEDS IS PROVIDED. IN 2024, FOCUS OFFERED NINE WEEKS OF CAMP HOLLYWOOD, AN IN-PERSON SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM, IN LOCATIONS ACROSS METRO ATLANTA. 264 CAMPERS PARTICIPATED IN THE CAMP HOLLYWOOD SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM IN 2024. CAMPERS ENJOYED ARTS, CRAFTS, COOKING, SCIENCE, RECREATION, AND MUSIC THERAPY BASED ON POPULAR CHILDREN'S MOVIE THEMES. IN SURVEYS CONDUCTED AFTER CAMP, 98% OF PARENTS RATED THAT THEY WERE VERY SATISFIED WITH STAFF ATTENTIVENESS TO THEIR CHILD'S NEEDS. THE FOCUS ADAPTIVE SWIM TEAM (FAST FINS) IS THE ONLY RECREATIONAL SWIM LEAGUE OF ITS KIND IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA, SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF PROFICIENCY. IN 2024, FAST FINS HELD TWO, EIGHT-WEEK SESSIONS IN FIVE METRO ATLANTA SETTINGS WITH 69 SWIMMERS PARTICIPATING DURING THE YEAR. PARENTS OF SWIMMERS REPORTED THAT THEIR CHILDREN DEVELOPED SKILLS IN THE WATER AND IMPROVED THEIR OVERALL FITNESS. FOCUS ALSO PROVIDED THE EXTRA SPECIAL SATURDAY RESPITE PROGRAM IN 2024, PROVIDING SPECIALIZED CHILDCARE FOR 116 CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND MEDICALLY COMPLEX CONDITIONS AGES 1-12 YEARS OLD. THIS PROGRAM ALSO PROVIDED PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS WITH AN IMPORTANT BREAK FROM THEIR REGULAR CHILDCARE DUTIES. TEEN & YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES FOCUS ORGANIZES A SOCIAL GROUP FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS (TYAS) WITH DISABILITIES TO HELP BUILD INDEPENDENCE AND FRIENDSHIPS. IN 2024, 133 PARTICIPANTS DEVELOPED STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER AS THEY TOOK PART IN MONTHLY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BOWLING, BASEBALL, YOGA, AND MORE. FOCUS TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ALSO ATTENDED FOCUS' 6-DAY, 5-NIGHT OUTDOOR CAMP HELD AT CAMP TWIN LAKES IN JULY. CAMPERS REPORTED IMPROVING THEIR FEELINGS OF BELONGING BY ATTENDING CAMP AND REPORTED THEY WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO FOCUS CAMP. FOCUS ALSO PROVIDED A FALL WEEKEND CAMP IN OCTOBER 2024, WHERE MANY TYAS EXPERIENCED THEIR FIRST NIGHT AWAY FROM HOME AND FAMILY. 302973 193865 GRANTS AND LOANS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOCUS PROVIDES GRANTS TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF PRESCRIBED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN IN NEED THAT MEDICAID AND PRIVATE INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER. SUPPORTIVE SEATING AND/OR THERAPEUTIC STROLLERS HELP CHILDREN WHO DO NOT SIT OR WALK INDEPENDENTLY INTERACT WITH THEIR PEERS AND THEIR COMMUNITY. MANY CHILDREN ALSO NEED MODIFICATIONS AND/OR SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT TO GO UPSTAIRS (STAIR LIFTS), GET OUT OF BED, OR GET INTO A VAN (WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE MODIFICATION). THE FOCUS EQUIPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF PHYSICIANS, NURSES, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS, REVIEWS APPLICATIONS QUARTERLY FROM FAMILIES. THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS THE PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL NEEDS OF THE CHILD AS WELL AS THE FAMILIES' INCOME AND RESOURCES TO APPROVE OR DENY THE APPLICATION. IN 2024, FOCUS SPENT OVER 220,000 TO PURCHASE CRITICAL EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES. A LARGE PORTION (88%) OF THAT SUM WAS FOR PERMANENT GRANTS, SUCH AS THE MODIFICATION OF A VEHICLE FOR WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY. THE REMAINDER INCLUDED PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS FEEDING CHAIRS OR THERAPEUTIC STROLLERS, WHICH CHILDREN WILL OUTGROW AND RETURN TO THE "LOANED EQUIPMENT LIBRARY." IN FOLLOW-UP ASSESSMENTS, PARENTS RATED THE PROVISION OF THE NEEDED EQUIPMENT BY FOCUS AS "LIFE- CHANGING" IN TERMS OF FUNCTIONALITY AND MOBILITY. 229857 46293 FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND RETREATS BECAUSE FAMILIES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES OFTEN FIND IT DIFFICULT TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, FOCUS SPONSORS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES EACH YEAR. IN 2024, FOCUS HELD NINE FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR ITS NETWORK AND CONNECTED 2,541 FAMILY MEMBERS WITH OTHERS AT FOCUS FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND CAMPS. FOCUS FAMILIES ATTENDED DAYS AT SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA, THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM, AND THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS. OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS INCLUDED A COSTUME PARTY AND BARBEQUE WITH THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH, AND A HOLIDAY PARTY HOSTED BY FOCUS AND LEKOTEK IN DECEMBER. FOCUS ENSURES THAT THE FAMILIES WHO ATTEND ITS FAMILY EVENTS HAVE A WELCOMING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE TAILORED TO THE ABILITIES AND NEEDS OF THEIR CHILDREN. CAMP TWIN LAKES WAS THE SITE OF TWO FOCUS FAMILY RETREATS IN 2024, ONE IN APRIL AND ANOTHER IN AUGUST. CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES SPENT THE WEEKEND PARTICIPATING IN ARCHERY, ROCK CLIMBING, AND BIKE RIDING WITH ADAPTED EQUIPMENT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. FAMILIES RODE IN PADDLE BOATS, WENT FISHING AND SWIMMING, PLAYED FIELD SPORTS, AND WERE ABLE TO VISIT THE CAMP TWIN LAKES WORKING FARM. FAMILIES ALSO ENJOYED COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES. IN SURVEYS TAKEN AFTER EACH RETREAT, FAMILIES REPORTED THAT THEY FELT MORE CONFIDENT TO FACE CHALLENGES AT HOME AS A RESULT OF ATTENDING FAMILY CAMP. 143742 4731 PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT AND INFORMATION FOCUS CONTINUES TO USE ITS INFORMATIVE AND MOBILE-FRIENDLY WEBSITE (WWW.FOCUS-GA.ORG) TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO FAMILIES. FOCUS IS ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERACTS WITH PARENTS AND FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND LINKEDIN @FOCUSKIDSGA. FOCUS POSTS PHOTOS FROM EVENTS AS WELL AS POSTS CONVEYING THE IMPACT ITS PROGRAMS HAVE ON PARTICIPANTS. IT ALSO HOSTS A DOZEN "CLOSED" (NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) FACEBOOK PAGES FOR PARENTS IN SUPPORT GROUPS, EITHER BY LOCATION OR NEED, SO THAT THEY CAN COMMUNICATE PRIVATELY AT ANY TIME. DURING 2024, FOCUS COORDINATED AND PROVIDED 16 EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS ON TOPICS RELATED TO RAISING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. THESE WORKSHOPS WERE RECORDED AND ARE ARCHIVED ON THE FOCUS WEBSITE (WWW.FOCUS- GA.ORG) FOR FAMILIES TO WATCH AT ANY TIME. WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDED GRIEF AND MEDICALLY COMPLEX CHILDREN, SPECIAL EDUCATION, AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION, GUARDIANSHIP, WILLS AND TRUSTS, AND MORE. THE FOCUS ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN-PERSON IN JANUARY 2024. THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE CONNECTS PARENTS TO RESOURCES AND ALLOWS THEM TO BUILD AND EXPAND THEIR COMMUNITY BY MEETING OTHERS PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. THE 2024 CONFERENCE OFFERED 13 EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS, 4 PARENT SHARE GROUPS, 33 COMMUNITY RESOURCE EXHIBITORS, AND A LUNCH TO 179 PARENT ATTENDEES. ALL CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS WERE RECORDED AND ARCHIVED ON THE FOCUS WEBSITE. SPEAKERS INCLUDED PHYSICIANS, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, ATTORNEYS, EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS, AND MORE. FOCUS COORDINATES PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS, AS WELL AS A GROUP FOR BEREAVED FOCUS PARENTS. THE TRAINED PARENT VOLUNTEER LEADERS OF THESE GROUPS GUIDE PARTICIPANTS IN CONVERSATION AS THEY NETWORK WITH OTHERS. SUPPORT GROUPS IN 2024 WERE HELD IN-PERSON IN 11 LOCATIONS AROUND THE GREATER METRO ATLANTA AREA, AND ONE GROUP WAS HELD VIRTUALLY TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION. PARENTS REPORT THAT TALKING WITH OTHERS HELPED THEM MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AND BUILD COMMUNITY WHILE PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. FOCUS DELIVERED ITS PERIODIC NEWSLETTER, THE VIEWFINDER, ELECTRONICALLY TO MORE THAN 8,000 CONTACTS IN 2024, WHICH INCLUDED FAMILIES, PROFESSIONALS, AND FRIENDS. PARENTS SHARED THAT READING VIEWFINDER NEWSLETTERS IS ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE WAYS TO FIND COMMONALITIES WITH OTHER FOCUS FAMILIES. FOCUS MAINTAINS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON CALL TO VISIT FAMILIES WHEN CHILDREN ARE HOSPITALIZED AT CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA HOSPITALS FOR SURGERY OR ILLNESS. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS BROUGHT GIFTS, SENT NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT, AND MADE VISITS TO 33 FAMILIES IN NEED IN 2024. FOCUS ALSO HOSTED MONTHLY DINNERS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN THE TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (TD-ICU) AT SCOTTISH RITE AND VISITED WITH FAMILIES THERE. FOCUS ALSO STOCKED THE "SNACK CART" IN THE TICU TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT DURING A DIFFICULT TIME. FOCUS PROVIDED GIFTS AND GROCERY CERTIFICATES TO 81 FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN NEED DURING THE HOLIDAYS. PARTNERS FULFILLING FAMILY WISH LIST ITEMS INCLUDED ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ST. ELIAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, OAK GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, AND COOPER CARRY, AS WELL AS SEVERAL INDIVIDUAL FOCUS FRIENDS AND DONORS. 143742 4731 1081420 true true false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true false false false false false false false true false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 3 0 64 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false X 16 16 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true false false GA X PATTY VASTAKIS 7702349111 3825 PRESIDENTIAL PARKWAY STE 103 ATLANTA GA 30340 FRANCES MCBRAYER EXECUTIVE DI 40.00 X 110000 0 3300 SYLVIA BABU DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 KARI CARLOS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SAXON DASHER TREASURER 2.00 X X 0 0 0 MAGELA FONTES FERRAZ SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 DANIEL FORESTER PRESIDENT 2.00 X X 0 0 0 JAMEY GIBSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DENA HONG VICE PRESIDE 2.00 X X 0 0 0 NICK KOSTOPOULOS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 OMOSEDE ORIAKHI DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ALLISON PALESTRINI DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 NANCY PEREZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 BROOKS PETERS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 HELEN SCHWAB DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 RAM SHRESTHA DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MEGAN WASHBURN DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DAVE ZILLES PAST PRESIDE 1.00 X 0 0 0 110000 3300 1 false false false 544883 611124 4586 1156007 SUMMER CAMPS & CHILD ACTIV. 900099 65704 65704 FAMILY ACTIVITIES/CAMPS 721210 46296 46296 TEEN & YOUNG ADULT CAMPS 900099 22325 22325 PARENT & FAMILY SUPPORT 900099 4731 4731 139056 104691 104691 2910 3079 -169 -169 -169 112415 544883 91057 21358 1420943 138887 104691 193865 193865 110000 93500 8800 7700 432704 372922 33404 26378 10826 9090 960 776 11617 9754 1031 832 41378 34743 3671 2964 10100 10100 25011 19318 407 5286 72061 67549 1748 2764 1847 1739 14 94 14604 12262 1296 1046 19981 17739 1121 1121 PROGRAM VENUE RENTALS/FEE 144289 144289 LOAN EQUIPMENT 26384 26384 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 24155 24155 BANK/CC/PAYROLL FEES 21458 5559 2092 13807 49107 48552 198 357 1209387 1081420 64842 63125 173621 98640 1448100 1805188 582668 395911 5576 6318 191431 139548 48708 51883 439615 550360 228670 185544 2926958 3093844 13317 22892 140517 126162 226237 185987 380071 335041 X 1716922 2099059 829965 659744 2546887 2758803 2926958 3093844 211556 360 X false true X true false X 870154 834627 2216858 867196 1156007 5944842 870154 834627 2216858 867196 1156007 5944842 1430062 4514780 9586 8593 15394 72530 104691 210794 6155636 793853 0.73340 0.74390 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 250000 16601 266601 250000 15071 15071 250000 10000 250000 10000 250000 10000 101 101 10000 10000 417 417 10000 1.00000 false false 1260 1260 190171 138288 51883 51883 OPERATING LEASE RIGH OF USE 183111 LEASE DEPOSIT 2433 185544 OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY 185987 185987 X 1443853 360 22550 22910 1420943 1420943 1231937 22550 22550 1209387 1209387 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART V, LINE 4 ENNDOWMENT WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE INCOME TO FUND CORE PROGRAMS. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X TAX-EXEMPT STATUS - THE ORGANIZATION IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(A) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (IRC) AS AN ORGANIZATION DESCRIBED IN IRC SECTION 501(C)(3), EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT IT HAS UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME. IN ADDITION, THE ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) NOT TO BE A PRIVATE FOUNDATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 509(A) OF THE IRC. THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT HAVE AN UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAX LIABILITY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, AND 2023. ACCORDINGLY, NO TAX PROVISION OR LIABILITY HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. U.S. GAAP REQUIRES THE EVALUATION OF TAX POSITIONS TAKEN IN THE COURSE OF PREPARING THE ORGANIZATION'S TAX RETURN AND RECOGNITION OF A TAX LIABILITY (OR ASSET) IF THE ORGANIZATION HAS TAKEN AN UNCERTAIN POSITION THAT MORE LIKELY THAN NOT WOULD NOT BE SUSTAINED UPON EXAMINATION BY THE IRS. MANAGEMENT HAS ANALYZED THE TAX POSITIONS TAKEN BY THE ORGANIZATION, AND HAS CONCLUDED THAT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024, AND 2023, THERE ARE NO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS TAKEN OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN THAT WOULD REQUIRE RECOGNITION OF A LIABILITY (OR ASSET) OR DISCLOSURE IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. DINNER DANCE 524065 436560 87505 11134 50676 3250 1663 GOLF TOURNAMENT 101404 76494 24910 18702 1696 1961 1 31829 31829 1975 657298 544883 112415 29836 52372 3250 5599 91057 21358 true MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 14 135080 COST VAN LIFTS MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 2 8045 COST ACCESSORY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 2 9478 COST CHAIR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 6 29032 COST STAIR LIFT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 5 12230 COST STROLLER SCHEDULE I, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 2 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT GRANTS ARE MANAGED BY A MEDICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE; ONLY ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS APPROVED THROUGH THE MEDICAL REVIEW APPLICATION PROCESS WILL RECEIVE AN EQUIPMENT GRANT. THE ORGANIZATION PURCHASES THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE RECIPIENTS, SO CONFIRMATION THAT THE FUNDING IS USED EXPRESSLY FOR THE PURPOSES APPROVED IS MANAGED INSIDE THE ORGANIZATION. CASH DONATIONS ARE NEVER MADE TO INDIVIDUALS. RATHER, THE ORGANIZATION PURCHASES THE IEMS AND GIVES THE ITEM TO THE FAMILIES IN NEED AS A GRANT. FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION AT FOCUS, THE MISSION IS TO EMBRACE AND EQUIP FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES TO MAKE EVERYDAY LIFE BETTER. CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN FOCUS ACTIVITIES RANGE IN AGE FROM BIRTH THROUGH 29 YEARS OLD AND HAVE MANY TYPES OF MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES, PHYSICAL, AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, INCLUDING RARE GENETIC SYNDROMES, CEREBRAL PALSY, AUTISM, AND DOWN SYNDROME. FOCUS FAMILIES ARE RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE AND SHARE THE COMMON BOND OF HAVING CHILDREN WITH SIGNIFICANT HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THEIR LIVES. MANY OF THE CHILDREN FOCUS SERVES REQUIRE LIFE-LONG CARE, FROM ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (FEEDING, TOILETING, DRESSING, BATHING) TO ASSISTANCE WITH GROOMING, MEALS, FINANCES, AND HOUSEHOLD SAFETY. AS A RESULT, THEIR PARENTS NEED SUPPORT, INFORMATION ABOUT AVAILABLE RESOURCES, A COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THEIR CHILD, AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT THAT MAKES DAILY LIFE A LITTLE EASIER. FOCUS OFFERS A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO FULFILL ITS MISSION INCLUDING FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT GROUPS, CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES AND DAY CAMPS, TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES, GRANTED AND LOANED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, EDUCATIONAL PARENT WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES, AND SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE HOSPITALIZED. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A SUMMER CAMPS & CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES FOCUS OFFERS A HIGHLY RATED, ADAPTED SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF DISABILITIES. FOCUS DAY CAMP STAFF INCLUDES SPECIAL EDUCATORS, PARAPROFESSIONALS, NURSES, AND MUSIC THERAPISTS TO ENSURE THE CARE THAT EACH CAMPER NEEDS IS PROVIDED. IN 2024, FOCUS OFFERED NINE WEEKS OF CAMP HOLLYWOOD, AN IN-PERSON SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM, IN LOCATIONS ACROSS METRO ATLANTA. 264 CAMPERS PARTICIPATED IN THE CAMP HOLLYWOOD SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM IN 2024. CAMPERS ENJOYED ARTS, CRAFTS, COOKING, SCIENCE, RECREATION, AND MUSIC THERAPY BASED ON POPULAR CHILDREN'S MOVIE THEMES. IN SURVEYS CONDUCTED AFTER CAMP, 98% OF PARENTS RATED THAT THEY WERE VERY SATISFIED WITH STAFF ATTENTIVENESS TO THEIR CHILD'S NEEDS. THE FOCUS ADAPTIVE SWIM TEAM (FAST FINS) IS THE ONLY RECREATIONAL SWIM LEAGUE OF ITS KIND IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA, SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF PROFICIENCY. IN 2024, FAST FINS HELD TWO, EIGHT-WEEK SESSIONS IN FIVE METRO ATLANTA SETTINGS WITH 69 SWIMMERS PARTICIPATING DURING THE YEAR. PARENTS OF SWIMMERS REPORTED THAT THEIR CHILDREN DEVELOPED SKILLS IN THE WATER AND IMPROVED THEIR OVERALL FITNESS. FOCUS ALSO PROVIDED THE EXTRA SPECIAL SATURDAY RESPITE PROGRAM IN 2024, PROVIDING SPECIALIZED CHILDCARE FOR 116 CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND MEDICALLY COMPLEX CONDITIONS AGES 1-12 YEARS OLD. THIS PROGRAM ALSO PROVIDED PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS WITH AN IMPORTANT BREAK FROM THEIR REGULAR CHILDCARE DUTIES. TEEN & YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES FOCUS ORGANIZES A SOCIAL GROUP FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS (TYAS) WITH DISABILITIES TO HELP BUILD INDEPENDENCE AND FRIENDSHIPS. IN 2024, 133 PARTICIPANTS DEVELOPED STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER AS THEY TOOK PART IN MONTHLY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BOWLING, BASEBALL, YOGA, AND MORE. FOCUS TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ALSO ATTENDED FOCUS' 6-DAY, 5-NIGHT OUTDOOR CAMP HELD AT CAMP TWIN LAKES IN JULY. CAMPERS REPORTED IMPROVING THEIR FEELINGS OF BELONGING BY ATTENDING CAMP AND REPORTED THEY WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO FOCUS CAMP. FOCUS ALSO PROVIDED A FALL WEEKEND CAMP IN OCTOBER 2024, WHERE MANY TYAS EXPERIENCED THEIR FIRST NIGHT AWAY FROM HOME AND FAMILY. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B GRANTS AND LOANS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOCUS PROVIDES GRANTS TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF PRESCRIBED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN IN NEED THAT MEDICAID AND PRIVATE INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER. SUPPORTIVE SEATING AND/OR THERAPEUTIC STROLLERS HELP CHILDREN WHO DO NOT SIT OR WALK INDEPENDENTLY INTERACT WITH THEIR PEERS AND THEIR COMMUNITY. MANY CHILDREN ALSO NEED MODIFICATIONS AND/OR SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT TO GO UPSTAIRS (STAIR LIFTS), GET OUT OF BED, OR GET INTO A VAN (WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE MODIFICATION). THE FOCUS EQUIPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF PHYSICIANS, NURSES, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS, REVIEWS APPLICATIONS QUARTERLY FROM FAMILIES. THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS THE PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL NEEDS OF THE CHILD AS WELL AS THE FAMILIES' INCOME AND RESOURCES TO APPROVE OR DENY THE APPLICATION. IN 2024, FOCUS SPENT OVER 220,000 TO PURCHASE CRITICAL EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES. A LARGE PORTION (88%) OF THAT SUM WAS FOR PERMANENT GRANTS, SUCH AS THE MODIFICATION OF A VEHICLE FOR WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY. THE REMAINDER INCLUDED PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS FEEDING CHAIRS OR THERAPEUTIC STROLLERS, WHICH CHILDREN WILL OUTGROW AND RETURN TO THE "LOANED EQUIPMENT LIBRARY." IN FOLLOW-UP ASSESSMENTS, PARENTS RATED THE PROVISION OF THE NEEDED EQUIPMENT BY FOCUS AS "LIFE- CHANGING" IN TERMS OF FUNCTIONALITY AND MOBILITY. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND RETREATS BECAUSE FAMILIES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES OFTEN FIND IT DIFFICULT TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, FOCUS SPONSORS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES EACH YEAR. IN 2024, FOCUS HELD NINE FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR ITS NETWORK AND CONNECTED 2,541 FAMILY MEMBERS WITH OTHERS AT FOCUS FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND CAMPS. FOCUS FAMILIES ATTENDED DAYS AT SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA, THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM, AND THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS. OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS INCLUDED A COSTUME PARTY AND BARBEQUE WITH THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH, AND A HOLIDAY PARTY HOSTED BY FOCUS AND LEKOTEK IN DECEMBER. FOCUS ENSURES THAT THE FAMILIES WHO ATTEND ITS FAMILY EVENTS HAVE A WELCOMING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE TAILORED TO THE ABILITIES AND NEEDS OF THEIR CHILDREN. CAMP TWIN LAKES WAS THE SITE OF TWO FOCUS FAMILY RETREATS IN 2024, ONE IN APRIL AND ANOTHER IN AUGUST. CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES SPENT THE WEEKEND PARTICIPATING IN ARCHERY, ROCK CLIMBING, AND BIKE RIDING WITH ADAPTED EQUIPMENT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. FAMILIES RODE IN PADDLE BOATS, WENT FISHING AND SWIMMING, PLAYED FIELD SPORTS, AND WERE ABLE TO VISIT THE CAMP TWIN LAKES WORKING FARM. FAMILIES ALSO ENJOYED COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES. IN SURVEYS TAKEN AFTER EACH RETREAT, FAMILIES REPORTED THAT THEY FELT MORE CONFIDENT TO FACE CHALLENGES AT HOME AS A RESULT OF ATTENDING FAMILY CAMP. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT AND INFORMATION FOCUS CONTINUES TO USE ITS INFORMATIVE AND MOBILE-FRIENDLY WEBSITE (WWW.FOCUS-GA.ORG) TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO FAMILIES. FOCUS IS ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERACTS WITH PARENTS AND FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND LINKEDIN @FOCUSKIDSGA. FOCUS POSTS PHOTOS FROM EVENTS AS WELL AS POSTS CONVEYING THE IMPACT ITS PROGRAMS HAVE ON PARTICIPANTS. IT ALSO HOSTS A DOZEN "CLOSED" (NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) FACEBOOK PAGES FOR PARENTS IN SUPPORT GROUPS, EITHER BY LOCATION OR NEED, SO THAT THEY CAN COMMUNICATE PRIVATELY AT ANY TIME. DURING 2024, FOCUS COORDINATED AND PROVIDED 16 EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS ON TOPICS RELATED TO RAISING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. THESE WORKSHOPS WERE RECORDED AND ARE ARCHIVED ON THE FOCUS WEBSITE (WWW.FOCUS- GA.ORG) FOR FAMILIES TO WATCH AT ANY TIME. WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDED GRIEF AND MEDICALLY COMPLEX CHILDREN, SPECIAL EDUCATION, AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION, GUARDIANSHIP, WILLS AND TRUSTS, AND MORE. THE FOCUS ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN-PERSON IN JANUARY 2024. THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE CONNECTS PARENTS TO RESOURCES AND ALLOWS THEM TO BUILD AND EXPAND THEIR COMMUNITY BY MEETING OTHERS PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. THE 2024 CONFERENCE OFFERED 13 EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS, 4 PARENT SHARE GROUPS, 33 COMMUNITY RESOURCE EXHIBITORS, AND A LUNCH TO 179 PARENT ATTENDEES. ALL CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS WERE RECORDED AND ARCHIVED ON THE FOCUS WEBSITE. SPEAKERS INCLUDED PHYSICIANS, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, ATTORNEYS, EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS, AND MORE. FOCUS COORDINATES PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS, AS WELL AS A GROUP FOR BEREAVED FOCUS PARENTS. THE TRAINED PARENT VOLUNTEER LEADERS OF THESE GROUPS GUIDE PARTICIPANTS IN CONVERSATION AS THEY NETWORK WITH OTHERS. SUPPORT GROUPS IN 2024 WERE HELD IN-PERSON IN 11 LOCATIONS AROUND THE GREATER METRO ATLANTA AREA, AND ONE GROUP WAS HELD VIRTUALLY TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION. PARENTS REPORT THAT TALKING WITH OTHERS HELPED THEM MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AND BUILD COMMUNITY WHILE PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. FOCUS DELIVERED ITS PERIODIC NEWSLETTER, THE VIEWFINDER, ELECTRONICALLY TO MORE THAN 8,000 CONTACTS IN 2024, WHICH INCLUDED FAMILIES, PROFESSIONALS, AND FRIENDS. PARENTS SHARED THAT READING VIEWFINDER NEWSLETTERS IS ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE WAYS TO FIND COMMONALITIES WITH OTHER FOCUS FAMILIES. FOCUS MAINTAINS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON CALL TO VISIT FAMILIES WHEN CHILDREN ARE HOSPITALIZED AT CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA HOSPITALS FOR SURGERY OR ILLNESS. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS BROUGHT GIFTS, SENT NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT, AND MADE VISITS TO 33 FAMILIES IN NEED IN 2024. FOCUS ALSO HOSTED MONTHLY DINNERS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN THE TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (TD-ICU) AT SCOTTISH RITE AND VISITED WITH FAMILIES THERE. FOCUS ALSO STOCKED THE "SNACK CART" IN THE TICU TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT DURING A DIFFICULT TIME. FOCUS PROVIDED GIFTS AND GROCERY CERTIFICATES TO 81 FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN NEED DURING THE HOLIDAYS. PARTNERS FULFILLING FAMILY WISH LIST ITEMS INCLUDED ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ST. ELIAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, OAK GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, AND COOPER CARRY, AS WELL AS SEVERAL INDIVIDUAL FOCUS FRIENDS AND DONORS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B A DRAFT OF THE FORM 990 IS EMAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW. THE DRAFT IS ALSO SENT TO THE ENTIRE BOARD FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT. ANY CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE REVIEW ARE MADE TO THE RETURN PRIOR TO FILING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C A CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE FORM IS COMPLETED BY EACH BOARD MEMBER, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND STAFF ANNUALLY. IN THE CASE OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS, THIS IS DONE UPON JOINING THE BOARD. THE COMPLETED DISCLOSURE FORMS ARE REVIEWED AND RETAINED BY THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. AFTER A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF ALL RELEVANT FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES, DISINTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS DETERMINE IF ANY CONFLICTS EXIST, IF THE CONFLICT IS MATERIAL, AND WHETHER THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION MAY BE ENTERED INTO FAIRLY AND TO THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE BOARD SETS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SALARY WITH REFERENCE TO SALARY COMPARISONS WITH OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. THE BOARD ALSO EVALUATES THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S PERFORMANCE WHEN SETTING HER SALARY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 DOCUMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST.