2008 Calendar of Events Celebrating Focus: HOPE’s 40th Anniversary
40th Anniversary Celebration for Colleagues Saturday, March 8 Focus: HOPE Conference Center Approximately 200 colleagues and guests gathered for a strolling dinner and dancing on the actual anniversary of the founding of Focus: HOPE. It was on March 8, 1968 that cofounders Father William Cunningham and Eleanor Josaitis, along with a small group of people signed a mission statement pledging “intelligent and practical action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice.” 40th Anniversary Press Conference Wednesday, March 26 Machinist Training Institute Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will participate in a press conference at 10 a.m. announcing Focus: HOPE’s 40th year. Featured will be one of Focus: HOPE’s many success stories, an engineering graduate who has established a successful career after being left to fend for himself at age 14. Legislative Open House in Lansing Thursday, April 24 Speakers’ Library, State Capitol Michigan’s legislative leaders will attend an Open House to learn more about Focus: HOPE’s programs and successes. The annual event will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Reception in Washington D.C. Tuesday, May 6 Mike Mansfield Room, U.S. Capitol A formal reception will be held with the Michigan’s Congressional delegation and senior policy makers in honor of Focus: HOPE’s 40 years of community leadership, program delivery and public policy advocacy. The reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in Room S207. Commencements for Engineering Students May 3, May 10, and May 19 Commencements for Center for Advanced Technologies engineering students will be held in May. Those who have earned an Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Lawrence Technological University (LTU) will participate in LTU’s Commencement at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Cobo Hall. Students who pursued a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology will graduate from Wayne State University (WSU) on Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Tom Adams Field in the Wayne State Football Stadium.
Graduates of the University of Detroit Mercy’s (UDM) Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering program will participate in commencement at 1:30 p.m. in Calihan Hall on UDM’s campus. Open House Wednesday, May 14 Machinist Training Institute The public will be invited to get an inside look at Focus: HOPE between 12 noon and 6 p.m.. Tours of our education and training programs will be led by members of our Admissions staff. Those interested in enrolling in a Focus: HOPE program can meet with an Admissions advisor to discuss the programs, admissions requirements, financial aid and scholarships, and career placement. ITC Graduation Thursday, May 29 Focus: HOPE Conference Center The Information Technologies Center will hold a graduation program at 6 p.m. for students who have completed its Network Administration program or the Desktop and Server Administration program. Focus on the Mission Opening Reception Thursday, May 29 Focus: HOPE Gallery The special exhibit of black and white photos taken by area high school students opens with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. The photos represent the work of urban and suburban teenagers who participate in the youth leadership development program led by Focus: HOPE’s Community Arts Department. Students learn about different races, cultures, and ethnic areas of the city through the program. Tree Planting June Focus: HOPE Park A tree will be planted in the Focus: HOPE Park to honor of Eleanor Josaitis, co-founder. The park is a dream come true for Josaitis, who engaged supporters in tearing down two abandoned industrial buildings and replacing them with trees, plants, a small pond and picnic areas. It is the scene for music, dancing and camaraderie during occasional Concerts in the Park. Open House Wednesday, July 16 Machinist Training Institute The education and training programs will again be open for viewing by the public between 12 noon and 6 p.m.. Tours will be conducted throughout the day. Prospective students will have the opportunity to meet with Admissions advisors to discuss the programs and career opportunities.
Center for Children Program Friday, August 22 Our popular Summer Day Camp will draw to a close with a special program at 6 p.m. featuring skits and entertainment by children who participated in camp. The multi-media program will reflect activities that took place during the summer. Focus: HOPE WALK Sunday, October 12 Focus: HOPE Campus The 34th annual WALK will begin after a short program starting at 12 noon. The new route will cover four miles in the neighborhood around Focus: HOPE’s campus. Each year, the WALK brings together people of all races and backgrounds. The event also features children’s activities, grilled foods, entertainment, and dancing in the streets. Holiday Music Festival Sunday, December 7 North Rosedale Park Community Center The Friends of Focus; HOPE folk singers will present the 40th annual Holiday Music Festival starting at 3 p.m. The afternoon of entertainment kicks off the holiday season in style. It is the longest running fund raiser for Focus: HOPE.