FOCUS Churches of Albany 275 State St. Albany NY 12210

518.443.0460

www.focuschurches.net

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1. FOCUS Summer Worship

2. School Supply Drive

3. Advocacy Updates

4. Empty Bowls 2016 is Coming!

5. Senior Issues Forum

6. Summer Appeal

1. FOCUS Summer Worship

FOCUS Summer Worship August 2 @ 9:30 am

Join us at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street. Parking is availa-

ble BEHIND THE CHURCH, ENTER FROM Washington Ave. through Fort

Orange Club or alley next to Accuprint. The Rev. Kathy Donley will be

preaching, participants will lead a segment focus on advocacy. There will be an opportunity for a group photo after the benediction. Joe Papa-

rone from FOCUS and Joanna Nadeau from Emmanuel will lead a teach-

in on wage issues after the service. There will be nursery and child care

for children through 6 years old. Children ages 7 and up stay in worship.

BREAKING THE PRACTICE AND TORTURE OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

At the FOCUS Joint worship service on

July 5th, we were joined by Chris

McNabb from the National Religious

Campaign Against Torture. After the

service about 40 people joined him to

learn more about the ongoing torture

of solitary confinement in our prisons

and some steps we can take.

We gathered signed postcards asking

Assemblymembers McDonald and

Santabarbara to co-sponsor the HALT

Solitary legislation, and well be deliv-ering those to the offices the last week of July. If you are interested in join-

ing us on those visits, contact Joe .

At the workshop there were some questions regarding the alternatives to

solitary included in the HALT legislation we gathered some info and its too much to include in the alert, but e-mail Joe and he can pass it along.

DONT KEEP HUNGRY KIDS WAITING

The Child Nutrition Reauthorization is

set to expire September 30th! These

bills are critical supports for needy

families who depend on food assis-

tance throughout the year. Learn more

about the bills here, and then tell Con-

gress how important it is by sending a

letter here.

WAGE BOARD UPDATE

The Fast Food Wage Board appointed by Gov. Cuomo should have their

recommendations finalized by the end of this month, and things are look-

ing good for a substantial minimum wage increase for fast food workers!

At the last hearing, all three members of the board agreed that the wage

should be raised to at least $15/hr, and they discussed details of imple-

mentation. Once they make the recommendations, there will be a period

for public comment. Well provide links as soon as theyre available.

July 2015your donations make a difference

Click Here to Learn More About the Summer Appeal

6. Summer Appeal

FOCUS on Schools is almost here! Please continue to collect supplies at

your site. SEFCU has just alerted us that they plan to donate 240 back

backs to our project! Supply donations may be dropped off at FUUSA

(First United Universalist Society of Albany) 405 Washington Ave Albany,

from August 24 through August 27, 9 am to 1 pm.

Volunteers will be needed to pack and distribute supplies.

If you can help, please call Belinda at the FOCUS office, 443-0460 or

email her at belindaq@focuschurches.net.

2. School Supply Drive

3. Advocacy Updates

4. Empty Bowls 2016 is Coming!

Help is needed on the planning committee - Can you lend a hand?

Please call or e-mail revdeb@focuschurches.net

5. Senior Issues Forum

Theres still time to register!

Faith Communities Keeping Seniors

Connected and Engaged Wednesday, July 22, 2015 Carondelet Hospitality Center, Latham, New York Rev. Susan Vincent- Cox will be the keynote speaker next week. Registration is free. Here is the link to the registration form and to the Schedule for 7/22. Call Albany Guardian Societys registration phone line at 518-269-3976 or e-mail Albany

Guardian Society at director@albanyguardiansociety.org.