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History

FOCAS, or the Foundation of Compassionate American Samaritans, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, was founded in 1986 by Mr. Richard P. Taylor as a Christian non-profit corporation. The initial objective of FOCAS was to help the desperately poor in remote areas of the nation of Haiti, with basic needs including elementary education, food, and medical attention. All of this has been accomplished with the assistance of child sponsors. Approximately 100 elementary children are supported in three rural schools: Mont Mare Roseaux, Francois, and Duplan II. Support is also provided for 30 students at the Callebasse Vocational School.

Since the mid 80's Mission trips to Haiti have also been conducted each year. Countless trips have been made emphasizing medical attention, construction, and many forms of evangelism.

In 1992, Mr. Taylor retired from an executive position with G.E. Aircraft Engines and began working full-time on FOCAS activities. He began searching for an effective way to minister to the crucial needs of young men and older boys of the Over-the-Rhine inner-city community of Cincinnati. In July of 1993, The Lord's Gym (a weight-lifting program including Bible Study) was introduced and is now open 40 hours a week.

In 1994, following the death of his grandson, FOCAS opened the Nicholas Hoyer Sportsclub for youth and children. The Sportsclub involves activities with Bible Study and is open 20 hours a week during the school year and 40 hours a week in the summer months.

In 1997 FOCAS started The Lord's Pantry, which is now open 12-4 Tuesday through Thursday each week offering sandwiches, drinks, clothing, and prayer. We are looking for volunteers to keep it open on Fridays.

In 1997, FOCAS started operating a Child Survival Project in two rural districts of Petionville, Haiti, serving a population of about 93,000. This was made possible with matching funds from USAID, a federal agency of the United States for international aid. The project's objective is to reduce the rates of disease and death among children and women of childbearing age, increase access to high quality, basic health care, and assist indigenous organizations to successfully operate substantial child survival programs. The project is scheduled to go through August 2003 with potential for an additional extension.

In 1998, The Lord's Inn, a live-in discipleship program for men, was started.

FOCAS has also been involved in providing financial relief in emergency situations such as the 1997 drought and 1998 hurricane. Presently, FOCAS is working with Universities and Corporations to bring other resources to Haiti and is looking for sponsors to assist on different projects. If you would like to get on our mailing list to learn more about what we are doing, please contact us at focas@focas-us.org.