FAMILIES OF CHILDREN UNDER STRESS INC

FOCUS was founded in 1983 by parents seeking support for themselves and for their children with rare genetic illnesses. FOCUS quickly grew from a small living-room support group into an organization with innovative programs for both parents and children with a number of developmental and physical disabilities. After 37 years of growth and two mergers, our organization now provides services for more than 4,500 Georgia families (20,000+ individuals).

Our services include:
• Parent support groups across metro Atlanta;
• Communication through weekly emails, social media, website and a quarterly newsletter;
• Parent training workshops specific to raising a child with a significant disability;
• Large and small group activities where families can meet and support each other in wheelchair accessible, adaptive, and sensory-friendly settings;
• Loaned and granted medical equipment not covered by private insurance or Medicaid;
• Saturday respite childcare – a safe environment where parents can trust that their children will be well cared for while they enjoy a much-needed break;
• Adapted summer camps – day camps provided in locations across metro Atlanta specifically designed for children with disabilities;
• Adapted swim teams that build skills and increase endurance; and
• Overnight camps and monthly social activities for teens and young adults.

Children participating in FOCUS activities range in age from birth through 29 years old and have many types of 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.