Alicia Pence and Danielle Covert, co-founders of Family Outreach Community Center, also known as FOCC, conceived the idea of assisting low-income residents in Henderson County, Ilinois while serving as youth leaders at their church in Stronghurst, Illinois. Beginning in January 2010, they embarked on brainstorming sessions, engaged with community leaders, and crafted a comprehensive plan.

During Alicia's senior year at Monmouth College, Kristin Larson motivated her to pursue her passion for establishing a non-profit organization. This encouragement led Alicia to conduct a Needs Assessment Survey as her Senior Research Project and enroll in a Nonprofit Management Independent Study Course. Initially operating from a modest garage owned by Stronghurst Christian Church, FOCC later relocated to its current address at 410 East Main Street in Stronghurst by Spring 2011. The official launch of FOCC took place in June 2011, marked by booths showcasing the range of programs available. Alicia contributed significantly to FOCC's early stages, serving as the inaugural AmeriCorps VISTA member from April 2011 to April 2012. Recognizing her dedication, the Board decided to appoint her as the organization's first full-time director in April 2012. In July 2012, Toni Hendrickson assumed the role of Director for a year, before Alicia resumed her position in July 2013, bringing her wealth of experience and commitment back to FOCC.

Our History

Pictured: Danielle Covert, Alicia Pence, Missy McIntire, Deb Gillam 

Our Mission

The Family Outreach Community Center exists to improve the quality of life for residents of Henderson County, Illinois by providing assistance for families in need, implementing programs targeted towards strengthening the community, and assisting other existing outreach programs in the county.  

We believe in a Christian focus to providing services.

We believe all persons are created in the image of God and are precious to Him.

We believe in collaborating with others to serve our community.

We believe in empowering people to rise above the need for our services. 

Core Values

Our Team

Our team consists of motivated professionals. They have the compassion and skills to provide services to our clients.

Julie Meloan Bell

Executive Director

Lucy Baughman

AmeriCorps VISTA

Leanne Forquer

AmeriCorps VISTA

Sherri Lant

AmeriCorps VISTA

Board Members

Name: 

Hannah Alecock, Board Chair

Miriam Rutzen, Secretary

Missy McIntire, Treasurer

Travis Pence

Amy Gipe

Amanda Jack

Morgan Lewis

Meredith Alexander

Mike Lenahan 

Hometown: 

Oquawka, IL

Gainesville, Florida

Stronghurst, IL

Stronghurst, IL

Stronghurst, IL

Stronghurst, IL

Stronghurst, IL

Biggsville, IL

Stronghurst, IL

Career:

IowaWORKS

Exactec

Randall's Performance

Stronghurst Collision & Repair

ROE #33
 

Raritan State Bank

Warren Country Transportation

Buzzard Glory Flowers & Farm

 

 

Family Outreach Community Center

Here is our first information video on YouTube. It's still relevant today. 

Logo

FOCC
PO Box 265
410 E Main St. 
Stronghurst, Illinois 61480

Family Outreach Community Center

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.