The Family Outreach Community Center (FOCC) exists to improve the quality of life for residents of Henderson County, Illinois and the surrounding area. FOCC provides assistance for families in need, implements programs towards strengthening the community, and assists other outreach programs in the area. 

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. 

Alicia Pence and Danielle Covert, Co-Founders of FOCC, formed the idea of serving low-income Henderson County residents while working as youth leaders at their church in Stronghurst.  They started formulating ideas, meeting with community leaders, and developing a plan in January 2010. 

Alicia’s senior year at Monmouth College (Spring and Fall 2010), Kristin Larson encouraged her to pursue her passion for starting a nonprofit, allowing her to complete a Needs Assessment Survey as her Senior Research Project and take a Nonprofit Management Independent Study Course. 

They first operated out of a small garage owned by Stronghurst Christian Church, moving sinto their present location at 410 E. Main in Stronghurst in spring 2011.  The Grand Opening for FOCC was in June 2011, with booths displaying all the programs we offer.

Alicia served as the first AmeriCorps VISTA member from April 2011 to April 2012. The Board determined in April 2012 to hire her as their first full-time Director.  In July 2012, Toni Hendrickson worked as Director for a year, with Alicia returning in July 2013. 

FOCC has been able to reap the benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers since 2011.