September 7, 2023
We often talk about flourishing neighborhoods…but what exactly do we mean? It’s not just a pleasant phrase – our view of flourishing neighborhoods is a well-defined concept that we use to power our mission at Focused Community Strategies. The concept of a flourishing...
June 28, 2023
It’s one of our greatest honors at the Lupton Center, the training and consulting division of Focused Community Strategies, to be able to share our hard-won knowledge with other organizations who are seeking to help their communities flourish. One of those...
June 28, 2023
At FCS, we believe that the neighborhood is the unit of change. Our approach differs from many nonprofits and ministries in this key way. Our belief is woven into our DNA. Why is the Neighborhood the Best Unit of Change to Examine? When we think about the work of...
May 20, 2023
It’s wonderful to desire positive change in your community. It’s admirable to want to see neighbors flourish. However, too many current strategies emphasize a limited view of the people we wish to “serve.” In order to join with neighbors in removing barriers to a...
April 17, 2023
We were so happy to present our first post-pandemic Open House this March! After such a long hiatus, it felt amazing to be able to showcase the work of FCS and our neighbors in the community of Historic South Atlanta. Throughout the two days, we were able to welcome...
April 4, 2023
We love to hear stories of neighbors and leaders finding creative ways to lift the lives of those who live around them. Today, we’ll be sharing a story from Ali Parrish, Executive Director of Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. Ali joined with her team and the...
January 30, 2023
Community doesn’t exist without neighbors, and transformation rarely happens without the involvement of great neighbors. Whether they live next door, across the street, and down the block, they are the ones who truly understand your daily life. But what makes a good...
January 12, 2023
We all have neighbors, but you may be wondering if neighbors can double as friends. Loneliness has become an epidemic in our modern world. Though the pandemic hasn’t helped, the situation was bad even before COVID. In 2019, 61% of Americans over the age of 18 reported...
December 16, 2022
Should we really care so much about neighbors? Sharing pieces of everyday life with those around you sounds like a nice idea, but is it really necessary? Lots of us would love to have more fulfilling relationships with our neighbors, but is it worth the time and...
July 15, 2022
Want to see this idea in action? Come to our Open House October 7 – 8. Why Sense of Place Matters to Development “A place is only a place.” If you are well-versed in traveling and experiences, you may cast doubt upon author Frank Herbert’s...