Focus on the Family Ireland
Focus on the Family Ireland launched in September 2003 with a commitment to strengthen Irish family life and help those who have encountered family difficulties. With two full-time employees and volunteers, they aim to reach people at every stage of life with timely advice, resources and programs. “Focus on the Family Ireland recognizes that every family has difficulties from time to time; every family goes through periods where they could use a little support, encouragement and advice, in effect, ‘a shoulder to lean on,’” said Mervyn Nutley, director of Focus on the Family Ireland. “We're here to provide that shoulder.” The organization is building upon the foundation created by its parent organization, Christian Initiatives, which has been in existence for eight years and working with Focus on the Family U.S. almost as long. Christian Initiatives has distributed books and other Focus on the Family resources to Irish families across Ireland. Over the past several years, Christian Initiatives has provided a range of resources to families in Ireland through marriage and parenting seminars and conferences, family camps, Heritage Builders, and Pastor to Pastor events. The organization has also distributed Focus on the Family videos and magazines. In the early years, Rob Parsons from Care for the Family in the U.K. was instrumental in helping the organization build a foundation by speaking at conferences and seminars, which helped build constituency among Irish families. In 2005 FOF Ireland Launched Connect2 as a community impact project among churches to reach young married couples. They provide the materials and the churches take and run the courses in their local communities. In 2007 they launched The Truth Project, a DVD based teaching curriculum on Christian Worldview. “We believe that the Focus on the Family message is as relevant now to Irish families as it has been to American families over the past 26 years, we are very excited by the opportunities that are opening up to help Irish families with solid advice and quality resources,” Nutley said. Focus Ireland is also looking at developing week long breaks for single parents and their children, similar to the ones pioneered by Care for the Family in the UK. This will build on its current weekend camps for parents and children. “We are also seeking to reach out to pastors and ministers who often have to live in the goldfish bowl of church life,” Nutley said. “Marriage and parenting issues are just as real for them but often support is not forthcoming from their congregations. We will seek to be a support and encouragement to them as far as we are able.” Contact Information Write to us at Focus on the Family Ireland, Unit 11 The Plaza, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Phone us on Tel: +353 1 806 6288 OR Email Us at Focus on the Family Ireland
http://www.family.ie