Detroit lost a true treasure this past week when Eleanor Josaitis passed away at age 79. Along with Father Wm. Cunningham, Josaitis co-founded the non-profit organization Focus: HOPE in 1968. For the two of them “hope” and “change” weren’t just empty platitudes – or campaign buzzwords.
Local radio host and author Mitch Albom stated in an on-air commentary/eulogy that Josaitis had worked for “social justice”. Not true. Certainly not in the way the term is typically used.
“Social justice”, a rallying cry for progressives, implies a demand for equal outcome for all. All along Focus: HOPE’s mission has been to pursue equal opportunity for all. Moved by the tragedy of Detroit’s 1967 race riots, and propelled by her Christian faith, Josaitis sought effective means to help the disadvantaged help themselves.
As the Detroit News described her:
She was the embodiment of the truism, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.”
I had the opportunity to meet both Mrs. Josaitis and Fr. Cunningham several years ago in my capacity as an insurance underwriter and was extremely impressed with the facilities – and the two of them! Their enthusiasm for the organization and its mission was contagious. And they certainly had a lot to be proud of.
For over four decades now Focus: HOPE has been feeding the most vulnerable of the hungry (young children & their mothers and senior citizens) in Detroit, providing successful career training programs and working to bring the community together for positive change. Recently they started a program to support academic achievement among local children.
The News’ article describes what Josaitis meant to Focus: HOPE and the city of Detroit:
When the charismatic Cunningham died in 1997, there was concern that Focus: HOPE would wither without his dominant personality at the helm.
But the diminutive Josaitis proved to be just as passionate an advocate for the cause of erasing poverty and racism, and just as effective in raising resources for the organization. She embedded herself in Metro Detroit’s business community and built a strong constituency for her mission.
She sought more than donations. Her rallying cry was “Get involved!” and she urged Metro Detroiters to take responsibility for their own neighbors and neighborhoods…
…Eleanor Josaitis lived a life of impact and service, rooted in her Christian faith and love of her fellow man. And she leaves Detroit better than when she found it.
For the last 43 years Focus: HOPE has embodied true change for so many Detroiters. Farewell Eleanor Josaitis. May your legacy live on and continue to bring HOPE to the city for years to come.
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You can support the ongoing efforts of Focus: HOPE by participating in their annual walk on October 9th.
