A Fantastic organization!!! FOCCAS and Jan have been absolutely amazing - this charity truly puts the animals welfare first and foremost on everything they do. We met by chance by now this organization is one I will fully support. We fostered a beautiful puppy Called Rue and am delighted to say we are proud foster fails - Rue is now ours and we love her unconditionally!! Thank you to Jan for your tireless work your commitment and your passion to help the animals of Cumberland County.
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This charity is one of the best!! Jan is wonderful and really has the animals welfare at heart. We fostered a beautiful husky mix called Rue, we are likely to be foster failures as Rue has firmly taken ahold of our hearts!! I love to support charities that really do what they say and this is definitely one of them.
Amazing people that have dedicated their lives to the health and welfare of all animals. Members and volunteers have put in countless hours of hard work in educating the community and promoting and advocating the importance of spay and neutering, adoption, and proper care for all pets and strays.
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This is an amazing group of people. So dedicated and strong hearted. FOCCAS has strived to educate the community on animal welfare and is determined to make a change. The main focus was a new shelter but great things will come from this organization, they will be breaking chains and paving the way for animal advocates all around.
A group of people that know no bounds when it comes to the welfare and benefit of pets in our county that need assistance . Building fences , providing shelter , fostering , medical veterinary attention are all part of a normal day for FOCCAS . Just angels with human bodies for the pets that need it is what FOCCAS is all about !
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An absolutely unending ball of energy in one group when it comes to aiding our community shelter, the pets that have needs from the shelter, volunteer hours, educating our public in our county, participating to make our area a more compassionate and informed area that can make the lives of pets and people better pet owners. Change is on the horizon. A model for other communities in bringing about change when it comes to pets!
The most caring, compassionate group I have ever seen! They go above and beyond to provide health and good homes for the abandoned, abused animals. As a group, they worked unbelievably hard to raise enough money to build and furnish a new beautiful intake facility for the county shelter. They have donated this to the county. Animals before had no heat or air which is inhumane. FOCCAS is amazing!
A5+ star rating
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What an amazing group! They work tirelessly for the betterment of all less fortunate animals. Every cent raised goes for their care.
I support them in every way! can they are making a change to how animals in our community are cared 4 breaking chains and giving some freedom to chained up pups. always there to help any animal in need looking forward to helping a little more bless them 4 the work they do
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Foccas is an amazing Non-Profit in Crossville, Tn. I have known Jan & Mark Hendrixson for many years from volunteering at the Bread Of Life Mission Medical Clinic. I have never volunteered with such a kind and giving group of people. They try to get to abused and neglected dogs that are tied or chained to trees with no water & food or shelter and work with the owners to get them in a better situation. Through donations and fund raising, Foccas is putting the finishing touches on a new intake building for the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. Dogs will not have to stay out in the elements anymore and the building will have air and heat. They have food and litter drives to help the shelter when they need food. They find homes for dumped animals. They are trying so hard to change the laws in Cumberland County to punish animal cruelty and abusers with stronger penalties than a slap on the wrist. These people are so amazing. If not for Foccas, there would be so many more animals homeless and sick. Whenever there is a hurt animal and the owner can not be located, Foccas gets the animal to the vet and more times than not, ends up picking up the costs, finding a foster and eventually finding a loving home for the dog or cat. They also work with the schools on educating young children on how to care for a pet and not mistreat them. They have helped people build a fenced in area for their dog vs. being chained to a tree. That is not a life for a dog. I have volunteered for many different organizations but Foccas, by far, is the best one. I feel very blessed to be able to help them and get to know all those involved.
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I joined this group in 2016 as a non-active member because of health issues with my husband. I volunteered with the Hendrixson's at the clinic at Bread Of Life for 5 years. I had to leave and lost contact. When I found out that they were now involved in FOCCAS, I had to get in touch and see what i could do to help. I have never met a large group of such caring people for our furry friends. FOCCAS is the voice for those furry friends that have no voice. They are all so hard working and will never give up. When there is a need to go get an animal running some where alone, a call goes out and someone is there and rescuing the dog or cat. They work with owners who can not care for their animals anymore. They have done so much for the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. When there is a need for supplies, members go out and get them and deliver to the shelter. it is amazing. I am so proud to be a member and hope some day I can take a more active role.. Cumberland County is so blessed to have a group like this and I hope more people will join and help in the future.
This group of dedicated people has changed the entire culture of how animals are treated in Cumberland County. They have raised funds, and built a wonderful, new shelter for dogs and cats. Before this group, the dogs had to be outside under all kinds of conditions. The weren't sheltered from cold or heat. They built much of this with their own hands. They do outreach by going out during cold weather, carrying dog houses, straw, food, etc., and pleading with irresponsible owners to let them help dogs, who are chained up in the elements. I have so much respect and admiration for the people, who have made this shelter possible!
We adopted Comet 2.5 months ago from this amazing organization! Jan, his foster mom at the time, was a dream to talk to and the entire process was easy and seamless. Now we have the friendliest, happiest, silliest new member of the family and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
I'm just becoming involved with FOCCAS first hand but I've been noticing their efforts for about a year. They pour their hearts and souls into helping the unwanted or stray animals of Cumberland County. They work tirelessly trying to raise awareness and donations through selling dog toys to teaming up with the local movie theater for special events. They do anything in their power to help improve the lives of the animals. Of course, the ultimate goal is to connect the animals to a loving, fur-ever home but until that happens they are the voice to advocate for the voiceless.
This county was terribly behind with animal awareness of everything. Since Focas develop it seems like an explosion of events have occurred to improve it all. Our outdated shelter now has a new building which took a lot of fund raising. Communication with local officials is active. Animal abuse is receiving more attention than before. And more people are coming forward due to awareness. I personally do not know Jan the president but I have followed this group and she and all the volunteers have done wonders to our community and I would like to say thank you on behalf of the animlas.
With Care,
Lori Stewart
You will find nothing but selfless acts of kindness from these people. They will stop at nothing to help any animal. They network tirelessly, make endless calls, finding fosters, setting up emergency funds. The list goes on. Way to go FOCCAS!
I have been involved with FOCCAS for a few years now. I have fostered, rescued dumped critters and done what I can. FOCCAS is always there to assist and make sure whatever can be done will be done. My hats off to those who can help in any way. FOCCAS is a number one Animal protection group and a huge advocate for the critters of Cumberland and surrounding counties.
This is not the shelter! They are using the shelters name for several things, including fundraising, for their own profit.
FOCCUS Doesn't even represent the Animal Shelter anymore. Their name is not "Focus on Cumberland County Animal Shelter" anymore. It has been changed to "Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety" so any donations that people believe are being sent to the animal shelter through them, is not even going to the shelter, it's going to their rescue.
I have never seen a more dedicated and caring group. They have worked countless hours for the betterment of all animals in our community
My husband and I have been actively involved with FOCCAS from the very first community meeting to the groundbreaking of a new intake shelter facility. Throughout every success, challenge and roadblock, the vision of a compassionate responsible culture of animal welfare and shelter that reflects those values has consistently remained the driving force behind a true grassroots movement. In 3 years This group has accomplished what numerous others have struggled to the past 20 years including influence on local political races to address animal welfare as a concrete platform and public education on responsible pet ownership. They have raised over $300, 000 for the new building, initiated a feral cat program, helped distressed animals needing medical care, educated the public and officials, as well as starting a breaking the chains no tether initative. I have never experienced a more motivated focused group of folks who have accomplished so much in so little time .
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In just one year this amazing group of dedicated animal advocates have brought awareness to the current shelter, advocated for a new shelter, combined efforts and support of other nonprofits as well as businesses to truly make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. From inking donations of food and supplies to emergency medical funds that have saved the lives of numerous sweet creatures that would have otherwise suffered or been euthanized. They are transparent about the organization and funds. You defiantly know how your donations are used. Great job foccas.....thank you for making a difference.
I represent a local low-cost spay/neuter organization that has worked with FOCCAS since their beginning. Some of our members were helpful early-on with FOCCAS' organizational and publicity needs. Our group's focus is to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our area, and thereby reduce the local shelter intake. In that sense, both organizations work together. FOCCAS has been successful in fund-raising for improved shelter facilities way beyond our expectations. They have engaged citizens who were raised in this area and who have local contacts in churches, businesses and other non-profits. FOCCAS has clearly raised the awareness of animal welfare needs in our community, and have not been hiding behind the scenes in these efforts. They truly speak for the animals in the shelter who really have no other voice. FOCCAS is a very active and effective organization in our community.
I have been volunteering with this group for a little over a year now, and I just love it! This is what I was hoping to find when we moved to Tennessee. A group dedicated to, and advocating for, the well-being of animals. FOCCAS has been tirelessly working to build a new intake facility for Crossville and Cumberland County. This group speaks up and steps up on a daily basis. There are fundraising events every month to support a variety of programs such as education in schools, helping provide fencing to break the chains on tethered animals, distressed animal funding, spaying & neutering, etc. There are endless opportunities to volunteer with this group and make a difference in this community and the treatment of animals.
I have watched this group tirelessly work to improve the lives of animals in our community. FOCCAS volunteers put in countless hours and are making a huge difference in our community.
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I have never met or worked with such a dedicated, compassionate, committed group spearheaded by amazing and very hard working individuals. These people put in a lot of time, effort going above and beyond anything I have seen trying to make a difference in our community!
A few years ago, most of our citizens didn't even know we had a shelter in our county. It was run down, crumbling, and overlooked by the bureaucrats. One husband and wife team spearheaded a campaign to light a fire under our politicians and our community. Now our new shelter is nearing completion. But FOCCAS knew that one building was not enough to meet the needs of the animals in our community. They've worked tirelessly to raise the funds to erect and outfit a second building- an intake and quarantine center. Even when they seemed to hit roadblocks at every turn, they persevered and made this dream a reality. But they knew the shelter just wasn't enough. They've supplied food, medicine, litter to the shelter. Provided books to help children understand pets and the care they need. They've promoted better animal welfare laws and anti-tethering laws. Assisted with animal medical emergencies, promoted fostering, and now they're building fences to get dogs off of tie-outs and into fenced yards. Our community has been abundantly blessed to have FOCCAS and the animals are more blessed than the people. And it all started with one tiny idea, between a husband and a wife. They've inspired countless people to get involved, including me. God bless FOCCAS for changing the lives of animals, 1 tail at a time.
FOCCAS has now done what no other group has successfully completed. A new Intake Center for CCAS is well on it's way to being build. I am proud to be a member sense the beginning. This group is dedicated to it's mission with new member coming on board and new programs coming to life. We as a community truly are the voice for the voiceless. Thank You Cumberland county ins for your belief in this group as well as all the support you have all shown. The future for animal rights in this county is shining brightly.
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I have been with this group from the beginning and have never seen a more dedicated group work so hard for the voiceless in this community. With all of the roadblocks endured We are still here and will continue to be here. No one in this group gets a paycheck it all go for the care of the homeless animals of this county. I think that is the best part of it, Our hearts are in it 100% and for no other reason the to be the voices of those who don't have one.
I have been here in Crossville , TN for 3years and when I came I was surprised to see what kind of shelter they had, it is truly heartbreaking, but come to find out this shelter wasn't all that old but the ladies that run it and care for the animals were so very loving and caring and they were doing the best with what they were given .. so I looked around for info to help .... well I ran into the FOCCAS group and I joined up because I have never witnessed such a small town and the people in it( that LOVE and CARE) endeavor such a task ..... to raise enough money to actually build a wonderful shelter for the animals that come into it .... and believe me they are not holding back for any of the comforts that these four-legged babies need now, they will have proper heat and proper bedding and storage for food and even our kitties will receive the best climbers ..... I SUPPORT FOCCAS with all my heart . we have a ways to go but it will get done . Not only do they raise money but they all help any body that needs it with a found animal .
This group has done so much for animals on Cumberland County. So many of the volunteers put in countless hours on fundraisers, helping the shelter, going to political meetings, and fighting for animals in our county.
This is a great group of people who are advocating to change how animals are treated in their community and are working to improve the quality of life of the local shelter animals and animals within the community. Have worked with this group and it has been a pleasure and look forward to doing more great work with them in the future.
Great people for a great cause, never seen people more passionate about wanting better animal welfare for all animals.
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FOCCAS is very dedicated and passionate about helping animals in Cumberland County ! They've raised over $330,000 to build a much needed shelter there and they recently began construction ! They also do an excellent job of working to Prioritize Animal Welfare and FOCCAS member JC Hancock is working with FOCCAS members to make that happen by including animal welfare in public school lessons county wide, with a future goal of making animal welfare part of public school lessons nationwide. Words cannot express how much I love FOCCAS !
The volunteers and leadership of this nonprofit are the driving force for making life better for so many homeless animals. From providing endless food and supplies to the shelter, to building a $350,000 new intake building, providing fences to get dogs of tethered lines, to leading the cause to get animals fostered or vet bills paid when no one else steps up to help. They're a fun yet determined group making big changes for the better for animals in Cumberland County. It's been an honor to be able to help them out when my schedule allows. They appreciate and welcome all help and helpers and are doing an amazing job of educating the public.
This organization is totally amazing in what has been accomplished in a little over 18 months. They have made more people in this county aware there is a shelter, how to find the shelter and in turn adoptions have increased. Sadly the good old boys refuse to build a new shelter in a more visible location, preferring to keep it isolated and remote. BUT, the group will continue to work towards their goals of helping the animals and shelter needs. Roadblocks are just a bump in the road
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This group will succeed where others have failed. Why? The members are young,locals, and are dedicated to their cause. They are not "outsiders" trying to tell the locals how things are done in other places I.e., up north. It is a grassroots movement with passion in their hearts. They truly care about the shelter, both animals and staff, wanting what is best for them. FOCCAS will be around a very long time
I have seen the hard work and success this group has done in a very short time. They are dedicated to helping every animal that they can and failure is not a option. It is hard work physically and emotionally on them. They can use in amount donation or time a person has to offer and is always appreciated. Thank you Focus for all your hard work and may God be with you in everything you do.
Very good well meaning group of people. They're trying so hard to change the lives of the homeless animals of Cumberland county. Even though their being met with a lot of resistance from the current people in charge of the shelter they refuse to stop fighting.
I grew up in this area and this group has stayed strong through adversity and the "good old boy" syndrome. They continue fighting even when the odds look bad. I believe they will successful in building a new animal shelter and overcoming the outdated culture of Cumberland County that animals are property.
The organizers and volunteers of FOCCAS are the most tireless and passionate people I have ever met. The county commissioners of Cumberland County have a very backwards mentality and feel the current location of the animal shelter is "good enough." The shelter is at a landfill which was shut down by the EPA years ago as it is unknown what was being dumped at this site. The county does want to build a new shelter, but the animals will still be in outdoor runs with no reprieve from the heat or the freezing winter temperatures.
Please help FOCCAS built a bigger and better shelter with indoor/outdoor kennels in a more visible location.
This group of local volunteers deserve more than 5 stars!
I have worked with a lot of groups in my life. I have never seen a group that had their act together like we do. I have only been with them a short period of time but already see the dedication that goes on...FOCCAS is truly an amazing group we will soon be launching our JR FOCCAS program, it will include children under 18. We will educate on animals, care, spay and neuter info and much mucheaper more. We are very excited to soon launch our capital campaign to raise money to build a new shelter. If you can donate please please do. It all adds up, and our county/city needs this so bad.
I have never seen a more determined group of people. They go above and beyond for the animals in need
A wonderful, compassionate group of dedicated volunteers who give their all to save our dogs and cats with time and money.
This group started with a few people and within a year has developed a 900+ following on facebook, a professional website, a newsletter and great relationships with local rescue groups. Many have failed where this group has succeeded. I see great things in their future.
This a wonderful non-profit that defines what a rescue group is, and does. There is a saying "We are their voice! " Well I can only say that i am proud that the animals in this county have FOCCAS as their voice....... You guys are amazing and never cease to amaze me with your generosity and love for the animals. I am full of optimism in the future due to all of your hard work; amazing just amazing.....
I have never witnessed in my 56 years a more dedicated organization : Cumberland County is still a rural thinking county, and FOCCAS has really began to improve the way our residence think about spay and neutering for future control and welfare of our animals: The Volunteers are relentless in their efforts to make our community a better place for animals
This is a wonderful group of animal loving people, who are determined to make the lives of animals arriving at our shelter, much more comfortable .They really were horrible before, but now because if FOCCAS the animals coming there, have a much better chance of surviving and finding safe , loving homes. I praise God for them every day .
I'be been working with this group and The people in this organization all have a great heart for our furry friends. We are all all about helping better the lives of the little ones that have no one to speak for them. We are their voice a d the FOCCAS group is speaking loudly for them.