The Jay Focus Group

20 Years of Service to our Communities

in Orleans County, VT

 

The Jay Focus Group (a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the needs of Orleans County, VT) has been strengthening the fabric of the Northeast Kingdom for 20 years. 

“It has been a great run of 20 years. We have had a volunteer who began “volunteering and fundraising” as a baby accompanying her mom at our events.  And we have folks who moved here and found the Jay Focus Group to be a way to integrate into their new home community. We also have NEKers born and bred who have made volunteerism and community spirit a big part of their life.  People have such big hearts!” commented Sally Rivard, current president of the Jay Focus Group.

 

Peggy Loux, who has served as treasurer and executive director since the organization's debut in 2006 added,  “ 

 

Throughout the years, countless Northeast Kingdom residents have benefited from the Jay Focus Group’s volunteer fundraising efforts…with a focus on the “fun”.

Beneficiaries of those efforts include: Jay Area Food Shelf (serving the towns of Jay, Westfield, Troy, North Troy and Lowell), students and student athletes (field trips, athletic contest fees), Schools, Libraries, and other non-profits received grants for special projects; high school graduates received grants for Continuing Education, and younger students received Camp Scholarships. The Jay Focus Group also supported the Jay Area Recreation Centre and Oktoberfest activities.

 

“Wherever there was a need, we tried to fill it,” said Loux. “Community traditions such as the annual Town of Jay tree lighting and Santa and Mrs. Claus visits and Holiday Decorating Contest in the towns of Jay, Lowell, North Troy, Troy & Westfield; dinner dances, and the ever-famous Jay Summerfest are some of my favorites.” “And fundraisers like coin drops and raffles…we sold so many raffle tickets over the years,” laughed Rivard.

 

And after 20 years, the group has decided that the time has come to pass that community service and spirit torch to another organization.  “We’re old!” laughed Loux. “The majority of our volunteers are over 65.  We have tried to engage new people over the past few years to no avail.  There are so many good people out there, doing great work for our communities. We know that change is good and it allows for growth in other places.”

"Revitalizing Troy" is interested in moving the Jay Focus 
Group to new horizons. If you know of a local group who may be interested, especially in keeping the Jay Area Food Shelf going, please email jayfocusgp@gmail.com.  Many of our volunteers are willing to continue to help out, but we need people willing to take on the leadership roles.