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We’re grateful to welcome two new members of the FOCUS team whose gifts, experience, and love for their communities will help strengthen our ministry in Minnesota and Detroit.

Susanna Tabeling Joins FOCUS Minnesota

Susanna Tabeling has joined FOCUS Minnesota as Program Coordinator, continuing a journey with FOCUS that began as a volunteer earlier this year.

Service has long been part of Susanna’s life. Growing up, she helped with her parish’s soup kitchen and developed a particular love for working with children. She later studied English Education and Literacy at Elmira College.

Today, Susanna attends St. Herman’s Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, where she helps prepare for services, sings in the choir, and coordinates the parish’s readers. Outside of FOCUS and church, she can usually be found enjoying a good book or trying a new recipe.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity to be able to serve our neighbors!” Susanna shared.

We’re excited to see Susanna bring her heart for service and community to the ongoing work of FOCUS Minnesota.

Blake Tubbs Named Center Director of FOCUS Detroit

FOCUS Detroit is also welcoming Blake Tubbs as its new Center Director.

Born and raised on the west side of Detroit, Blake brings both a deep love for his hometown and a strong background in serving others. He graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has worked in social services with both adults and children, as well as in leadership at a juvenile detention center.

While attending Spring Arbor, Blake was chrismated into the Orthodox Church at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Albion, Michigan. His new role at FOCUS Detroit brings together two important parts of his life: his Orthodox faith and his love for the city that raised him.

Blake looks forward to building on the faithful work already underway through FOCUS Detroit and its volunteers while continuing to deepen relationships and serve neighbors throughout the community.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the city I call home and to be part of a team that cares deeply about the people of Detroit,” Blake said.

Please join us in welcoming Susanna and Blake to their new roles as we continue working together to make Christ’s love visible through service.