Public Access TV Show Focuses On Non-Profits And Community Heroes

MANCHESTER-ENFIELD, CT — FOCUS, a monthly local public access show featured on Cox Channel 15, highlights Connecticut-based non-profits and community heroes. Developed in June 2020 by Marc Warnock and Chris Giard, FOCUS started out by raising awareness of local and statewide non-profits during the height of the pandemic. Common topics and struggles covered on the show have been fundraising, volunteer staffing and community engagement.

"Initially, the vision of the show was to help give the non-profit groups in our communities a platform and make a call to action that were unable to come in and use the PATV studios during the COVID closure," executive producer and co-host Warnock said. .

FOCUS conducted over fifty interviews with executive directors and founders of non-profits utilizing Zoom while the producers were working remotely to create the monthly show.

"Now with our studios back open, we plan to focus on groups who have not been previously featured, as well as other local non-profits that are in need of additional promotion," Warnock said.

Starting in Feb. 2022, the producers were able to start going on-site for interviews and tours, featuring guests such as the Midwest Food Bank - New England, Recycled Rides Project, Connecticut Trolley Museum and the Connecticut Historical Society Museum.

"We wanted to continue telling the stories of all the great work that these groups and individuals do for our community," Giard said. "I really enjoy going on-site and interviewing the staff and volunteers while capturing the heart of what makes these non-profits fulfill their missions."

The March episode of FOCUS features an in-depth look at MACC Charities in Manchester. It is a detailed look at an organization which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of helping break the cycle of poverty in the community. Executive Director Beth Stafford shared the history of the organization and how people can get involved and volunteer.

FOCUS airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on Cox Channel 15. Anyone interested in learning more about FOCUS or suggestions for a non-profit may email enfieldpatv@cox.net.