Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family is a US Evangelical Christian group founded by Dr. James Dobson and based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It broadcasts a national radio show of the same name hosted by Dobson or aides. The program has a smorgasboard of themes, such as personal help for victims of rape or childhood abuse, parenting difficulties, child adoption, husband/wife roles, family history and traditions, struggles with addictions (and quasi-addictions) to gambling/pornography/alcohol/drugs, and many other themes. When programs deal with civic issues, listeners often respond to these programs by contacting political leaders. Focus on the Family is one of a number of Evangelical para-church organizations that have arisen in the last generation. Their stated aim is to not start a new church or denomination, but to work interdenominationally to support and strengthen local churches. For example, one of Focus' themes each fall is "Pastor Appreciation Sunday." The group supports the teaching of traditional family values as expressed in the historic Christian faith. It advocates school prayer and opposes banning corporal punishment of children. It strongly opposes abortion, homosexuality, pornography and juvenile sexual behavior. Focus seeks to strengthen the family as they understand it- a married father and mother, and their child(ren) - as a societal institution, and believes the keystone is having a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Leadership for the organization was provided by Dobson alone until 2003. In 2003, Don Hodel became President and CEO, tasked with the day to day operations. This left Dobson, as Chairman of the Focus Board of Directors, with chiefly creative and speaking duties. Focus on the Family began in 1977 out of a modest office in Arcadia, California. It soon outgrew that facility and began acquiring space in both Arcadia and in nearby Monrovia, California as its radio program grew in listenership. By 1990 the group needed even more space, and relocated to a new office complex in Pomona, California. In 1994 Focus relocated to an expansive 49 acre (200,000 m²) site where its three office buildings have a combined space of over 526,000 square feet (49,000 m²). It is easily accessible at exit 151 off of Interstate 25 north of downtown Colorado Springs and due east of the United States Air Force Academy. Focus' facilities are open for tours by the public Monday through Saturdays, excepting certain holidays. A bookstore and cafeteria are onsite, as is the child - oriented Whit's End Soda Shoppe which serves ice cream and "Wodfamchocsod" (world famous chocolate soda) made famous by the Adventures in Odyssey children's radio theatre show produced by Focus.

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\n* Focus on the Family is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability