Eleanor Josaitis

Eleanor Mary Josaitis (née Reed; December 17, 1931 – August 9, 2011)[1] was an American civil rights activist and the co-founder of Focus: HOPE, an organization fighting racism and poverty.

[4] She also provided leadership and advocacy for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and made important contributions to public awareness of hunger and malnutrition.

In 2006, she turned over the day-to-day operation to a new leadership team in order to focus her efforts on fundraising.

Senator Carl Levin gave the eulogy at her funeral mass, quoting her exhortation to "Recognize the dignity and beauty of every person, and take practical action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice.

[7] In her memory, the Detroit Free Press and Detroit Metropolitan Affairs Coalition annually present the Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award, which "recognizes an individual who may not have yet received the widespread recognition she or he deserves for long-standing efforts to further regional cooperation and understanding.