The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Focus on the Family’s workforce is now about half the size it was in 2002, when most of President George W. Bush’s years in the White House were still in front of him. The Colorado Springs-based evangelical organization has laid off 110 workers in its latest round of cuts, reducing its staff to 750, according to The Gazette. In the last two years, Focus has laid off 385 employees. “The economy continues to be in recession,” explains Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger, noting that the latest cuts include 15 managerial jobs, two of which are executive posts. “And people who have given in the past are having financial difficulties of their own.” Many of the workers will remain on the payroll until August 20 and may receive severance packages and help with job placement elsewhere. Focus spent about $2.5 million this year to buy a Super Bowl commercial featuring former University of Florida quarterback and current Denver Bronco Tim Tebow, but it was funded by private donors. As Focus grapples with layoffs, it is paradoxically getting its message out—perhaps with more ease than ever because of the Internet. Focus is on Facebook and, as Focus’ Monica Schleicher recently told The Denver Post, “That’s where families are now. Moms love Facebook. It helps them keep track of their kids.”