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Focus on the Family is a US Evangelical Christian group founded by Dr. James Dobson and based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The organization is a major component of the American Christian right and is highly active in promoting the election of Christian conservative politicians, especially members of the US Republican Party.
Additionally, "Focus on the Family" broadcasts a national radio show of the same name hosted by Dobson or aides. The program has a range of themes, such as Christian-oriented assistance 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, and drugs; and many other themes. When programs deal with civic issues, listeners often respond to these programs by contacting political leaders. Such conservative evangelical activity has been a key factor in the right-ward political slant of US politics, including the re-election of President George W. Bush.
"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.
The group supports the teaching of traditional family values as expressed in their interpretation of historic Christian faith. It advocates school prayer and opposes banning corporal punishment of children. It strongly opposes abortion, homosexuality, pornography and juvenile sexual behavior. The organization seeks to strengthen the family as they understand it - a married father and mother, and their child or children - as a societal institution, and believes the keystone is having a personal faith in Jesus.
Leadership for the organization was provided by Dobson alone until 2003. In 2003, Donald P. 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 that was supposed to last the organization for many years. Further growth caused by increased listenership and readership of its books and magazines caused the organization to look for even more room to serve those looking for help from it. In September 1993, having relocated to temporary quarters in various locations in Colorado Springs in the previous months, "Focus on the Family" dedicated its main building on an expansive 49-acre (200,000 m²) site.
Currently its three office buildings have a combined space of over 526,000 square feet (49,000 m²) housing over 1300 employees. One of the buildings is largely used for receiving telephone calls from listeners and providing requested assistance; this activity engages the largest segment of its employees.
A branch of "Focus on the Family" also exists in Canada, which formed in 1983 and based in Langley, British Columbia. Their goals are the same: to elect pro-family conservative politicians in Canada.
The organization's 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 on the Family".
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