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PROJECT FOCUS ANNOUNCES THE MOSAIC COMPANY AS PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR 2023 GALA

TAMPA, Fla. (Sep 29, 2023)-

Project Focus has announced The Mosaic Company as presenting sponsor of the 2023 Gala, as a part of a $10,000 donation to the non-profit.

"Having the support of such a community-minded organization like Mosaic is a huge honor for us," said Ildes Sotelo, Project Focus board member and event chair of this year's gala. "Their donation plays a critical role in supporting both the ongoing programs at Focus Academy, Focus Forward and Focus Cafe, and our visions for the future."

Project Focus is a not-for-profit foundation that works to support students and young adults with disabilities through various innovative programs, to inspire them to lead more satisfying and fulfilling lives. This year’s gala, which will be hosted on October 14 at the Italian Club in Ybor City, will serve as both a premiere fundraising event and a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Focus Academy.

“We are happy to provide our support to an organization that provides hope, education, and skill-building opportunities for young people with disabilities,” said Kelly Strong, Vice President – Mining, North America at Mosaic. “We are proud to partner with Focus Academy to ensure that the innovative programs they provide will continue to grow and thrive.”

The Project Focus Foundation benefits multiple innovative programs with a strong focus on social skills and mental health as well as new and future initiatives for young adults with developmental disabilities. These programs include:

Focus Academy: Established in 2013, Focus Academy provides an innovative charter high school program for students from 6th grade through age ,22 that infuses social skills therapies into the curriculum. All students participate in drama therapy and in visual and performing arts classes, as well as strong academic classes that are tailored to individual learning needs.

Focus Academy Transition Program: The Transition Program builds on the success of the high school, providing students who have completed 12th grade with additional training in job skills and independent living skills. A core component of the program is its’ partnership with businesses to provide students with community based training.

Focus Café: Located inside the Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex, the Café is a fully functioning non-profit business offering beverages and snacks to patrons and the public. It is staffed by Focus Academy Transition Program students, and young adults 22+who learn valuable skills such as inventory, customer service, using a cash register, and more.

Focus Forward: Opened in January 2021, Focus Forward extends the timeline for adults with disabilities by offering a wide variety of learning opportunities, daily activities, community outings and peer socialization and interaction. The program is unique as it was established to provide services to aged based cohorts who share common interests.

Future residential community: A major initiative of the Focus family of projects is an integrated living community, which will include supported and independent living areas for adults with developmental disabilities to call home. Project Focus is establishing a fund earmarked for the purchase of real estate for this goal.

To learn more about Project Focus and to support their 9th annual Gala, visit www.projectfocususa.org

About Mosaic Company
The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.

About Project Focus
Project Focus is a non-profit foundation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young adults with disabilities. The foundation benefits the existing programs, Focus Academy, Focus Café and Focus Forward, as well as new and future initiatives to help young people with developmental disabilities create satisfying and full lives while integrating into the larger community.

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