ABOUT US
Agape Haven of Abundance is a growing, community-based, nonprofit grassroots organization embedded in the Edgerton neighborhood of Rochester. At Agape, our vision is to reduce health disparity, eradicate intergenerational poverty, and foster upward mobility, especially within Rochester’s underserved areas. We do so by empowering the community using a holistic approach by educating, providing access to social emotional support, work-based learning, and food security to elevate mind, body and soul. We are committed to our community’s well-being and dedicated to improving its quality of life.
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![Some of our staff, including founders Julian and Joan]()
OUR HISTORY
Agape Ministries Inc. was founded in 2005 by philanthropists Julian and Joan Polidore on Long Island. It began as a faith-based organization, rendering charitable services to people in need locally and abroad. As the ministry flourished, the Polidores expanded their efforts to upstate New York. Agape Haven of Abundance Inc. was established during the COVID-19 pandemic when the demand for services was at its peak. Agape was compelled to serve by providing emergency crisis support, human services, and educational enrichment opportunities to affected neighborhoods.
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![Mayor Evans with many young members of our community]()
OUR MISSION
At Agape Haven of Abundance, we seek to embody the essence of agape, the ancient Greek word for unconditional love, by providing a welcoming, judgment-free space where all individuals are accepted for who they are. We believe in every person’s inherent worth regardless of differences in opinion, background, or experience. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging and safety.
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![A handful of the youth we have served in front of a Malcolm X poster]()
WHO WE SERVE
The population we serve are low-to-moderate income households, youth aged 7-18 years old, justice-involved young adults, New Americans, asylum seekers, senior citizens, and veterans. Our neighborhood is made up of over 80% BIPOC. Of them, 42% identify as Black, 25% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 10% East African, and 8% other groups.
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![Our CEO, Julia Oakley, at the Edgerton and Maplewood sign]()
LOCATION
Agape Haven of Abundance is located in the Northwest Quadrant of the City of Rochester, embedded in the Edgerton neighborhood. We chose this location as the base of our operations to serve as a resource hub to be a beacon of hope to assist community members in overcoming barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
