ABOUT US

Some of our community members

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 the well-being of our community and dedicated to improving the quality of life of the people it serves.

  • 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.

  • 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 the inherent worth of every person, 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, away from the hostility and closed-mindedness of the outside world.

  • 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.

  • 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.