Family Restoration Project was organized in 1988 as an outreach ministry of New Life Ministries Inc., entitled G.R.O.W.

(God Reaching Our World).  Similar to today, its primary service was an Emergency Food Pantry, which distributed food on an emergency basis to needy Southwest families. Recognizing the need for implementation of broader based community services, the GROW outreach ministry was renamed “Family Restoration Project” (herein, FRP) and branched off from New Life Ministries in 1993.

In April 1994, FRP secured separate incorporation from The New York Department of State. A separate board of directors was established and a part-time Executive Director was appointed to carry out the developmental and administrative functions of the new organization.

In 1996, the Internal Revenue Service determined that Family Restoration Project Inc. was exempt from Federal income tax and we received our not-for-profit 501(c) 3 status.

In 1998, FRP moved to our current location at 360 Wellington Ave and made several positive contributions to the Southwest community under the leadership of Joseph Brown and Min. Linda Armstrong.

v    1999-2001 we provided holiday baskets to needy families through an outreach

      entitled Bread of Life. 

v    1999-2001 we presented a number of self-help workshops through a series entitled “Lenny’s Living Room”.  There were a variety of “Living Room” courses that taught on topics such as personal empowerment, negotiating the holidays, and coping with difficult family dynamics. 

v    1999-2002 we succeeded in establishing a drug-recovery program for men and women who were seeking to overcome addictions through group counseling (New Hope for Men; New Hope for Women).  Approximately 50 individuals

      benefited from the small group, personalized care program.

v    2000-2001 we hosted a number of educational presentations by external agencies about programs that would benefit our community members

      (e.g. Rochester Gas & Electric, Wegmans, and Foodlink).

v    2001 we provided our adult computer literacy class which gave basic

      instruction on Windows 98 and Microsoft Office.

Our most celebrated and sustainable community accomplishment has been with regards to our Emergency Food Pantry

(1994-present).  We have collaborated with the Rochester FOOD LINK non-profit clearinghouse to help decrease the amount of hunger in the 14608, 14611 and 14619 zip codes of Rochester (representing the southwest community). 

In 2004, our endeavors continued to expand as we developed the Future Hope Youth Division, My Brother’s Keeper Men’s Addictions Group and the Restoration House Cooperative Counseling Center.

As we continue to grow, develop, and expand, we hope that you continue to join us on our journey to Restore Families and Rebuild Lives in the Rochester Community!