At Asbury First, we’re committed to reaching out to those in need both locally and globally. We participate in local efforts to help others, some developed by our own members, others in collaboration with other area organizations and churches.
We also believe that Christ's injunction to "love our neighbor" extends across the globe. Through the work of our dedicated members, and with the time, skills, and financial support of others, we extend our reach far beyond Rochester's boundaries.
The Outreach Funding Team of Asbury First United Methodist Church seeks funding proposals for projects around Asbury First's mission field, the greater Rochester area and beyond, that will equip and/or enhance community outreach projects. Funding will be distributed in one lump sum payment to grantee with an eligibility to renew funding on an annual basis.
Applications are always accepted and will be reviewed by the team. Grantees will be notified within sixty days of submission, with funds distributed shortly thereafter. All grantees will be required to submit a project report at least once per year.
Family Promise of Greater Rochester (formerly RAIHN), is a non-profit, non-denominational group of faith communities in Rochester who help homeless families achieve sustainable independence. Several times a year, Asbury First opens its doors to Family Promise clients, who spend a week living at the church, sheltered and fed with the help of church volunteers.
The Help Me Read Program is a one-on-one tutoring program held at School 17 and School 45. Asbury First volunteers tutor students at these Rochester City Schools in reading. Asbury First also holds a yearly school supply drive to help students get the necessary materials needed for a successful school year.
As Rochester continues to struggle with our turn in the racial justice spotlight, we at Asbury First are looking for ways to respond faithfully both at this moment and going forward. Many have asked what we can do right now as individuals and as a congregation to confront the realities of racism in our community. Click the button below for videos, resources, books, and more.
Since 2005, Asbury First, in conjunction with the Harvest Home coalition of churches, has completed seven homes in the JOSANA neighborhood. The congregation has generously provided both volunteer hours and financial support to help transform the lives of families in the community. Dedication of our eighth home on Campbell Street is scheduled for 2021. Through our participation with Flower City Habitat for Humanity, Asbury First is helping to give families in Rochester “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.”
Cameron Community Ministries is an urban outreach community center in the Lyell-Otis neighborhood of Rochester, NY. For over 35 years, Cameron has been offering many programs to support families and children in the area. As an extension of Cameron’s current youth programming, the Teen Center serves teens from 7–9th grade and provides field trips to college campuses, regular tutoring, social emotional learning curriculum, etiquette skills, personal health and hygiene skills, inspirational/motivational speakers, financial literacy, physical recreation, and much more.
Project Chacocente is devoted to alleviating extreme poverty by building and nurturing relationships. Initially working with families relocated from the Managua city dump, the Project now focuses on education and community development in rural Masaya, Nicaragua.
Chacocente Christian School offers a tuition-free, full-day program including a nutritious lunch for more than 135 children. Graduates of the school are offered financial assistance to pursue a college degree. Project Chacocente offers a fair wage to its 24 full-time Nicaraguan employees. Visiting teams from Asbury First have worked alongside the people of Chacocente on home construction, classroom and chapel construction, and campus upkeep.
Located in Theethipalayam, India, this ministry is led by Asbury First member John Pandian. Founded to provide a home for children orphaned by the 2004 tsunami, Miracle Garden now houses more than 38 orphans who often have been victims of violence or trauma. Children study at the Miracle Garden Christian School on site, and are joined by many children from area villages.
For more information about any of our outreach programs, please contact Rev. Patrick Dupont at pdupont@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x136.