Over the years GRT has rehabilitated many properties that are in the community. These properties have been restored for residential, commercial and community services. These are some of the economic development projects that have been spear-headed by the GRT:

Citadel of Hope

The Greater Refuge Temple of Christ Church was established in Buffalo in 1937. Located in the heart of the East Side of Buffalo, its mission has always been to provide for the families in the community by fulfilling the needs of the total man both spiritually and naturally. In 1987 The Educational and Culture Center was built to extend to the community a place to enhance their knowledge and hold community meetings. In 1997 The Family Life Center was built.

The Family Life Center ministers to the needs of families in the community and the county at large. The mission of the Family Life Center is to develop the “total man” and the development of the socio-economic community to provide services that cultivate and encourage family preservation.

The services that the Greater Refuge Temple “Citadel of Hope” provides include: residential services, custodial supervision, case management, arranging for necessary medical, dental, and mental health services through Department of Youth Services on site medical services at Erie County Medical Center, group and individual counseling, transportation to and from court and appointments, recreational and cultural activities (including access to religious services), provision of clothing and personal hygiene
supplies and an education program including substance and alcohol-abuse awareness. This facility is highly structured and self-contained as well as utilizing community resources.

The “Citadel of Hope” provides a facility that will accommodate 12 boys who are currently considered Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS). The scope of services offered is to operate a 24-hour Admission facility. Staff members provide a program orientation. The group home will provides 24 hour custodial supervision because many issues and circumstances arise in this type of facility. Staff members are trained and experienced in this setting.

In addition to meeting all appointments (court, medical, mental, etc.) a programmatic day will include daily food services (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), counseling, mandatory group counseling daily. Transportation will be provided to and from all appointments. A staff member will be with each individual at all times during an appointment.

Recreational and cultural activities will be scheduled on a daily basis. These activities will include socialization with other community-based resources. Close supervision will provided by Refuge Temple.

Religious and Spiritual services will be provided at our group home. Participation will be voluntary. Our approach is holistic in that we will minister to the total person, mentally, physically and spiritually. It is also our purpose to preserve the family. Our goals are to build family ties; to keep the family together; and to curtail the presence of drugs, violence, and abuse that has dominated the community. This group home will not only be a detention facility, but will provide a safe atmosphere that will bring together the necessary components in a supportive environment, that will change deviate behaviors.