Harvest House Tour

January 30, 2012 Tour of Harvest House and New Hope Educational Center  

The Williamsville Rotary Club toured the Harvest House and New Hope Educational Center created by Linda and Gary Tatu. Those that were able to attend thanked Jim Rumsey for organizing this very informative evening. The Tatu’s are examples of how perseverance, determination and faith can bring about action. Below are descriptions of what we toured and how the Ministry and Community Services help those in need. After the tour pizza was served for the Rotarians in the cafeteria of the Harvest House retreat area.

What is Harvest House ?
Physically, Harvest House is the former South Presbyterian Church and Sunday school building. It is a 22,000 square foot red brick building with high white columns holding up a large over-hanging roof. The building is used for spiritual retreats and community meetings. A 2,100 square foot addition at the rear of the parking lot houses the Harvest House Baby and Children's Ministry, the area’s largest supplier of free clothing and furnishings for children newborn to size 14. Located at 1782 Seneca Street, Buffalo NY 14210

A former Mack Truck dealership and service center, with ample fenced parking and surrounding property. This facility was donated to Harvest House. They named the building the Harvest House Ministry Center and envisioned it becoming a one-stop center to help the community with medical and educational needs. This location is currently serving as the Good Neighbors Health Care and New Hope Education Center. In March they plan to commence with a 17,000 SF interior modification of the remaining service center. Once completed the plan is to bring the Harvest House Baby and Children’s Center over to this building and increase the education services by including carpentry and plumbing trade classes in the expansion area.

The medical clinic offers Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractic Care and Optometrist who all volunteer their professional services to assist the people of the area. An attorney is at the education center Wednesday mornings to provide free legal advice to the community.

The New Hope Education School caters to students over 21. New Hope is unique in that it has different education providers offering different classes in the same space, at the same time. New Hope Education Center strives to provide students with the necessary skills needed for self sufficiency through intellectually stimulating learning and support. Students will then acquire job preparation skills, attain gainful employment, and pursue continuing education options. Classes are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings. Current providers offering classes are:

Erie Community College , Erie2CC Boces, Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education
Classes are taught by professional instructors certified and paid by the providers. Volunteer receptionists are at the desk each hour the school is open. Harvest House provides volunteer tutors for the students. New Hope Education Center is located at 175 Jefferson Ave. Buffalo, NY 14210.