1. What is Saving Grace Ministries?
A not-for-profit organization, Christian supported with ministry of discipleship and evangelism.

2. What is the purpose of Saving Grace Ministries?
To offer hope, encouragement and discipleship to men, women and children who have struggled with life choices, through sharing personal testimony of God's saving grace. Counseling individuals and families, seeking restoration. Teaching about relationship truths, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while becoming productive for the Kingdom of God and their community.

3. Who supports Saving Grace Ministries?
Support is received from churches of various denominations, Corporations, individual gifts, and grants. Support is received financially, through volunteering and gifts of donated property and supplies.

4. Ministry Management.
The Executive Director is responsible for all daily activities of Grace House. The Resident Manager of Grace House and staff report to the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible to the ministry President and the Board of Director's. The Board of Directors meets monthly. The Planning Board meets monthly and is represented by community leaders, ministry management, supporting pastors, church leaders, representatives of State parole and city police, neighbors and other interested parties.

5. What is the mission of Grace House?
To provide men on parole, who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to change, with a smooth transition to community life through a highly structured program based on Christian principles.

6. Why Here?
"Grace House" 1924 Bailey Ave. is ideally situated to meet the programming and living needs of the residents and staff. Located on Bailey, close to Broadway, Genesee, and Walden provides superb access for public transportation. With the access to public transportation the residents can access Parole mandated counseling (on Bailey Ave.) and maintain employment. The site also provides for the physical, and mechanical needs of the program considering building size, remodeling, and parking.

7. Will "Grace House" decrease property values? NO.
We plan extensive renovations to the property, both external and internal. A similar home in Mass., Bridge House, did not decrease property values, but worked to improve the neighborhood, as would Saving Grace Ministries. The architectural plans call for renovations of the exterior façade and landscaping. Initial estimates of renovation exceed $250,000.00

8. Will there be 24-hour supervision? YES.
There will be a 24-hour on site supervision by qualified staff with experience in residential site management, and criminal justice issues.

9. Will the residents be loitering or hanging out on the streets? NO.
The residents will be employed and/or involved in programs at the house, local churches or mandated parole counseling. They will be subject to a curfew.

10. What if a man breaks house rules?
House rules will be a condition of parole. Parole mandates that the man will comply with house rules or be subject to return to prison.

11. Are there any types of crimes not allowed to live at Grace House? YES.
In cooperation with community stakeholders and the New York State Division of Parole, SGM limits residents that present with a Instant Offense that requires registration under the NYS Sexual offender registry to only men registered level I or level II. SGM limits these individuals to a 90 day stay and monitors and enforces community movement restrictions while individuals participate in program. In special circumstances and in cooperation with community stakeholders SGM may consider a level III offender for short program stays (emergency placement), less than two weeks. SGM will consider "high profile cases" working with local community leaders, the local block club leadership and the NYDOP for appropriateness of parolee placement.  

12. How are the men selected to live at Grace House?
A five part application process:

1. The inmate writes a letter of request, or referred by a prison official or referred directly by New York State Division of Parole.
2. The candidate completes a detailed application, including personal history.
3. Parole provides a written report that provides a historical account of the candidate and a recommendation for his release plan.
4. Prison security provides a report assessing the candidates' institutional behavior and disciplinary record.
5. A staff committee reviews the above reports and information to select the resident candidate.

13. Interaction with community!
Ways to assist our neighbors and improve the community where we are located. Examples are: shoveling, landscaping, home improvement and providing scheduled transportation for people who need help getting groceries, etc. Weekly van runs to local grocery store.

14. Important information to keep in mind:
Residents of "Grace House" do so voluntarily. While on parole they can live independently within our community. The selected residents sign a contract committing to live at Grace House for 6 months to 1 year. Upon leaving "Grace House" the residents move in to independent living.

New York State Division Of Parole maintains 24 hour facility access.

We encourage community involvement and hopeful that community representatives will take part in the monthly Planning Board meetings.