Our Mission
To strengthen our community by offering compassionate care and essential resources, fostering an environment of encouragement that empowers individuals and families to thrive.
Our Vision
Healthy Community
(Spiritually, Emotionally, Mentally and Physically)
We believe in a hand up, not a hand out, to lift
our community into the next season of life.
The Gerhardt Neighborhood Outreach Center (GNOC) began with Pastor Albert Gerhardt's vision to bring the Gospel to Rochester's inner city. In 1986, he relocated New Jerusalem Church from Bushnell’s Basin to the former Profetta Funeral Home, impacting the Beechwood community for two decades.
In 2004, after Pastor Al's retirement, Pastor Tony Martorana sensed a calling to return to Rochester from New Jersey and became the new leader of the church. Along with the congregation Pastor Tony bought the two-story, 8000 square foot building next-door and began its transformation. Pastor Tony led the congregation in revitalizing the crime-infested building next door, turning it into a vibrant community hub offering services such as a food pantry, medical clinic, learning center, crisis pregnancy support, and youth programs.
Now under Pastor James Laughlin's leadership, the GNOC continues to thrive with additional initiatives like an after-school program, Christian counseling, and transitional living services.
Current Operations Director Chris King and
Executive Director Pastor James Laughlin