Press release
Le Roy, NY Hope Center, a LeRoy-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope through
meaningful community programs, is excited to announce the purchase of its first permanent home at 54–56 Main Street in Le Roy.
The organization officially closed on the building on Friday, January 23, marking a major milestone in its history.
Founded in 2017, Hope Center began with a simple but powerful mission: to meet people where they are and provide hope through supportive, inclusive programming. Since its start, Hope Center has operated out of a rented space at 46 Main Street, steadily expanding its reach and impact throughout Le Roy and the greater GLOW region. Over the years, the organization has grown beyond what its current location can accommodate, and the dream of owning a building long felt financially out of reach.
“That dream became a reality thanks to Peter Gallagher, a real estate investor and president of PB ST PETE LLC. Peter stepped forward not only to support the purchase of the building, but also to help make possible a full renovation of the main level!” shares Hope Center director, Gina Lathan.
The newly purchased building, known to many longtime residents as The Economy, later the Hobby Horse
Antique Store, and several other businesses in between, will be transformed into a true community center,
located right in the heart of downtown LeRoy and the center of the GLOW region. The renovations and build out will take place over the next few months, with a Ribbon Cutting targeted for late summer.
A Space Designed for Community Impact
Once renovations are complete, the Hope Center building will include:
- A dedicated Tutoring Center
- A spacious Senior Moments Respite Program area
- Two community event spaces available for gatherings, celebrations, and meetings
- A Community Resource Room including a “little free library”, puzzles, games, books and health,
wellness, and hopeful living resources - A certified kitchen
- ADA-compliant restrooms
- Office and meeting rooms available for rent
- Staff offices and more…
This expanded space will allow Hope Center to grow and strengthen each of its core programs: - Fresh Start Tutoring will benefit from a dedicated, welcoming learning environment designed to better
support students and tutors. - Senior Moments Respite Program will have increased space to serve families of loved ones living with
Alzheimer’s and dementia, with safety, comfort, dignity, and flexibility. - Made To Bloom: Women’s Health & Wellness programming will expand with room for workshops,
support groups, and wellness-focused gatherings. - Men of Hope Community Outreach will have space to grow mentorship, connection, and outreach
opportunities.
“Our new building allows us to expand not just our space, but our impact,” Lathan shares. “It gives us the
ability to dream bigger, serve more people, and respond to the evolving needs of our community.”
Community Invitation: Hope Center Housewarming Celebration Hope Center invites the entire community to attend a Hope Center Housewarming Celebration on Friday, January 30 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to stop in, explore the current space, view architectural renderings of the planned renovations, and hear more about Hope Center’s vision for the future.
As a thank-you, everyone who attends will receive a coupon for 10% off dinner at one of several participating local restaurants.
A Community Effort: Community Call to Action
While the purchase and renovation of the building represent an exciting step forward, Hope Center
emphasizes that this project will only be possible with the support of the community.
Hope Center is officially launching the Hope Center Building Campaign, with a fundraising goal of $400,000 to
support renovations, program expansion, and long-term sustainability.
Ways to support this exciting new chapter for the Hope Center:
- No gift is too small to make a difference! Monetary donations of all sizes will help us create a space
where individuals and families can find support, connection, and hope. - Room Sponsorships…To support the transformation of our new space, Hope Center is offering room
sponsorship opportunities at multiple giving levels, with dedicated recognition for each sponsored area.
These dedications, will honor the generosity of those who help make this community center possible,
whether corporate, family or individual. - Volunteers…In addition to financial support, Hope Center welcomes volunteer contributions of time
and talent to help transform the building into a vibrant community space. Skilled and general
volunteers alike will play an important role in bringing this vision to life. - Community Input…As we grow, we are seeking input from the community on how Hope Center can
continue to expand its outreach and services. Together, we can ensure this space reflects the needs and
hopes of those we serve. - Those interested in contributing or learning more can visit www.hopecenterofleroy.org.
Hope Grows Here
Lathan sums up their pivotable community project like this, “At the heart of true wellbeing is hope. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for safety, stability, healing, belonging, and connection. The Hope Center exists to foster that hope in every service we offer and for every person who walks through our doors, reminding our community that even in life’s hardest moments, hope is always possible. Together, we are creating a place where lives are changed and Hope Grows Here, firmly planted in our new home at 56 Main Street in Le Roy, New York.