

Beyond the Sanctuary
Serving the Rochester, NY Community
Our Goal, Vision, & Guiding Principles
How We Can Help You
How You Can Help Us
Thank you,
ROC the Day donors!
We are grateful for your support!


Community Service Sunday
Thank you to all community volunteers and Memorial AME Zion Church members for coming together for our fourth annual Community Service Sunday. Whether you've been with BTS since its founding or just joined us, we are delighted you're a member of our team! We thank you and celebrate you for all that you do!
Beyond the Sanctuary is proud to be a community organization highlighted by “Sharing the Warmth” on WRMM-FM 101.3.
The weekly feature shines a light on some of Rochester’s most caring organizations.
Listen to Rochester radio personality Tony Infantino speak with Beyond the Sanctuary President & Executive Director Carmen Allen about our organization’s history, mission, and programs.
Click the microphone to the right to listen to the radio spot!
Beyond the Sanctuary is powered by the dedication, energy, talents, and love our volunteers give to our community every day.
We are continuously seeking volunteers to join our team!


Beyond the Sanctuary is located in the historic Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church which is the oldest African American church in Monroe County.
Established over 190 years ago in 1827, Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church’s legacy of community service and social justice dates back to Frederick Douglass printing his abolitionist newsletter, the North Star in the basement of the Church and Susan B. Anthony’s frequent speeches from the pulpit, to Congressman John Lewis’ final visit to Rochester in 2016 and the opening of Beyond the Sanctuary in 2017.
Beyond the Sanctuary
is located in the
Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church
549 Clarissa Street
Rochester, NY 14608
(585) 512-8911
"...thank you for all that you do for our community.
Grateful to be in a partnership with you."
- Julia Tedesco, CEO of Foodlink
Everyone is Welcome
"What do I need to bring in order to get food? Do I need to bring ID?"
The answer is "just bring yourself".
"I have a doctor's appointment. Can my sister pick up my food for me?"
The answer is always "Yes and she is welcome to pick up a
box of food for her family as well."