Benefiting Organization
Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment to enable culturally diverse children and families achieve their full potential.
Thea Bowman House is built upon the foundation of Agape: unconditional love.
Our organization has been serving low-income, at-risk children and families in the Utica community for over 30 years. We provide quality care to some of our community’s most vulnerable children and youth in the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty through a structured program of educational and social enrichment.
We began in 1986 as Agape House, an after school program for latch key children in the west Utica area, and continued to expand our programs, becoming Thea Bowman House in 1996. Today we operate out of two sites in the city of Utica, one at 731 Lafayette Street and the other at the former St. Francis de Sales School at 309 Genesee Street. We currently serve over 350 children ages 18 months through 18 years.
Who We Serve
Our halls are filled with the miracle that happens when children and families from all parts of our globe come together under one roof to speak the language of love.
Hundreds upon hundreds of children and families have now passed through our doors, each one of them with a unique story.
95% of the children we serve come from households headed by single parents. These families often have to choose between food, clothing, and shelter. Child care can become an unaffordable luxury.
Like Amelia, the cranky 2½ year old toddler, will be soothed by the familiar lyrics of her favorite naptime lullaby. Her exhausted mother has worked double shifts all week to make ends meet and struggles to find time for bedtime rituals with her daughter.
Lisa, who attends the after school program, receives a high five from the volunteer tutor who helped her solve a difficult math problem.
And Sam, one of a growing number of homeless patrons, who finds a warm parka in just the right size at our food pantry and a bonus blanket and can opener as well.
You can meet our alumni in almost every corner of our city. It is heartwarming to realize that these now grown “children” are bursting to share their memories, their accomplishments and even their wildest dreams.
Success Stories
Devante
A Full Circle Moment with Thea Bowman House
I don’t really know what it’s like to go home after school. For as long as I can remember, the bus didn’t take me there—it dropped me off at Thea Bowman House.
My mom worked at TBH as a family advocate and administrator, and I grew up in that building. It wasn’t just a daycare—it was my second home. I played for their CYO basketball team, found my best friend there, even found my first love there. By 10th grade, I was washing dishes at TBH after school. And even when I went off to university, TBH welcomed me back to work during my visits.
When my mother passed away last year, we held the reception at Thea Bowman House. It was a full circle moment—grieving in the same place where so much of our life was built. That day reminded me how deeply rooted I am in this community.
If it weren’t for TBH—and my mother’s work within it—I truly don’t know where I’d be. Together, they helped shape me into the man I am today.
Now I’m a father of two beautiful daughters, married to my amazing wife, Karen, and working as an Operations Site Supervisor for IKEA in Ottawa, Ontario. And even with all the ups and downs life brings, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you, Thea Bowman House. You’ll always be home to me.
Nigel
Nigel was brought up through the Thea Bowman House during his pre-teen and early teenage years alongside his siblings Stasha and JiQuel. They were members of TBH because of their mother Pamela and Auntie Diana. Nigel’s favorite memories from TBH include the summer trips to community pools, beaches, parks and camping trips alongside his younger brother and best friend, Julius. Nigel first began playing organized basketball with the Dick Miller TBH team in 2006. Although Nigel stopped attending TBH in his early high school years due to after school practices, he still credits TBH as one of the programs that played a critical role in his personal development.
Nigel earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Athletic Training from the State University of New York at Cortland in December 2019. He is a New York State board certified athletic trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Nigel is also a NASM-certified Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) and part-time Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) coach. Nigel holds additional certifications in BLS CPR, Cupping Massage Therapy, and Blood flow restriction (BFR). Nigel is also an full time assistant athletic trainer at Hamilton College working primarily with Hamilton’s mens basketball, baseball and women’s soccer programs including away travel for contests.
Nigel has a long history of playing and coaching basketball while being around some high-level programs. He has several internship experiences include the King of Kings Summer League Pro-Am (15’-16’), Sports Performance Institute (SPI) Fitness (17’), Cornell University Sprint Football and Men’s Basketball (18-19’), and Kobe Bryant’s MAMBA Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA (20’). Nigel returned home to Utica, NY during the covid-19 pandemic as he was inspired by his experiences to launch his own business Hoopers Rehab LLC on August 24, 2020. His mission is to continue to inspire the next generation of basketball athletes to reach optimal performance through individualized multi-component training. Nigel is far more than just a trainer or coach, he is a proud girl dad to Aviva and serves as a mentor and role model for many young men in the Utica community. Through Hoopers Rehab, Nigel’s mission is to continue the legacy of his late childhood hero, Kobe Bryant by inspiring the next generation of athletes using the ‘Mamba Mentality.’
Vhouse
Growing up as a refugee kid in America, I often felt like I was living between two worlds—trying to hold onto where I came from while learning to navigate my new home, Utica, NY. Thea Bowman House was the place that helped me bridge that gap. It didn’t just offer support—it gave me a version of the “American” childhood I needed to succeed in my adult life.
Through their after-school program, I was supported in school by a community of volunteer tutors, specifically Mr. Cunninham. He didn’t just help me with my homework, but he also believed in me. He made learning feel less intimidating and more empowering. That kind of encouragement made all the difference.
Summers at Thea Bowman House were unforgettable. We explored the history of ancient Egypt, had deep and meaningful discussions after watching Roots, and went on field trips that broadened my views of the world. From visiting museums and amusement parks to exploring caves and iconic cities like New York, I was immersed in new experiences that helped shape the person I am today.
Beyond the academics and adventures, Thea Bowman House gave me something priceless—lifelong friendships and a love for the outdoors. Hiking, swimming, kayaking, and camping became part of the rhythm of my childhood, and those moments gave me the desire to travel and experience new foods and cultures.
Looking back, I realize just how much Thea Bowman House helped me grow, not just as a student, but as a person. They didn’t just support me—they celebrated me. And because of them, I carry forward not only memories, but a mission to give back and lift others, just like they did for me.
I am very grateful to Ms. Wright and Ms. Domingue for the vision and the agape love for their community.
Past Recipients
2023
Make-A-Wish Central New York
2019
The ARC, Oneida Lewis – Chefs Express Program
2018
The Kelberman Center
2017
Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program
2016
United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area and The Stanley Theatre
2015
Upstate Cerebral Palsy
2014
YWCA
2013
Utica Safe Schools Healthy Student
2012
Stevens-Swan Humane Society and The Children’s Museum