Staff
Dr. Tom & Lidia Grassano, director and spouse
Dr. Thomas D. Grassano is the founder and director of UHM. He was raised in Detroit and South Carolina, but has roots in New York City where his father was born and grandparents immigrated. He came to the South Bronx for the first time in 1992 while leading a short-term mission team with the missions agency he directed, and then returned in 1994 with his wife Lidia and their four-year-old daughter to begin Urban Harvest Ministries by faith.
Dr. Grassano is educated in music (B.M. - Furman University; M.M. - U. of So. Carolina; D.M. - Florida State U.) and is an accomplished performer, composer and conductor. He became involved in ministry while in college, and eventually left the career to serve the Lord in ministry. He is ordained and has seminary training. His ministry has taken him to 41 states and 23 nations as a speaker, teacher, and mission team leader.
Dr. and Mrs. Grassano's passion is to empower the disenfranchised and equip the church to do relevant ministry among the urban poor and unchurched. "Pastor Tom" is also very engaged in student leadership training to raise up a generation in the inner city to radically transform their world.
Dr. and Mrs. Grassano have two children, Gabrielle Angelica (7-4-90) and Thomas Jr. (10-30-98). Their mission is to live a life that truly brings glory to Christ and to see their biological children, as well as their spiritual children, fulfill their destinies in the kingdom of God.
Salome Bankersingh
Salome was born in Jamaica and moved to the South Bronx when she was eleven-years-old. Rejected by her family and living in a shelter shortly after, she later found freedom and purpose in Christ Jesus. She was trained and discipled at The Harvest Center, and she now serves on the youth ministry leadership team, the Kidz Explosion leadership team, and as a tutor for children and youth. She is also the assistant director of the Exodus Drama Ministry and the ministry bookkeeper. Salome is currently pursuing a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. Her desire is "that God would be lifted up so the South Bronx will be full of people worshiping the true God. And that through Him being lifted up, they will be lifted up and have real life."
Karen Blake
Karen grew up in the greater suburbs of Boston, but has spent most of her adult life in New York City. With over twenty years of experience in inner city ministry, Karen specializes in children's, family, and neighborhood ministry with an emphasis on raising up children as disciples of Christ and on the church being present in and connected to the community. Karen also helps communicate UHM's vision through different media, produces training materials, and develops resources for the urban church. In addition, she heads up the UHM Strategic Prayerforce. Karen's passion is "to see the Church mobilized to the glory of God and healthy churches established and prospering." Karen has a beautiful daughter named Alyssa.
Vilma Marte
Vilma grew up in the South Bronx and after being found by Christ, became engaged in the student leadership training at The Harvest Center. Vilma is on the youth ministry leadership team, the Kidz Explosion leadership team, and a tutor for children and youth. She also heads up the children and family home visitation. Vilma's desire is "to make sure people get the chance to know Jesus - who He really is and how He can change their lives."
Raul Perez
Raul grew up in the South Bronx. After being rejected by his family, he was lovingly received by Christ and empowered through the student leadership training at The Harvest Center. He now leads the Praise and Worship team, and is on the youth ministry leadership team, the Kidz Explosion leadership team, and is a tutor for children and youth. He also works in various forms of communication. His passion is "to see the lives of the people in our community opened to the love and acceptance of Jesus. To see those who have surrendered their lives, worship Him unhindered not only through song and dance but more importantly through their lives, completely living out Romans 12:1 & 2."
Maurice Salley
After a childhood of abuse and pain, Maurice dropped out of school at eighth grade, then spent seventeen years living on the streets, addicted to heroine and cocaine. After coming to Christ, he went back to school and received his degree in counseling. He now works as a substance abuse counselor. Maurice came to The Harvest Center in 1996, where he was mentored by Dr. Grassano and became a vital part of this ministry. Maurice helps lead the men's ministry, teaches the Word of God to adults and counsels people. His desire is "to see men live for Jesus Christ."
Yvette Woodard
Yvette grew up in the Bronx and is employed full-time as a case worker for the City of New York. She is the program manager for The Harvest Center and on the Ministry of Care leadership team. She also leads the Sunday children's church and teaches and disciples adults. Yvette has two children, Stacee and Milani, and one grandchild, La' Shae. Her desire is "for people to know the word of God because it's the Word of God that is going to change their lives!"
