In 1996, Christ Tabernacle’s Prison Fellowship and members began collaborating with Angel Tree to buy 100 + Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated parents each year.
In 2007, Christ Tabernacle began reaching out to public elementary schools in Bushwick, Brooklyn (one of the poorest communities in Brooklyn) for a back-to-school backpacks filled with school supplies for the year giveaway.
In 2008, Pastor Michael Durso and Adam Durso of Christ Tabernacle church in Glendale, New York, convened a vision retreat to explore how the church could expand their neighborhood outreach efforts beyond the walls of the church. At the end of the retreat participants conceived The Legacy Center, a separate 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit, that would commit to loving its neighbors and surrounding community by providing acts of compassion, justice, community service and intentional leadership development.
In 2009, while filing for the creation of a new 501(c)(3) organization, Christ Tabernacle expanded its outreach by partnering with Urban Impact, Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, Urban Youth Workers Institute, and Nyack College
In 2010, The Legacy Center Community Development Corporation (TLC) is officially created. Jordan Durso is appointed the Executive Director. The Executive Director begins transitioning over Christ Tabernacle outreach programs, and expands service area to include Glendale, Ridgewood, Bushwick and East New York. TLC increases assistance to the Bushwick elementary schools to include winter gear in addition to backpacks and school supplies. The Bridges program is created – volunteers begin delivering groceries to families in need. Families that receive Christmas gifts or participate in the Bridges program are invited to a Christmas show and a dinner in their honor. TLC holds its first Gala Event honoring Mariano Rivera for his efforts in building a better future for children.
In March 2011, TLC officially opens its doors at 61-16 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, Queens, New York City. The Center begins Development Programs by conducting Educational Think Tanks and offering 6 week Tutoring Programs for 3rd and 4th graders that have received promotion in doubt notices.