FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2006

New director for Bissonette House

Buffalo native Gregory J. Brice has been named executive director of Bissonette House, succeeding the late Sister Karen Klimczak, SSJ, who was slain at the halfway house on April 14 (Good Friday) of this year.

"It is my esteemed pleasure and with sincere humbleness that I accept the post of director of Bissonette House,” Brice said at a news conference outside the Grider Street location. “It is my intent to continue the work that has been accomplished by Sister Karen while removing the stigma associated with the tragedy of the past few months. I would sincerely like to inform the residents of this community and the City of Buffalo that Bissonette House is here to stay and to make a positive impact on this community."

For the past 10 years, Brice has been working in the human services field, working with youth and young adults. He is pursuing an associate’s degree in psychology at Erie Community College. Brice also serves as a volunteer at Trinity Baptist Church on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo.

A 1986 graduate of South Park High School in Buffalo, Brice served three years as an infantryman in the United States Army.

Father Robert L. Gebhard, chairman of the Hope of Buffalo, Inc. Board of Directors and pastor of St. James Parish in Buffalo, said, “There was never a doubt that, through the cloud of the Good Friday tragedy that took her life, Sister Karen was already shining with her infectious vigor, example as a woman of faith, and message of HOPE! Her voice was heard, ‘Keep on!’

“And so, those who were involved in the work and ministry that she had begun and steered for so many years never wavered for a moment as to the fate of Bissonette House. The work of continuance was our prayer.

“Our prayers have been answered. After many long weeks of diligence, discernment, and searching, the next director of Bissonette House is chosen with great happiness. Gregory Brice has the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors. We give him our full confidence and support and look toward the future of Bissonette House with great HOPE!”

Bissonette House is a residence for men recently released from prison. Its purpose is to provide a support environment that will enable changes to take place in an individual’s life. Hope of Buffalo, Inc. is a prison ministry that responds to the needs of prisoners, their families and families of violent crimes.

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