The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center for Family and Child Development

10/02/2026

Harlem families deserve timely, compassionate mental health care that understands their experiences and honors their strengths.

We’re proud to be featured in Word In Black, highlighting Harlem Family Services and our founder, Rev. Sheila Poynter Johnson, as we work to close gaps in mental health care in our community.

The article explores our commitment to culturally responsive therapy, same-day access, and expanding treatment options for a community that has too often faced barriers to care. It also honors the legacy of Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, whose dedication to children, families, and health equity continues to inspire our work.
Thank you to Jennifer Porter Gore and Word In Black for sharing our story and bringing attention to Harlem’s mental health needs.

Read the feature:
https://wordinblack.com/2026/09/harlems-mental-health-gap-is-getting-a-new-prescription/

Learn more about our services at https://harlemfamilyservices.org.

Sheila Johnson

Long waits, clinician shortages and unequal access to newer treatments leave many Black families without adequate mental health care. A newly opened Harlem center is trying to build a different model.

08/24/2026

Tune in today!
We’re excited to share that Rev. Sheila P Johnson, LP, MPS will join Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs today Monday, August 24 at 5:20 PM ET.
Join the conversation as they discuss mental health in Harlem.
Monday, August 24
5:20 PM ET
Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson
We hope you’ll tune in!
Listen at wurdradio.com/shows/evening-wurds/

08/22/2026

Tune in this Monday!

We’re excited to share that Rev. Sheila P Johnson, LP, MPS will join Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs this Monday, August 24 at 5:20 PM ET.

Join the conversation as they discuss mental health in Harlem.

Monday, August 24
5:20 PM ET
Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson

We hope you’ll tune in!

Listen at wurdradio.com/shows/evening-wurds/

06/01/2026

Meet our clinical team!

visit www.harlemfamilyservices.org for more information

05/28/2026

Throwback Thursday to our Grand Opening Event on March 26th. A great time was had, you can tell by the look at our president and chair Sheila Johnson'sface. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and services.

Interested in services? Want to meet our providers? Visit www.harlemfamilyservices.org

05/27/2026

Looking for ways to support your mental wellness this week? Harlem is hosting community-centered wellness activities, outdoor events, and healing spaces throughout Mental Health Awareness Month.

Wellness & Community Events
Harlem Wellness Fest — wellness workshops, movement classes, meditation, fitness, and community healing at Marcus Garvey Park on May 30. Information here: https://www.nycforfree.co/events/harlem-wellness-fest-1

Events on the Green at the Harlem Meer / Davis Center — free outdoor wellness, movement, and family-friendly community events in Central Park’s north end.
Information here : https://www.centralpark.com/events/events-on-the-green-at-the-davis-center/

West Harlem Summer Jazz Fest and Sunset Sounds Jazz on the Hudson happening later this week.
Information here: https://nycinfocus.com/2026/05/17/2142/

05/26/2026

This Saturday! Harlem Wellness Fest returns to Marcus Garvey Park. The event is free! Check out https://www.nycforfree.co/events/harlem-wellness-fest-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com for information and to register!

This Saturday, May 30th, Harlem Wellness Fest returns to Marcus Garvey Park for a day dedicated to movement, healing, and community. From free fitness classes and wellness workshops to great music, good food, and beautiful vibes, this is your invitation to pour back into YOU.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. It can also bring up feelings of grief, loss, or emotional heaviness for many individuals and families.

As we gather with loved ones today, we also recognize those carrying memories, absence, and sacrifice.

We encourage our community to approach today with compassion for ourselves and for one another.

Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day
For some, it’s a day of reflection, grief, remembrance, or emotional heaviness.

05/22/2026

Here is a sneek peek of one of our many treatment rooms. We are looking forward to providing mental health services to Harlem! Are you looking for services? Contact us today. Visit www.harlemfamilyservices.org

05/20/2026

Healing is personal but it doesn’t have to happen alone.

Community care can look like:
Checking in on a friend
Sharing resources
Helping someone feel seen
Listening without judgment

Support matters.

Especially in communities where mental health conversations have historically been silenced. Here at the Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center for Family and Child Development we believe in healing and community support.