OUR STORY

AN UPSIDE-DOWN MODEL OF COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

Graffiti 2 Community Ministries is part of the Graffiti Network of ministries and churches that has empowered children, youth, and adults on the Lower East Side of Manhattan since 1974. The Graffiti Network describes their model of community transformation as upside-down.

These upside down methods begin with ministry—meeting the needs of a community. Ministry leads to faith. Faith leads to the growth of the church. The church at work in the community leads to transformation.

Graffiti 2 implemented this upside-down approach in the Mott Haven community of the South Bronx in August 2005. Beginning in a space about the size of a living room on Brook Avenue, Graffiti 2 initially met the needs of children through afterschool and summer programs. We have since expanded to serve children, teens, young adults, adults, and unhoused neighbors.

As a result of this ministry-first approach, Graffiti 2 Baptist Church was planted in September 2008.

MOTT HAVEN & THE SOUTH BRONX

Mott Haven is located in the South Bronx. Beginning in the 1900s, Mott Haven became a home for new immigrants: German, Irish, Jewish, Puerto Rican, Mexican, West African, and immigrants from Central and South America. At one time Mott Haven was a neighborhood of affluence with beautiful brownstones that remain today.

Since the 1970s, Mott Haven has been identified as a community of need. Of the 59 neighborhood communities in New York City, Mott Haven ranks #1 with the highest overall risk to child well-being in the city. In the midst of these factors, 92,000 people (21,000 under the age of eighteen) call Mott Haven home.

Gouverneur Morris Home

Mott Haven was originally the plantation home of Gouverneur Morris, a penman of the preamble to the Constitution.

U.S. Capitol Dome

The U.S. Capitol dome was cast at the Janes and Kirkland foundry near 3rd Avenue and 149th Street.

Piccirilli Sculptors

The Piccirilli family’s studio was located at 142nd & Willis. Works include NYPL lions & Abraham Lincoln at Lincoln Memorial.

PARTNERING FOR GREATER IMPACT

Graffiti 2 partners with schools, organizations, and churches locally, statewide, and nationally.

SEND RELIEF

Graffiti 2 is the New York Ministry Center for Send Relief, Southern Baptist' global compassion ministry responding to crisis and strengthening communities.

HOPE FOR NEW YORK

Graffiti 2 is an affiliate with Hope for New York, serving New Yorkers in need by partnering with non-profits across the city.