Graffiti 2 Community Ministries is part of the Graffiti Network of ministries and churches. Graffiti Community Ministries 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 Community Ministries 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. Graffiti 2 has since expanded its efforts to the whole family—children, teens, young adults, and adults. With a heart to serve the neighborhood, Graffiti 2's programs have been responsive to the needs of our neighbors including those struggling with addiction or living unhoused.


As a result of this ministry-first approach, Graffiti 2 Baptist Church was planted in September 2008 and continues to grow by implementing this upside-down method of growing God's kingdom.


Graffiti 2 Community Ministries is located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. Beginning in the 1900s, Mott haven became a home for new immigrants: German, Irish, Jewish, Puerto Rican, Mexican, West African, and now immigrants from Central and South America. At one time Mott Haven was a neighborhood of affluence. Alexander Avenue was nicknamed “Doctor’s Row,” and Willis Avenue was called the “Irish Fifth Avenue.” The beautiful brownstones from this era still remain.


Since the 1970s Mott Haven has been identified as a community of need. Communities of need are areas of our cities and towns where people are particularly vulnerable to damaging outcomes. Research tells us that multiple risk factors have a cumulative effect on well-being. One risk has a negligible effect on well-being. Two or three risks increase the chance of damaging outcomes by four. Four or more risks increase the chance of damaging outcomes by ten (Citizens Committee for Children of New York, Keeping Track 2024). 


Mott Haven’s risk factors include education, safety, family, health, and environment. 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 (Citizens Committee for Children of New York, Keeping Track 2024). In the midst of these risk factors, 92,000 people (21,000 under the age of eighteen) call Mott Haven home. These individuals and families are the greatest asset to the community.


Three-story colonial home

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

Two story commercial building with sign that says "Iron Foundry"

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

Sculptor with hammer in hand sculpting with assistant looking on

The Piccirilli family’s studio was located at 142nd Street and Willis Avenue. Their works include the lions for the New York Public Library and the iconic sculpture of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Graffiti 2 partners with Send Relief as a Ministry Center in New York City.


A collaboration between the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board, Send Relief is Southern Baptists' global compassion ministry, responding to crises and strengthening vulnerable communities around the world by meeting physical and spiritual needs in Jesus' name. 


Send Relief exists to respond to life-altering moments with the life-giving gospel of Jesus. Whether it’s responding to natural disasters, caring for refugees, fighting human trafficking, supporting adoption and foster care efforts or providing clean water and medical attention to struggling communities, we are committed to connecting people in need with people who care.


Graffiti 2 is one of Send Relief's National Ministry Centers spread across North America and Puerto Rico. These ministry centers focus on 

  • Strengthening Communities
  • Protecting Children and Families
  • Caring for Refugees
  • Fighting Human Trafficking
  • Responding to Crisis


For more information about Send Relief or to mobilize mission teams through Send Relief, visit www.sendrelief.org.

Graffiti 2 Baptist Church is a diverse body of believers in the South Bronx.  With a myriad of backgrounds we are united by our love for God, our neighborhood, and each other.  Following Jesus has changed our lives.  Our faith in Him has made us children of God.  It has brought us together.  It has made us family.  We invite you to come and see for yourself!  


Service Times

  • Sundays at 6:30 PM (Worship Service and Small Groups)
  • Thursdays at 6:30 PM (Community Dinner and Bible Study)


All of our gatherings are casual dress, come as you are.