/sc-assets/prd/practices/3fa664aa-6611-407c-b141-4940b50e2e12/Sheila Johnson-1755290236110.JPG)
Message from the Chair and President
New York City has seen its share of hard times — but the weight we carry now, from mental strain and economic uncertainty to moments of crisis and the lasting impact of trauma, is unlike anything we’ve faced before. These challenges touch every age, every background, every story in Harlem. Some are visible. Many are not. And in times like these, we all long for a place that feels steady when the world feels unsteady — a place where we know we are seen, heard, and valued.
Harlem Family Services (HFS) is that place. As a proud subsidiary of the Harlem Family Institute, our name may be new, but our work is rooted in 33 years of experience serving families and communities with compassion, expertise, and cultural understanding. We’ve taken that legacy and built it into a vision shaped by Harlem’s unique history and heartbeat — one centered on mental wellness, resilience, and community strength.
We meet people where they are — without judgment or shame — creating a safe space for healing and growth. Whether it’s consulting with frontline workers, walking with parents through the challenges of raising children in uncertain times, guiding immigrants as they navigate new lives, supporting families with special needs, offering counseling, or simply being a steady presence when the road feels too heavy to travel alone, we carry this work together, side by side.
At HFS, mental wellness is more than a service — it’s a relationship. It’s built in trust, in connection, and in belonging. For anyone wondering where they fit in, where their story matters, and where they can rest for a moment in the care of others — we are that place. —
Rev. Sheila P Johnson, LP, MPS
Chair and President, Harlem Family Services
/sc-assets/prd/practices/B7jWeT3wl7M11UnGI7wVp/5jRsHjTY6Gly82bH_Dqx4oh234j1c1etzZaNEpNz3BpuQkrN46ip5V2ulex_dlHHjaHJau9KzTJK_yd2mOSSLO0j76WFmSIO.jpeg)
A Hub for Community Wellness
The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center, operated by HFS, is more than just a clinic—it serves as a vital community resource. With workshops, educational events, and training programs, HFS fosters collaboration and strengthens the foundation of community mental health and well-being.
Leadership and Expertise of the HFS Board of Directors
HFS thrives under the leadership and expertise of its dedicated Board of Directors, comprised of professionals with extensive experience in mental health, nonprofit management, community advocacy, and organizational development. Their strategic guidance ensures HFS remains focused on its mission to deliver transformative, culturally responsive mental health services. Together, the Board and leadership team work tirelessly to expand HFS’s reach and address the growing mental health needs of Harlem and beyond.
Harlem Family Institute: The Foundation of Excellence
As the parent organization of HFS, the Harlem Family Institute (HFI) has been a pioneer in mental health care and psychoanalytic training for over 33 years. HFI equips clinicians with the skills and expertise to provide culturally informed, trauma-sensitive care while ensuring that mental health resources reach underserved populations.HFI’s dual mission—to train clinicians and provide accessible mental health services—has made a profound impact across New York City, particularly in communities of color. By bridging the gap between training and service delivery, HFI empowers individuals and families to overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve lasting wellness.
/sc-assets/prd/practices/3fa664aa-6611-407c-b141-4940b50e2e12/Sheila Johnson.JPG)
Guided by a Shared Vision
Together, HFS and HFI work in synergy to redefine mental health care. HFI provides the foundation of expertise and training, while HFS serves as the operational arm, delivering critical services directly to the community. This collaborative model ensures that individuals and families receive the highest quality of care, rooted in compassion, equity, and innovation.
Harlem Family Services, supported by its parent organization, Harlem Family Institute, is transforming mental health care—empowering families, strengthening communities, and promoting lasting wellness.