The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center for Family and Child Development

The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center for Family and Child Development The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center, operated by Harlem Family Services, is more than just a clinic but a vital community resource coming to Harlem this fall.

The end of the year invites reflection. What have you learned, what are you grateful for, and what intentions do you wan...
12/29/2025

The end of the year invites reflection. What have you learned, what are you grateful for, and what intentions do you want to carry into 2026?

12/26/2025

December 26 is the pause after the rush.
The quiet after the gathering.
The exhale after holding it all together.

If today feels peaceful, welcome it.
If today feels heavy, that’s okay too.

You don’t have to “bounce back.”
You’re allowed to rest, reflect, and reset.

Be kind to your nervous system today.
- Drink water
- Take a walk
- Unplug if you need to
- Check in with yourself

However this season is landing for you, remember you are not alone.


12/24/2025

Take a pause before the celebrations. A few minutes of mindfulness can reduce anxiety and center your heart for the holidays.

Harlem Family Services wishes for you and your family to have a peaceful holiday.

12/23/2025

Winter invites us to slow down

Cold weather, shorter days, and end-of-year stress can take a toll on our mental health. Self-care in winter isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what sustains you.

This season, try:
• Getting sunlight when possible
• Creating gentle routines
• Resting without guilt
• Staying connected to supportive people
• Asking for help early

Care looks different in every season. Be kind to yourself this winter.

Start this week with positive intentions that promote clarity. In the hustle of this time of year, life can feel chaotic...
12/22/2025

Start this week with positive intentions that promote clarity. In the hustle of this time of year, life can feel chaotic. You may feel overwhelmed or disconnected.

Try setting a positive intention to make space for you.

That may look like going for a walk, meditating, engaging in personal care....

12/19/2025

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness

As daylight hours decrease, some people experience more than just the “winter blues.” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during certain seasons — most often in the fall and winter.

Common signs may include:
• Persistent low mood
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal from social activities

SAD is real — and it’s treatable.

Support can include therapy, lifestyle adjustments, light exposure, and building routines that prioritize rest and connection. You deserve care in every season.

If winter feels heavier this year, you don’t have to carry it alone. Help is available.

12/18/2025

Youth in Harlem deserve spaces that see them, hear them, and support them. In a time where holidays can stress adults for many reasons, remember to take time and acknowledge the youth that is experiencing stressors themselves.

12/17/2025

Mid-December check-in: Are you running on empty? Stress spikes for many people this week — emotionally, mentally, socially. The holiday season can be overwhelming, and it's normal to feel drained. From managing expectations with loved ones to juggling end-of-year work deadlines, it's no wonder anxiety levels tend to surge. Are you taking care of yourself during this chaotic time?

Did you see our newsletter? We have a page just for Harlem Winter Wellness Resources!Save and share This is how you can ...
12/16/2025

Did you see our newsletter? We have a page just for Harlem Winter Wellness Resources!

Save and share

This is how you can help Harlem support Harlem this season!

12/15/2025

If the holidays feel heavy this year, you’re not alone. Grief can surface unexpectedly — memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, losses that still feel fresh, distance from those we hold dear, and emotional exhaustion from trying to keep up with the holiday cheer. It's okay to acknowledge that the holiday season can be a difficult time, and it's essential to prioritize your emotional well-being. Here are 4 gentle ways to care for yourself during this time:
Name the emotion without judgment - allow yourself to feel the sadness, anger, or frustration without beating yourself up over it.

Create a small ritual of remembrance - light a candle, visit a special place, or cook a favorite dish to honor your loved one.

Take sensory breaks - step away from the noise and chaos, and indulge in calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretches.

Reach out for support - don't be afraid to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about your feelings. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone.

12/12/2025

Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, a pioneering figure in the field of mental health, firmly believed that true mental health care must happen within communities, not away from them. She recognized that the most effective way to promote wellness was to provide support systems that were deeply rooted in the community, rather than isolating individuals from their families and social networks. She championed preventative care, early childhood support, and family-centered healing — values that continue to guide Harlem’s approach to wellness. By focusing on early intervention and community-based care, Dr. Lawrence's approach empowered individuals to take control of their mental health and build resilience. Her vision lives on in the programs and services we offer today, which prioritize community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and holistic support. From counseling services to support groups, our programs are designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection, helping individuals and families to thrive in their communities.

Mental health is not a privilege, it’s a human right.These five human rights principles guide how care should look in ev...
12/11/2025

Mental health is not a privilege, it’s a human right.
These five human rights principles guide how care should look in every community, especially in places like Harlem where access, equity, and dignity matter deeply.

Swipe, share, and remind someone today that mental wellness belongs to all of us.
Your humanity matters. Your healing matters.

Address

20 East 110th Street, Suite 201
New York, NY
10029

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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