InnerCHANGE East Harlem

InnerCHANGE East Harlem NYC was launched in January 2019 by Chris and Naomi Lawrence, along with their 4 kids, who relocated from England back in 2014.The team is committed to Jesus-centered companionship alongside those struggling with the tough challenges of loneliness, loss of direction, isolation, and poor health. East Harlem is a 70% Latinx inner city neighborhood. 50% of our neighbors are in the lowest socio-economic groups, with many families in public housing. Migrants arriving in the last twenty years, many from Mexico, are often under-documented. The neighborhood has rich survival mechanisms demonstrated through creativity, music and an energetic commitment to celebration.

As bi-vocational missionaries, the team dedicates their time to facilitating a sense of community among senior citizens in public housing, connecting with adults with disabilities through art and weaving and building relationships with first generation immigrant youth. Naomi, in partnership with community organizations, also displays her crochet murals throughout East Harlem as a witness to both the art and beauty in the neighborhood.

The team vision is inspired by Isaiah 58:6-7: “loose the chains of injustice… share your food with the hungry, provide the poor wanderer with shelter… do not turn away from your own flesh and blood”.

Those who join the team might be interested in the arts. Creativity and flair and entrepreneurial spirit are valued here. You could be interested in coming alongside people who are forced to adopt slower rhythms, through chronic illness or disability.