Why “Graffiti”?

In the early 1970s, a small storefront mission began its work on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The building, like much of the neighborhood, was covered in graffiti. At first, the mission worked day after day to clean it off, but the graffiti always returned. Eventually, they decided to try something new and turn things “upside-down.” They invited the neighborhood to graffiti on the building! In time, that storefront mission became a church known to the community as the “Graffiti Church,” and the name stuck.

Graffiti Ministries - Brooklyn is a mission sent out by Graffiti Church on the Lower East Side in 2015. We are proud to be a part of a family of other community-based missions and ministry centers, all born out of “Graffiti” and all committed to serving underserved communities. We started our companion nonprofit educational program, the Graffiti Ministries Learning Center as a part of that same mission. Through GMLC we carry forward the same heart, offering free GED classes and educational support to anyone who’s ready to learn, no matter their background or belief.

While our work is grounded in the values of our Christian faith, you don’t have to be a Christian to join us. Our doors are open to all. If you're ready to take the next step toward your education, we're ready to walk with you.