Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center

11/06/2025

In the midst of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Bowen Center has stepped up in a big way, expanding its Food Pantry operations to meet a dramatic rise in community need. In October alone, the Center distributed nearly 60% more food packages than the previous month, ensuring that families and furloughed federal workers alike don’t go hungry.

FOX 5 NY and Telemundo 47 recently visited the Bowen Center to see this vital work firsthand, as Congressman Adriano Espaillat joined volunteers to pack and distribute food bags, underscoring the power of community during uncertain times.

Here’s a look at the Bowen Center’s Food Pantry in action as featured on FOX 5 NY and Telemundo 47.

In the midst of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Harlem’s Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center has stepped up in a big way, expanding its Food Pant...

11/05/2025

Today, we were honored to welcome Congressman Adriano Espaillat to the Bowen Center’s Food Pantry, where he met with patrons, spoke with volunteers, and even helped families fill their grocery bags with food provided by the Center.

His visit comes at a critical moment: during the first month of the federal shutdown, the Bowen Center’s Food Pantry distributed nearly 60% more food packages than the previous month, a reflection of the growing need across our community.

We’re deeply grateful to Rep. Espaillat for taking the time to hear directly from Harlem residents and for working tirelessly to ensure families have the resources and support they need during this difficult time.

11/05/2025

Today, we were honored to welcome to the Bowen Center’s Food Pantry, where he met with patrons, spoke with volunteers, and even helped families fill their grocery bags with food provided by the Center.

His visit comes at a critical moment: during the first month of the federal shutdown, the Bowen Center’s Food Pantry distributed nearly 60% more food packages than the previous month, a reflection of the growing need across our community.

We’re deeply grateful to Congressman Espaillat for taking the time to hear directly from Harlem residents and for working tirelessly to ensure families have the resources and support they need during this difficult time.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from the Bowen Center! 🎃

Our little ghosts and goblins from the Therapeutic Preschool made their rounds throughout the Center today, collecting treats, sharing smiles, and spreading Halloween cheer with staff along the way!

Click the video below for a quick peek at their fun trek!👻🧡

The children from the Bowen Center’s Therapeutic Preschool took part in their annual Trick-or-Treat hunt today at the Bowen Center, visiting staff offices an...

10/23/2025

As the federal government shutdown stretched into its 22nd day Wednesday, staff and volunteers at a Harlem food pantry said the line outside has swelled to record highs — even before federal SNAP benefits are set to expire next month.

At the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, a longtime Harlem institution that provides mental health, addiction treatment, and social services, the food pantry has already distributed more than 7,000 food packages by Oct. 21 — double last month’s total, according to internal figures. The center also logged 1,376 new clients this month, the largest single-month increase of the year.

Click below to read the full story on amny. (Photo credit: Adam Daly, amny)

https://www.amny.com/news/harlem-food-pantry-faces-record-demand-as-shutdown-drags-on-and-snap-cuts-loom/

09/28/2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, and Council Member Shaun Abreu for joining us in honoring the legacy of three of Harlem’s greatest citizens—Rep. Charlie Rangel, Hazel Dukes, and Lloyd Williams—whom we lost earlier this year.

Their participation in yesterday’s Community Health Fair tribute was a true highlight of the afternoon and a moving reminder of the lasting impact these leaders had on Harlem and beyond.

09/15/2025

Rainbow Clubhouse Program Director Lilibeth Marchena is a true guiding force-offering not only leadership and direction but also comfort and solace to our clients. Her impact is especially profound for Latina women, who often face cultural stigma and language barriers when seeking mental health support.

All of us at the Bowen Center salute all of this year’s City and State NY Latino trailblazers an congratulate Lilibeth on this well-deserved honor!

https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2025/09/2025-latino-trailblazers/407998/?oref=listalert -marchena

09/05/2025

We invite you to a special viewing of the Café Photovoice Exhibition—an inspiring collection of photographs created through a unique collaboration between the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, Adelphi University School of Social Work, and Photovoice Worldwide

Please join the Cafe Photovoice artists and project team as they share how photography and storytelling was used to illuminate recovery, resilience, and growth. Lean about the importance of advocacy for community-based mental health services.

Light refreshments will be served during the panel discussion.

Click here to RSVP - https://bowencsc.org/2025/09/05/cafe-photovoice-adelphi/

09/05/2025

We invite you to a special viewing of the Café Photovoice Exhibition—an inspiring collection of photographs created through a unique collaboration between the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, Adelphi University’s School of Social Work, and Photovoice Worldwide.

Please join the Cafe Photovoice artists and project team as they share how photography and storytelling was used to illuminate recovery, resilience, and growth. Lean about the importance of advocacy for community-based mental health services.

Light refreshments will be served during the panel discussion. Please click the link in our bio to RSVP

08/06/2025

The Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center mourns the loss of Lloyd Williams, a towering figure in Harlem and a tireless advocate for the vitality, culture, and economic growth of our community.

As President and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Co-Founder of HARLEM WEEK, Lloyd devoted his life to celebrating Harlem’s rich legacy while creating opportunities that have shaped its future. His vision, leadership, and steadfast commitment to uplifting our neighborhood leave an indelible mark on generations of residents, businesses, and community institutions—including our own.

Mr. Williams wasn’t very interested in accepting individual praise for his work; instead, he always passed the credit on to his beloved organization. Such was the case in 2023, when the Bowen Center sought to present him with the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Award. Rather than accept it personally, he requested that the honor be presented to The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. We were happy to oblige—a testament to his humility and unwavering commitment to collective achievement over individual recognition.

That we find ourselves mourning Lloyd’s passing in the midst of celebrating HARLEM WEEK—a signature event he nurtured into an international celebration of Harlem’s culture and pride—makes his absence even more profound.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and the thousands of individuals and families we serve, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lloyd’s family, his colleagues at The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and all who were fortunate to call him a friend.

Lloyd Williams’s passing is a profound loss for Harlem, but his legacy of service, leadership, and love for this community will continue to inspire us all.

Patricia C. Jordan
Chair, Board of Directors
Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center

08/06/2025

The Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center mourns the loss of Lloyd Williams, a towering figure in Harlem and a tireless advocate for the vitality, culture, and economic growth of our community.

As President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Co-Founder of HARLEM WEEK, Lloyd devoted his life to celebrating Harlem’s rich legacy while creating opportunities that have shaped its future. His vision, leadership, and steadfast commitment to uplifting our neighborhood leave an indelible mark on generations of residents, businesses, and community institutions—including our own.

Mr. Williams wasn’t very interested in accepting individual praise for his work; instead, he always passed the credit on to his beloved organization. Such was the case in 2023, when the Bowen Center sought to present him with the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Award. Rather than accept it personally, he requested that the honor be presented to The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. We were happy to oblige—a testament to his humility and unwavering commitment to collective achievement over individual recognition.

That we find ourselves mourning Lloyd’s passing in the midst of celebrating HARLEM WEEK—a signature event he nurtured into an international celebration of Harlem’s culture and pride—makes his absence even more profound.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and the thousands of individuals and families we serve, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lloyd’s family, his colleagues at The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and all who were fortunate to call him a friend.

Lloyd Williams’s passing is a profound loss for Harlem, but his legacy of service, leadership, and love for this community will continue to inspire us all.

Patricia C. Jordan
Chair, Board of Directors
Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center