Much has changed in Harlem since Maisha Thompson and her family moved into the community three decades ago. One thing that has remained constant, however, has been New York City Mission Society’s consistent and stabilizing presence in their lives.

In the 1980’s, Maisha’s son participated in the City Mission Cadet Corps, a youth development program that enhanced his self-esteem and discipline through marching drills and techniques. Her family has also enjoyed countless community events at the Minisink Townhouse over the years. And her daughter Kim, currently the community organizer for the Club Real Deal adolescent pregnancy prevention program, has worked at Mission Society for nearly a decade.

Maisha’s experiences with Mission Society consistently reinforce her belief that the organization is a “family oriented place that embraces the community with open arms.” She is impressed with the programs and events currently offered at our Minisink Townhouse community center in Harlem, from youth development and adult reading programs to health fairs and coat drives. Maisha also acknowledges that her daughter Kim has matured into the women she is today, confident and connected to community, because of her work with young people at Mission Society.

Maisha, herself, has never forgotten the value of service to others. She passionately believes that she gets the same reward from giving as receiving. She has frequently given dance lessons at the Minisink Townhouse, and to this day, volunteers at the annual Harlem Family Health Fair, the Halloween Party, and the Children’s Holiday Art Exhibition – Mission Society events that serve over 1,200 community residents a year. In Maisha’s words, “this agency builds a bond with the community. It makes you want to give back.”