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Upcoming Free Events to Enjoy in the Mercer County Area

By Giada Schwam

There are many events in Mercer County that are free or little to no cost for participants. Below are a list of a few events ranging from therapy sessions to community booths that are of no charge for all who attend.

  • Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Trenton Twist at Downtown Trenton hosts an all-day shopping and cuisine event. From various ethnic foods to different local works of art, all who attend have the opportunity to experience the local culture of Trenton. A mix of games, arts, books and food are all available at Downtown Trenton. Various local artists ranging from fashion to novelists are sharing their work at these events. Contact 609-577-1173 for more information.
  • Terhune Orchards Winery is hosting a recurring “Weekend Music Series” each week on Saturday and Sunday until March 30, 2025. The event, held at 30 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, New Jersey, takes place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. In cool weather, seating is inside the wine barn with fire pits. Attendees of all ages can enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa kits and tasting flights. Local artists perform live music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with styles ranging from Jazz and Blues to Folk and Rock. In addition to music, Terhune Orchards Winery will host trivia on Feb. 7 and March 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees will test their knowledge, have fun and win prizes with DJ Iron Mike. Categories will include entertainment, history & geography, sports, and “Name That Tune.” More information can be found at https://www.terhuneorchards.com/winery-events/.
  • Every Monday at 7 p.m., the SMART recovery program hosts a group meeting at the Peer Recovery Center at 3525 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 903, Hamilton, New Jersey. The Self-Management and Recovery Training program aids those struggling with addiction and strives to build a better life. These recovery programs help people cultivate motivation, cope with unwanted urges, work through emotions and live healthier. They also host a variety of other events, such as yoga, meditation and Qi Gong. Check out their website, https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7691/ for more information about their events and programs.
  • Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the Creative Change Counseling Inc. hosts a LGBTQ+ Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Spectrum meeting at 325 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 908, Hamilton. These events will have the same premise of AA, where people will share their experiences and plans for recovery. These group recovery sessions are geared towards LGBTQ+ individuals, but all are welcome.
  • The Mercer County Library System hosts free events for the community daily at each of their branch locations. Events include storytime, painting, music, board games, free play and babytime. In addition to events designed for children and families, the libraries host events curtailed to adults, such as introductory technology courses. Adult courses include accessing telehealth appointments, navigating Google Workspace, guided meditation and learning English. Teen courses range from crocheting to playing chess. Due to limited space, registration is required in advance in order to attend. Head to https://mercercounty.libcal.com/ for more information or to register for an event.
  • Every Monday at 8 p.m., the Creative Change Counseling Inc. hosts a peer recovery program for first responders. Located at 3525 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 903, Hamilton, New Jersey, Neil Tucker hosts a group session for first responders. Anyone can attend in-person or on Zoom to share their experiences and support for other first responders.
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Arm In Arm’s 50 Family Challenge Alleviates Housing Instability for Mercer County Families

By Neyssa Deriphonse

Arm In Arm, a cornerstone of community support in Mercer County, helps individuals access essential resources, such as food, shelter and other critical services. 

The non-profit organization aims to provide not only immediate relief, but also the means to sustain needs. One of the nonprofit’s key initiatives is the 50 Family Challenge, a new campaign designed to bolster its Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stability programs.

In fiscal year 2024, Arm In Arm’s Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stability services made a substantial impact by preventing eviction for 193 households through rental assistance, helping 37 households with security deposits to secure housing and helping three families avoid foreclosure with mortgage assistance. 

Additionally, the organization supported 103 families, including over 240 children, with emergency services and temporary housing in collaboration with the Trenton Board of Education’s Parent Connect Program.

Shariq Marshall, Arm In Arm’s development and community engagement coordinator, told The Streetlight that the cost of living for a family of four in Mercer County is around $73,000, which is far above the federal poverty level of $27,750. Marshall also said that 90% of the families receiving housing assistance are led by single parents surviving on only one income.

Some families are still suffering from the impact of the pandemic in terms of housing. Consequently, the Homelessness Prevention and Housing Team holds monthly meetings to discuss financial plans to better serve those families.

Understanding data is also crucial to advance the 50 Family Challenge campaign. “It’s very important that we know who we’re serving, the demographics and how we’re serving them,” Marshall said. 

Arm In Arm partners with agencies to understand the community needs. Arm In Arm also values community feedback and constantly seeks ways to improve accessibility of their services.

The organization anticipates improving the goals for the 50 Family Challenge in the future. “We aim to make the next campaign bigger and better,” Marshall said. “It’s about achieving stability for families in food, housing, and workforce development. We want to share more success stories and see tangible improvements in the community.”

“We’re not just putting a Band-Aid on issues but educating families to prevent future crises,” Marshall added.

News

The Sleeping Ban: How Could the Supreme Court Ruling Affect the City of Trenton?

By Mika’il Malik

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an important ruling on homelessness, in a 6-3 decision on June 28, 2024. The Court upheld the right of cities to ban and penalize outdoor sleeping and camping, even when shelters are unavailable. 

According to NPR, this decision overturned lower court rulings that argued such bans constituted cruel and unusual punishment, sparking debate about the balance between public order and humanitarian concerns.

According to WHYY, homelessness increased 12% nationwide compared to last year, and now people are forced to choose between sleeping and breaking the law. NPR also reported that critics have argued that this ruling “criminalizes” homelessness without addressing its root causes, further marginalizing those in need.

However, supporters claim it is essential for public safety, ensuring that people use the available resources and attempt to maintain order in cities. 

Although not many cities have yet issued a complete ban, some cities have been utilizing this ruling, and are taking action against the homeless community. The town of Grants Pass, Ohio, which won the Supreme Court ruling, is allowed to start issuing a $295 fine to anyone sleeping outside.

Additionally, according to the New York Post, after Atlantic City officials discovered a homeless encampment under its boardwalk over the summer, they have been working on preventing people from setting up any camps. Since the Supreme Court now allows bans, Atlantic City’s council is now considering implementing one.

The City of Trenton and nearby areas are not immune to these problems. As homelessness increased by 31% in the Mercer County area within the last year, according to Anchor House’s website — an organization that provides services for youth facing homelessness this new decision, if implemented in Trenton, could further exacerbate the challenges for many people.

Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora recognizes how impactful this decision is on the Trenton community, stating that the City will “take a more compassionate approach, balancing the need for public safety with the necessity of providing support to those experiencing homelessness,” in an interview with The Streetlight.

Additionally, Gusciora said “it is reasonable to enforce a ban on sleeping in public parks and playgrounds, as these are spaces meant for children and families to enjoy without concerns about safety.” But he affirms that, “Our goal in Trenton is not to criminalize homelessness but to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.”

Gusciora pointed out that programs like “ARRIVE Together,” help ensure that interactions with homeless individuals are handled sensitively, and pairs police officers with mental health professionals.

Additionally, Trenton benefits from a strong network of organizations, including the Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, HomeFront and Arm In Arm.

These organizations work together to provide food, shelter and essential services for those in need, ensuring the homeless community receives dignified care. Gusciora said that the City of Trenton will “remain committed to lifting peo- ple up while ensuring our public spaces are safe for everyone.”

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an important ruling on homelessness, in a 6-3 decision on June 28, 2024. The Court upheld the right of cities to ban and penalize outdoor sleeping and camping, even when shelters are unavailable. 

According to NPR, this decision overturned lower court rulings that argued such bans constituted cruel and unusual punishment, sparking debate about the balance between public order and humanitarian concerns.

According to WHYY, homelessness increased 12% nationwide within the last year. Now, people are forced to choose between sleeping and breaking the law. NPR also reported that critics have argued that this ruling “criminalizes” homelessness without addressing its root causes, further marginalizing those in need.

However, supporters claim it is essential for public safety, ensuring that people use the available resources and attempt to maintain order in cities.

Although not many cities have yet issued a complete ban, some cities have been utilizing this ruling, and are taking action against the homeless community. The town of Grants Pass, Ohio, which won the Supreme court ruling, is allowed to start issuing a $295 fine to anyone sleeping outside.

Additionally, according to the New York Post, after Atlantic City officials discovered a homeless encampment under its boardwalk over the summer, they have been working on preventing people from setting up any camps. Since the Supreme Court now allows bans, Atlantic City’s council is now considering implementing one.

The City of Trenton and nearby areas are not immune to these problems. As homelessness increased by 31% in the Mercer County area within the last year, according to Anchor House’s website — an organization that provides services for youth facing homelessness —this new decision, if implemented in Trenton, could further exacerbate the challenges for many people.

Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora recognizes how impactful this decision is on the Trenton community, stating that the City will “take a more compassionate approach, balancing the need for public safety with the necessity of providing support to those experiencing homelessness,” in an interview with The Streetlight.

Additionally, Gusciora said “it is reasonable to enforce a ban on sleeping in public parks and playgrounds, as these are spaces meant for children and families to enjoy without concerns about safety.” But he affirms that, “Our goal in Trenton is not to criminalize homelessness but to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.”

Gusciora pointed out that programs like “ARRIVE Together,” help ensure that interactions with homeless individuals are handled sensitively, and pairs police officers with mental health professionals.

Additionally, Trenton benefits from a strong network of organizations, including the Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, HomeFront and Arm In Arm.

These organizations work together to provide food, shelter and essential services for those in need, ensuring the homeless community receives dignified care. Gusciora said that the City of Trenton will “remain committed to lifting people up while ensuring our public spaces are safe for everyone.”

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ArtsHealth Mercer Offers Affordable Opportunities to Benefit Mental Health

By Tori Duym

ArtsHealth Mercer, a coalition of arts and culture based organizations in the Mercer County area, hosts several events per week for five dollars and under.

One of their most popular hosting locations is West Windsor Arts, where Aylin Green serves as executive director. In an interview with Green, who has a background in art and education, she revealed that ArtsMercer was launched as a coalition in 2023.

As Green stated, through this network of organizations, individuals throughout Mercer county are given the opportunity to interact and make connections with new people, while exploring their creativity. The tie between mental health and art is a prominent one that Green said she has seen “through many conversations and real life accounts,” both at their events and in her role as a teacher.

According to the ArtsHealth Mercer website, the several organizations included in their coalition host events year-round as a part of their mission to improve mental health through an artistic outlet. Although these events are year-round, there is a special spotlight on the month of November, with a few additional events “promoting health and healing,” since November is Arts & Health month.

When asked about the impact of art on mental health in the community, Green shared a story about an event where youth had the chance to explore several different mediums of art, and one young teenager whose entire demeanor changed when she began letting herself have artistic freedom.

“As soon as she got some clay in her hands, she opened up and she brightened up and I just saw this complete switch,” Green said.

She described this moment as one of her favorite memories from one of the countless events that she has attended.

Green also shared that she holds a personal connection to art and has witnessed the correlation between creativity and mental health improvement firsthand.

“I know what it means for me as an individual, it’s such an important part of my life, but through the course of my life,” Green said. “I have also gotten to see how it’s impacted others over time as well.”

She also explained that this coalition has created a more widespread opportunity for the Mercer County community to explore this outlet, all in an accessible and affordable way. The spaces provided by ArtsHealth Mercer accommodate events of all sizes and welcomes groups both large and small.

ArtsHealth Mercer offers a wide variety of events, ranging from ballet dancing and knitting to drawing and poetry. Some programs are ongoing, happening monthly or several times a month. One such program is Dancing in The Dark, which Green described as a “safe space for everybody and every body to dance.” 

The lights are turned low and people are free to dance however they may want to, without the fear of judgment. This event costs five dollars and occurs at least once a month. Green shared that this is one her favorite events to attend and it seems to be popular with the community.

ArtsHealth Mercer offers opportunities across the community at very affordable or no cost. These events showcase the benefits of mental health improvements seen by members of the coalition first-hand. Individuals of all ages are welcomed across the several events offered monthly.

Certain events require a registration prior to the start of the event, which can be found on the ArtsHealth Mercer website. The “Calendar” tab provides more information on each event, along with a full list of upcoming events.

“Because of the work that we do creating arts programs for the community, we regularly hear stories from them about what the arts have meant for them in their lives,” Green said.

News

Understanding Maternal Health and Inequities in Trenton

By Alexus Twyman

Whether receiving a minor scratch from a pet or accidentally spraining a leg on a morning jog, there is one thing that everybody wants: quality healthcare. Receiving healthcare in a prompt and efficient manner can either be life-changing or life-saving.

However, disparities in healthcare services can persist and often interfere with patients’ access to services. The healthcare industry can sometimes take implicit biases from American society, in turn affecting how certain groups are treated, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Typically, differences in health outcomes are more likely to happen to marginalized groups, such as people of color, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals of lower socioeconomic status. These differences can lead to patients receiving a substandard level of care, even possibly result- ing in serious injury or death.

An area impacted by outcome disparities is maternal health, with the increased rate of maternal mortality for women of color becom- ing even more of a concern after the Supreme Court’s controversial overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. As reported by USA Today, some of the states with the highest mortality rates for pregnant Black and Latina women include New York and New Jersey.

Another compounding factor on these disparities is having an intersectional identity, such as be- ing both a Black person and a woman. According to John Hop- kins Bloomberg School of Pub- lic Health, Black women are “two to three times more likely” to die due to complications of pregnancy than white women, regardless of their individual education level. To help combat these concerns, in 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A-5516, requiring certain healthcare profes- sionals to undergo bias training. This bill serves as an unofficial update to Bill S703, signed in 2021 that would require only maternal healthcare providers to take bias training.

In Trenton, there are multiple organizations examining the root causes of maternal mortality and hoping to spark a conversation and start change. One such organization is the capital city’s own Trenton Health Team, which aims to work “toward equity” through “ad- dressing community conditions, social justice, and bias,” according to the organization’s website. Originally beginning as a response to the closure of Mercer Medical Center in the early 2000s, Trenton Health Team formed to improve the health of Trenton residents and provide quality healthcare. 

Additionally, recent developments earlier this year point towards the construction of a new maternal health center in Trenton as a part of New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy’s wider Nurture NJ campaign. Launched in 2019, the campaign, focusing on pregnancy and post-partum related care, looks to provide supportive environments for women to ensure their health needs are met.

As healthcare disparities continue to impact marginalized individuals, more local organizations are focused on spreading awareness to the wider Trenton community about maternal health resources. New initiatives, such as bias train- ing legislation and efforts from organizations, aim to address these concerns and allow for greater access to care for all residents. 

News

Voting is Your Right, Use Your Voice

By Tori Duym 

For many people, the question of “Am I allowed to vote?” is at the forefront of their minds, especially in a presidential election year.

People with a criminal record  or unhoused individuals may not be made aware of their rights and simply assume that they do not have any when it comes to voting. However, this is not true. 

Individuals who are currently incarcerated for any misdemeanor charges are still able to cast their vote from the facility that they are in. It is only if someone were convicted of a felony that they lose the opportunity to vote, only while actively incarcerated. 

Thanks to current legislation following the advocacy of many organizations, including League of Women’s Voters, at the national, state and local levels, there has been a shift for a more inclusive view on voting rights. Directly following their release from incarceration, citizens gain their right to vote once again. The only stipulation to this is that they must re-register, but this is made an easy process with the help of voting rights groups. 

Unhoused citizens or those without a permanent address also are entitled to their right to vote. Several organizations including Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Rescue Mission, and local churches or pantries will allow individuals to use their address to register with and receive mail at. Any address will work, as long as it is not a P.O. Box. 

Due to the increased presence and advocacy of organizations like the Hopewell Valley Division of LWV and community spaces that offer time for them to come in, Mercer County is becoming more informed about making their voices heard. These organizations focus on presenting people who may be unaware of if or how they can vote or register, with information on how to do so. 

LWV began at the national level in 1920, originally as an activism group, fighting to give women the right to vote, and eventually developing into a group to promote voting for all. Men and women alike are now a part of this organization and they provide “Voters Services” all over the country. 

LWV is a nonpartisan organization that works independently on the local level for the most part, besides an occasional partnership with small nonpartisan civic group. However, on the national level addressing issues such as the environment, education, health issues or voting rights, many partnerships are possible. 

Joann Held, president and coordinator of the Hopewell Valley League, has been in her position for about 20 years, and been with the organization for about 40. This local chapter of LWV has a small but active membership that are able to provide “Voters Services” not only during presidential election years, but every year. 

Held also pointed out that “everyone knows this year is a Presidential election, but there are other things on the ballot as well, like Senate elections and local officials as well”. LWV creates an informational guide on local officials called Know Your Valley, which can be helpful for that extra education on how to fill out a ballot in its entirety. 

LWV’s Hopewell Valley Division also makes sure voters are educated on the primary elections as well, as Held says “We have a card that explains Primaries, because a lot of people don’t vote in a Primary…you really do need to give them some information so they know how to go about it.”

LWV attends community events like Harvest Fair, and goes to community based spaces like local coffee shops, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and Pennington Farmers Market to help people learn their rights, handout information cards and packets, and help people check if they are registered or help them register. 

As of recently, the LWV has started attending naturalization ceremonies in Trenton as well and helping eager new citizens register to vote.

 “That has been a really wonderful experience…because they know they really want to participate in our civic environment,” Held said. 

According to Held, the most important thing to do when it comes to election time is to “make a plan to vote,” and not just go in blindly. 

She suggests asking for help from organizations such as the LWV and planning out how, when, and where you will be voting. Ways to vote include early in-person voting, mail-in ballots, or in-person voting on Election Day. 

As Held emphasized, it is important for people to be made aware of their rights so that they can have a say in who they want to represent their country, based on the policies that align with their personal views. 

If you are unaware of your voting rights, or have questions about the process of voting, visit the Hopewell Valley Division League of Women’s Voters website https://hopewellvalleylwv.org, or check nj.gov with the keyword “voting.”

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Medina Health Clinic To Provide Free Specialty Healthcare in Trenton

By Rebecca Heath and Tori Duym 

Members of the Trenton community gathered in April to celebrate the grand unveiling of Medina Health Center’s community clinic, a primary care facility located in the heart of the city that will offer free healthcare to underserved communities. 

Several speakers, including founder and chairman Sajid Syed and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, took the stage to share their appreciation for the support the clinic has received, and express their excitement for the journey ahead. 

While addressing the crowd, Syed explained that this concept has been a vision of his for a long time, and said that he is “blessed to have been given this opportunity to serve [his] community.”

Through partnerships with providers, many of whom will serve as volunteers, the clinic will aim to dismantle barriers to equitable healthcare access for the immigrant and homeless populations in Mercer County, according to Gusciora. 

“It’s going to have a major impact because we have many people that do not have insurance,” he told The Streetlight. “We have a lot of migrants that are coming in here, and there is really a huge underserved community…That’s why you have doctors who are donating their time to come, and to make sure that that void is filled.”

Although there are medical facilities that are slightly more accessible for those who do not have the means to afford expensive primary care, finding specialist providers that offer affordable care is extremely rare. 

“That’s what’s different about this,” said Nashon Hornsby, Assistant Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Health. “They pull together specialists to meet the needs of those who are uninsured and underinsured.” 

“It’s a wonderful thing to see a new access point, because anyone who tries to access care, even with insurance, you’re waiting months to try to get into places,” Horsnby said. 

While Medina Health Center originally launched in 2014, according to board member Arshe Ahmed, the organization’s new clinic represents a shift to “frontline” primary care that expands their original model. Previously, local medical centers such as Capital Health and Robert Wood Johnson referred patients to Medina Health, who subsequently visited specialists in their respective offices. 

“We weren’t brick and mortar before; we were a clinic beyond walls,” Ahmed said. “Now we want to sort of serve from that frontline and say, let’s start with primary care and the specialty care stuff will stay.”

In light of recent hospital closures, including St. Francis Hospital in Dec. 2022, Abdul Mughal, a physician and hematology specialist, emphasized the importance of accessible care in the Trenton community. To expand the clinic’s reach and impact, Mughal said he hopes to continue to engage in partnerships with nearby health facilities, as well as host more events to “get the word out and the passion that we have for what we’re doing.”

“I think the need is there, and we’ll grow with time,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have other resources that we can reach out to. We will be able to serve more people.”

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Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Accessibility: A Spotlight on Capital Health’s Community-Centric Approach

By Tanzim Didar 

Healthcare is a fundamental need; however, there are many inequities within the system. Almost 13 million people say they know a friend or family member who has died because they couldn’t afford care, according to CBS News.

According to HUD Archives: News Releases, on a single night in January 2020, 580,466 people, about 18 out of every 10,000 people, experienced homelessness across the U.S. — a 2.2% increase from 2019. 

Much of healthcare in the U.S. is not affordable and thus not given equally. However, there are many nonprofit clinics that are dedicated to addressing these disparities.

Katherine Stier, director of marketing and public relations for Capital Health, a nonprofit hospital located in east Trenton among other locations, shared her insights on nonprofits and how they help the community.

Capital Health’s main hospital, which is a level two trauma center, is located on Brunswick avenue in Trenton. They have an additional hospital in Hopewell, which is located across the street from the Trenton airport. 

“I handle the community education events at Capital Health,” Stier said. “I’ve been here for about seven years and Capital Health has been in Trenton for 50 to 80 years.”

Stier, who has worked in healthcare for 25 years, said 90% of hospitals are for profit. 

“As a nonprofit, we don’t really make money,” Stier said. “We always try to take in medicare and medicaid patients, because everyone has a right to care. We also have balance because there are people who have healthcare insurance and they pay, but when you walk into our emergency department, some individuals don’t have health insurance, so we work with individuals to tighten up on a paying system or government substance.”

Stier said Capital Health implements initiatives that helps sure each individual patient is receiving the care they need.

“All in all, we take care of everybody,” she said. “Some hospitals only take some kind of insurance or payers, letting them decide who they can take in or not, but we do not do that here.”

Given the demographics of Trenton, a lot of individuals do not have health insurance or may not be citizens, and are afraid to go to the hospital, so Capital Health tries to take care of many individuals and make them feel comfortable. 

“We also have a mother baby clinic where we take care of people, so there are a lot of different events and care given,” Stier said. “We run a food pantry every week through Arm and Arm and we go to different sites and hand out food. We are really involved in Trenton beauce the CEO is all about Trenton and the community. He feels that with the healthcare system, it’s really our basic goal to be the center of the city because if you’re healthy, you don’t need to go to our ER. We want to keep everyone healthy.”

Since its establishment, Capital Health’s mission statement has never changed. They have always been committed to serving the city of Trenton. 

“I’ve always been in healthcare,” she explained. “So, I started off at a children’s hospital, where 93% of every dollar went towards patient care, so patients don’t need insurance. I would see some of these children come in who were paralyzed and missing a limb, and they would leave with a prosthetic arm, leg at no cost and or even get back surgery, basically things that would help them live their life at a better quality.”

“For me, it’s always been an involved process,” Stier added.”I just see the good there is. The facility is always making sure individuals are fed and getting free screening they need. Some of our doctors are the most compassionate people I have ever met in my life. They give so much of their time and energy to work these free screenings, give lectures and make sure everyone receives what they need. If I can just tell their stories, then I have done my job.” 

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Navigating Challenges and Building Bridges at Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

By Tanzim Didar 

In the heart of Trenton, a small but determined group of individuals has diligently been working on improving the community’s living conditions. These individuals are members of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, and their mission is to address local issues in the surrounding area. 

TASK is driven by a group of dedicated volunteers who feel compelled to address various community issues. Although their work may not be the most glamorous and their impact, while meaningful, may not take the spotlight, that is not their first priority anyway; they are more focused on the work they do behind the scenes.

According to TASK’s website, the organization served its first meal on January 13, 1982. The organization currently serves 9,000 meals per week at 36 locations near Trenton, and offers a wide variety of programs and  services to help encourage self-sufficiency and improve quality of life.

Patrons Services Specialist Evie Spadafora shared her thoughts and experiences, offering a glimpse into the complex realities faced by patrons.

“I work with volunteers, but the biggest part of my job is patron services. I meet with patrons who come to my window and ask me for everything from who they should talk to about an issue to needing socks or razors,” Spadafora said, describing the multifaceted nature of her role. Her office serves as a central hub where solutions are sought, and assistance is provided to those in need.

Spadafora’s connection with TASK dates back to her days as a girl scout leader.

“I would bring scouts over from Bucks County to do volunteer work,” she explained. Her commitment to community service persisted, leading her to a year of AmeriCorps service when a job transition presented an opportunity to work with TASK. Her journey highlights the diverse paths that bring individuals to serve in critical roles within community organizations like TASK.

The changing demographic landscape of Trenton has presented unique challenges, particularly in fostering cultural understanding.

“The biggest issue right now is cultural understanding,” She said. “The people who have lived in Trenton for years are seeing a sudden influx of Hispanic and central European people, and the languages charged along with the cultural challenges really are heightening people’s moods and the way they are reacting with each other.”

In response, TASK is actively addressing these challenges by incorporating different languages into its services.

“I have taken Spanish, and my French has also improved,” Spadafora notes, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.

Spadafora’s personal experiences further shape her approach to demonstrating compassion towards patrons.

“I myself am an immigrant,” Spadafora said. “My parents are German, and I grew up speaking German. So, English is my second language, like a lot of the patrons that come to TASK.”

Her diverse background, including living in various parts of the U.S. and Germany, has exposed her to different cultures.

“I always realized that I am very blessed, but any one of us may need a soup kitchen at any time,” she said, emphasizing the universal vulnerability that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Spadafora’s work at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen goes beyond mere duty – it embodies a commitment to building bridges between communities, fostering cultural understanding, and providing essential support to those in need. With Spadafora’s guidance, TASK continues to serve as a beacon of hope in Trenton, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of community for all.

TASK has been involved in local charity work as well. They coordinate food drives and fundraisers to support local families in need. These initiatives have helped many residents put food on the table, even if only temporarily. Yet, the deep-rooted poverty issues in the area remain a formidable challenge.

Spadafora succinctly defines TASK’s mission: “We strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals can find not just a hot meal, but also a sense of community and dignity.”

She highlighted the transformative impact on the community.

“Our soup kitchen is not just about providing sustenance; it’s about restoring hope and fostering a sense of belonging,” she said. “We see faces light up when we serve a warm meal, and that, in itself, is a powerful form of outreach.”

Spadafora described the vital role volunteers play at TASK.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” she said. “They bring an extra layer of warmth and care to the dining experience. Whether serving meals or engaging in conversations, their dedication is truly invaluable. “

“Our mission is not just to feed the hungry but to nourish the soul. Through compassion, understanding, and a commitment to dignity, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve,” said Spadafora, marking TASK’s role as a source of hope, resilience and community in the heart of Trenton.

While their work may not be the solution to all the issues facing Trenton, it’s a reminder that every bit of help counts, even when it does not always make headlines.

News

Accessibility of Mental Health Support Increased for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

By Tori Duym

In recent times, mental health concerns have grown to be a central focus of society. According to Mental Health America, about 19.86% of people are experiencing some form of mental health battle. Many individuals struggle in silence simply because they do not have access to the proper resources for treatment. Whether it be for financial reasons or lack of information, this can be avoided.

In May 2023,  Gov. Phil Murphy implemented a bill supporting unhoused individuals receiving free and accessible mental health care. Several government officials, such as the Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver and Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman have commented positively on this legislation as they believe mental health should be prioritized for all. 

The New Jersey state government partnered with the NJ Coalition for Ending Homelessness in the process of creating this legislation.

“This legislation is an important step in the right direction to provide the wraparound services people experiencing homelessness throughout our state so desperately need,” CEO Connie Mercer said in an article from the Department of Human Services.

Additionally, Mercer County has a mental health division that is committed to serving the community and offering help. This division is another element that works hand-in-hand with the implementation of Murphy’s bill. They can help unhoused individuals easily navigate these new resources and also address the concern of being able to afford the services.

The Division of Mental Health is a county-funded resource, and it plays a role in assisting to enforce the new bill as well, making sure that everyone in need is receiving access to essential mental health resources.

The Division of Mental Health’s mailing address can be found at 640 S. Broad Street in Trenton, NJ, P.O. Box 8068. Michele Madiou, director of mental health for the division, can be reached at mmadiou@mercercounty.org. The DMH can be reached at 609-989-6574. 

Several emergency shelters in the area including Rescue Mission and others in Mercer County now offer free mental health support for individuals experiencing homelessness. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of these resources as New Jersey is now required to provide access to mental health support, thanks to the A-4755 bill.

Shining a light on homelessness in and around Trenton, New Jersey.