All posts by Rebecca

News

Mary Gay Abbott-Young Looks Back on Decades of Service as Rescue Mission CEO

By Rebecca Heath

Mary Gay Abbott-Young may have recently retired from a 50-year stint as CEO of the Rescue Mission of Trenton, but the veteran advocate who led the organization through a period of evolution and growth, says she “never worked a day in her life.”

“I’ve had a wonderful career and met some of the most amazing people from our community, from New Jersey, and really, in some cases, from well beyond the New Jersey borders,” Abbott-Young said in an interview with The Streetlight. 

Abbott-Young, who concluded her career at the Mission in June, has always been driven by a passion for service. Following a brief stint as a volunteer with the AmeriCorps VISTA, she landed her first role at the organization in 1978 as a program coordinator, shortly after graduating from Temple University with a degree in social work. “I loved [the Mission] from the day I got there,” Abbott-Young said.

The social justice trailblazer subsequently moved up the ranks, becoming CEO and the first woman to lead the long-standing nonprofit in 1986. 

As a woman asserting her place in the organization, Abbott-Young recalls facing stigma from her male counterparts. While interviewing for her role, she said she was asked if she was married and if she was going to have children, to which she replied, “I don’t think you’re allowed to ask that question anymore.”

“You can imagine this young woman, fighting, coming out of the women’s movement and ready to take on everything,” she said. “And [I] get this conservative guy, who has the nerve to ask a question like that.”

Despite the initial challenges, Abbott-Young said she and her co-workers were united by a common desire: “To make the Rescue Mission the best place it could be for those people we served.”

Throughout her tenure as CEO, Abbott-Young says she was amazed by the resilience of the Mission’s patrons and the collective efforts among nonprofits, government agencies and private sector organizations to address the growing issue of homelessness in Mercer County. Abbott-Young cited initiatives such as the Continuum of Care Program, which has helped alleviate the homelessness crisis through providing funding for efforts by nonprofit providers. 

“The stars have all lined up throughout my career with very, very few exceptions,” she said

However, at the root of the homelessness crisis is economic poverty, which “opens up an entire world of different issues,” Abbot-Young said. In order to create a systemic impact in alleviating poverty, issues like racial, economic and educational inequality must first be addressed, she explained.

“Unless we are willing to move into those areas, all of the wonderful progress that we’re making will continue to be individual based rather than system based,” she said. 

For the Mission, Abbott-Young said the biggest hurdle in effectively serving the community has always been finances. While her predecessor refused government funding, even as the organization was “close to closing,” gaining support from local, state and federal agencies marked a pivotal step in the organization’s history. 

“We had a knock-down fight about it, but I believed we had to accept it to keep serving people,” she said. “Eventually, he agreed to support my direction. That was a pivotal change for the Rescue Mission.”

“The culture changed when we took government funding,” she added. “But the support from the state, business community, and government was remarkable. Instead of pushing people away, they were asking, ‘How can we help you help these people?’”

Since its inception in 1915, the Mission has grown to encompass a shelter, behavioral health center, a thrift store, food pantry and vocational development services. In the last year, the organization has helped more than 4,000 individuals and served nearly 200,000 meals, according to the Mission’s website. 

“The organization has never missed a day of service,” Abbott-Young said. “We never failed to open that shelter door. We never failed to be there for them and to keep our residents who were in treatment for behavioral health issues safe in a residential building. That was not the work of a lone CEO. It is the work of the entire organization’s dedication.”

Despite her decades of service and transformative leadership, Abbott-Young considers her greatest accomplishment to be raising her two children. Her daughter, who is now an attorney, advocates for homeless families at HomeFront, and her son, Barrett Young, has succeeded her as CEO of the Mission.

Although Abbott-Young said stepping down from her post was “more bitter than sweet,” she realized during the Covid-19 pandemic that her “lack of ability to use technology was a deficit to both me and the organization.” 

 “If you could figure out how to make me 50 years younger and I can start my career again at the rescue mission, I’d be happy to do so,” she said. 

As she looks ahead to the future of the organization, Abbott-Young said she hopes whenever someone steps on to the Rescue Mission’s property, the first question will always be, “Did you eat today?” 

“And second, I pray that everyone who interacts with our clients is able to look in that person’s eyes and see not only their pain, but also see their potential.”

Uncategorized

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.”

Uncategorized

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.

Uncategorized

Mercer Street Friends: Bringing Food Security and Community Together

By Neyssa Deriphonse

Mercer Street Friends, a non-profit organization known for its significant role in Mercer County, has recently expanded its initiatives to address food insecurity directly within the community. With the launch of three school-based food pantries, MSF is making a substantial impact on the families they serve.

Kayla Taylor, the coordinator of school-based food pantries and family resource centers at MSF, oversees this new initiative. As the lead partner agency for the community school initiative, MSF partnered with three schools in the Trenton Public School District to open food pantries at each.

The first pantry opened at Gregory Elementary School in September 2023, followed by the second one at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in December 2023. The third, and for now final, pantry was opened in March 2024 at Luis Muñoz-Rivera Elementary School. Taylor’s responsibilities include managing pantry logistics, ordering and tracking inventory and working directly with families during distribution.

When asked about the inspiration behind the food pantries, Taylor referenced the pandemic.

“The idea was kind of brought up then about how do we serve our school families better,” she said.

Since stores and schools were closed, MSF saw a direct need, especially for families relying on school meals.

“We realized that if we’re going to serve families and really kind of move them out of poverty, which is part of MSF’s goal, we needed to be addressing their immediate needs,” Taylor explained.

The initiative was part of a vision by Bernadette Trapp, the director of Community Schools, who, after convincing funders and MSF’s CEO, began planning the logistics of opening the pantries.

Since their launch, the food pantries have made a noticeable impact on the local community. 

“A large goal of our pantry is not only to provide more food security, but also to help build a culture of helping each other within the community,” Taylor said.

According to Taylor, the pantries aim to foster a stronger sense of community between schools and their neighbors. Families have started to bring items they no longer need, such as formula or diapers, for other families to use. The families coming to the pantries have grown over the past few months.

“We see community members coming to the school that maybe have never been at the school before,” Taylor said.

MSF ensures that the food pantries meet community needs through constant engagement. “We completed a survey, which we’ll do again this year, and then we also talk to them every time they’re in the pantry,” Taylor said. 

While MSF is limited as to what the school pantries provide, it strives to tailor their offerings to

the community’s needs. Currently, the pantry managers are AmeriCorps members, but MSF is looking to recruit more volunteers.

Taylor and her team created a volunteer schedule and set a limit on the number of people allowed at each site. The organization is also reaching out to families who use the pantries, as many have expressed interest in giving back to the community. 

The success of these food pantries is largely due to partnerships with the local food bank and Trenton public schools. The district’s approval and the support from individual schools have been crucial. 

“Given the current climate about school security, it is a big deal that they are welcoming the community into their school,” Taylor said. 

Feedback from the community is gathered both formally through surveys and informally during distributions. This feedback has influenced changes such as regularly purchasing hygiene products and snacks. In October, juice was added to meet the current dietary preferences of families.

Looking ahead, Taylor revealed that MSF aims to build a comprehensive case management model to help families with long-term supports such as housing and career development. It is also exploring the possibility of providing support from the lens of a family resource center. 

“We’re looking into how that would look … maybe having a location where we are able to be open longer, have more support for them, like a computer lab and have community partners there regularly,” Taylor said

Mercer Street Friends’ school-based food pantries have not only provided essential food security but also strengthened community ties and opened new avenues for support and engagement. Taylor encourages anyone interested in supporting the initiative to reach out via email at ktaylor@mercerstreetfriends.org and get involved.

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

Te Veo: Tamara Torres’ Journey of Art and Activism

By Sakinah Ahmed

Tamara Torres, a Puerto Rican artist based in Trenton, depicts powerful and vivid scenes with varied mediums. To her, art is a form of activism and the pathway to change. Through her art, she brings awareness to issues that women of color face, specifically in the Trenton area.

In a new exhibition titled “Te Veo,” Torres explores various themes through 18 different pieces, including landscape paintings, conceptual sculptures, and collages. This solo exhibition was presented in La Galerie Adrienne in Trenton between Sept. 21, 2024 and Nov. 1, 2024. When describing her creative process, Torres said that she always starts with a blank canvas. She embraces spontaneity by not planning out what she is going to create.

“My paintings take about four to six hours, and my collages take around one to two hours to put together,” Torres said.

She prefers creating art in a more hectic environment with music and television shows playing in the background. “My brain works better when there’s a lot going on. When things get silent, I start to overthink,” Torres explained.

Torres’ art holds common motifs varying from her different mediums. One such motif is the “Shadow People.” To her, they represent constant survival. They are the people that she has known over her lifetime that did not make it. She described herself as “stepping on their shoulders.” She says, “They are spiritual guides so that I always remember where I came from.” Another common motif is the “Blind Eyes.” She said they symbolize how “people are aware but not aware. People don’t want to take action.” She continued to say that they are not pretty eyes, just as society is embarrassing and sad.

The highlight of the exhibition is an intricate piece titled “Te Veo.” Over the last year, Torres went through some big changes. She had just finished writing the play “Tres Her- manas,” which highlighted Afro-Caribbean themes through musical elements. During this time, she fell into a depression and felt inclined to stop creating art altogether. A friend of hers reached out and insisted that she paint a piece for a window display called “Windows of Understanding.”

 

To get back into the creative mindset, Torres collaborated on a separate piece, “The Awakening,” with the painter and muralist Louie Blaka. During the creation process, they only stopped painting to refill their brushes, and they remained silent. After the collaboration, Torres said she was reminded of why she is an artist. “When it’s [the art] in the future, and you’re [the artist] not there, it will be seen,” Torres said. She painted “Te Veo” right after this col- laboration.

When presenting her art in exhibitions, Torres aims for viewers to connect deeply with her art and experi- enc her pieces as she views them. “My goal is that people who look at my art stand in front of my pieces for more than five seconds,” she said. Every time a viewer looks at Torres’ art, they can take away something new, such is the nature of abstract art. Torres takes inspiration from poets, musicians and writers. Whenever she travels, she always visits book- stores to discover new authors.

 Some of the musicians she takes inspiration from are Queen Latifah, Nina Simone, Kendrick Lamar, and even varying classical musicians. Regarding artists, Torres said that “one of the greatest blessings is knowing artists. Anyone reading this article should find artist friends to bring joy and light into their lives.” Out of all of the many paintings she’s created, Torres said that “Te Veo” is her favorite. She is also very passionate about “Blind Eyes” and “La Luz.” 

When asked if she believes her art has the power to drive social change, Torres said she hopes it drives individual change, which is the first step to making a positive impact. 

Torres is determined to tell her truth and to inspire others to reveal theirs. Reflecting on her art, She gave the example of a glass of water with pepper floating at the top. With each added drop of water, the pepper changes and disperses.  Her message to every reader is that “you can’t change the whole world… you can get overwhelmed. … If you concentrate on your own drop to make the pepper change, then that is well enough.”

As an artist, Torres believes she must open doors for others and inspire artists wherever she presents her work. When she first started painting, she created art for the main purpose of financial stability. Now she said she paints for herself and does not concern herself with the opinions of others. She understands that her art may not be for everyone, but she said, “There’s someone, somewhere, that my art is gonna move.”  

Looking ahead, Torres hopes to one day exhibit a piece in the Museum of Modern Art of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. She has also always wanted to exhibit in Egypt.  

Between intervals of laughter, Torres remarked, “Even if my kids put up one of my paintings in the bathroom of the MOMA, it’ll still count to me. And I’ll know I’ve made it.”

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.”

Uncategorized

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.”