Category Archives: Uncategorized

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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TASK Launches Food Truck to Serve the Community

By Neyssa Deriphonse

In a significant move aimed at expanding their outreach and enhancing support for the Trenton community, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) has recently rolled out a brand new food truck initiative. This innovative project aims to address the evolving needs of the community and provide vital food assistance to those who may face barriers in accessing traditional meal sites. The Streetlight spoke with Paul Jensen, who oversees the day-to-day operations at TASK, and Max Gatto, the Food Truck Coordinator, to delve deeper into the motivations behind this initiative and its potential impact on the community.

The decision to introduce the food truck stemmed from the noticeable changes in different communities throughout the city. “One of our goals was to get to those communities that can’t get to the locations that we physically have,” Jensen said, highlighting the organization’s commitment to reaching those in need.

Gatto’s motivation to lead this endeavor stemmed from his passion for food security.

“I was coming in as a volunteer and found out about the position opening,” he said, reflecting on his dedication to addressing hunger in the community.

The new food truck, which is distinct from TASK’s delivery vehicles, will serve freshly prepared meals directly to individuals in need. Jensen emphasized the truck’s aim to reduce the distance individuals need to travel for a meal. “If we could cut that walk in half or more, it can still make a big difference,” he said, underscoring the organization’s commitment to accessibility and alleviating food insecurity.

Gatto envisions the truck not only as a source of nourishment, but also as a platform for education and awareness about TASK’s comprehensive services. 

“The first thing they’re going to think about is the food that we’re giving out, but there’s going to be a lot of education and spreading awareness,” he said, emphasizing the truck’s potential to foster a deeper understanding of the resources available to the community and empower individuals to access support beyond food assistance.

Regarding assessing the impact of this initiative, Jensen highlighted Gatto’s role in providing assistance in gathering feedback from the community. 

“Max will be out there in the community. Rosa will also come out with him as a community meal site coordinator. She will be helpful to Max as far as establishing metrics… and get information to measure if we’re kind of impacting or making a difference with the truck,” he said, illustrating TASK’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the community.

The collaboration with other organizations, such as Arm and Arm and Capital Health Hospital, underscores TASK’s commitment to community partnerships. 

“We’ve already started to work collaboratively with them (Arm and Arm), as well as with Capital Health as far as providing meals in areas of Trenton,” Jensen said.

Addressing concerns about cultural sensitivity, Paul stressed their dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs. 

“We try to keep a good mix of different meals so everybody feels like there is something for them to eat,” he said.

Moreover, TASK remains committed to ongoing dialogue with community members to ensure that their dietary preferences and requirements are taken into account. 

“We welcome feedback from individuals and continuously strive to adapt our menu offerings to better meet the diverse needs of our community,” Jensen added, emphasizing the organization’s responsiveness to feedback and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

The food truck launched March 18. It represents a significant step forward in TASK’s mission to combat food insecurity and serve the Trenton community more effectively. With dedicated individuals like Jensen and Gatto at the helm, the initiative promises to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

“Food is comfort for all cultures, it brings families together,” Jensen concluded. 

 

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Children’s Home Society of New Jersey Accelerates Learning for Preschoolers

By Neyssa Deriphonse 

The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ), established in 1894, has had a long-standing mission to connect children with loving families, safeguard them from harm and assist parents in enhancing their parenting skills to maintain family unity. 

The vision is for every child to experience the security of a nurturing family environment, enjoy good physical and mental health, and thrive cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally. 

To fulfill this vision, CHSofNJ’s comprehensive programs encompass behavioral health and mental health services, permanency planning, community and neighborhood-based support, school-based initiatives, as well as early childhood and parent education services. 

They offer a spectrum of services, one of which is the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs (HS and EHS). These programs provide free quality and comprehensive early childhood education and services to children between the ages of three to five (Head Start) and zero to three (Early Head Start) at the HS and EHS Center or at their homes in Trenton, New Jersey. 

According to a press release published by Insider NJ,  the HS and EHS programs offer indoor and outdoor play space, an office for staff and nurse of the program, a community area, conference rooms, a laundry room and a kitchen with commercial appliances to prepare nutritious food for social events designed for “infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pregnant moms” participating in the programs.

Four of the organization’s sites are located in Trenton: 715 Bellevue Avenue, 1198 Southard Street, 794 East State Street and 1746 South Clinton Avenue.

Children in HS and EHS engage in interesting, interactive classes and activities that are intended to reinforce important developmental skills. The six main domains of cognitive, social-emotional, physical, linguistic, literacy and mathematical development are all addressed in CHSofNJ research-based curriculum for young children. Through CHSofNJ’s comprehensive services and individualized support, these six areas collectively establish a robust educational groundwork, equipping children for success not only in preschool but also in their future endeavors.

CHSofNJ collaborates with the Trenton Public Schools Office of Early Childhood to deliver the program. The Trenton Board of Education contributes funds to improve the kids’ educational experiences and strengthens the credentials of teachers by obtaining NJ State certification. Children with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) can attend inclusion classrooms.

HS and EHS embody a trauma-informed perspective on children, families and services, which is similar to the rest of CHSofNJ programs. As Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have the potential to significantly impact conduct, overall well-being, developmental growth, cognitive processes and overall life satisfaction, CHSofNJ’s dedicated staff undergoes comprehensive training to proficiently comprehend and provide essential support for children navigating through ACEs. The existence of trauma in the lives of parents, guardians, and other family members is also acknowledged by the team. In order to ensure comfortability and establish a reliable working relationship with families, every interaction is treated with respect and consideration.

“The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey Early Head Start program is proud to provide these important early childhood education services in Trenton, and we are thrilled to now expand our reach to serve families in Hamilton as well,” Isaac Dorsey, the Executive Director of CHSofNJ Head Start/Early Head Start, said in the press release. Since 2021, parents in Hamilton enroll their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to take advantage of the accelerated learning program, HS and EHS.

“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Cities of Trenton and Hamilton in our mission of saving children’s lives and building healthy families,” Dorsey said. “Investing in the education of preschoolers will benefit families, communities, and the world.”

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Fran’s Pantry Distributes Resources at HomeFront

By Tori Duym

Local Mercer County shelter and resource center HomeFront continues providing necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness. Fran’s Pantry offers ample opportunities to get supplies such as food and hygiene products for no cost. 

The pantry is located in Lawrenceville and is open on Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Fran’s Pantry was opened as a result of the pandemic and is named after a major contributor and volunteer at HomeFront. It has proven to be a huge success, as it is beloved by many community members. The pantry provides countless opportunities for individuals who may lack access to food or hygiene products otherwise. 

According to Dylan O’Neill, HomeFront’s resource network director, the organization is on the lower end of the spectrum as far as requirements in order to receive access to the products and services. No documentation is needed; simply any type of photo ID is acceptable as a new client. Filling out a few forms to help better understand each individual’s unique needs is also requested upon first access to Fran’s Pantry. Clients are able to receive goods from the pantry starting that same day after filling out the forms. 

Fran’s Pantry reaches about 150 to 200 individuals per day, according to O’Neill, based on the data gathered by staff and volunteers. “Our pantry processes a client every five to eight minutes,” O’Neill continues. Ultimately, the pantry provides food for 5,000 to 7,000 individuals monthly.

Food is not the only resource available to those who may need to utilize Fran’s Pantry. Diapers, feminine hygiene products, backpacks, bedding, kitchen supplies and even furniture are often distributed to families or individuals as well. 

With the holidays approaching, HomeFront is kicking their efforts into high gear. Their annual Thanksgiving drive provides a turkey dinner to 300-400 families, as well as their Christmas drive to provide gifts for as many families as possible. HomeFront works with parents and provides two gifts up to $75 dollar value for each child in the family for Christmas.

While the language barrier has become a growing concern, Fran’s Pantry is equipped with several bilingual volunteers. According to O’Neill, only about 10% of clients speak English, making these staff members’ skills extremely useful. 

The pantry has received over 2.6 million dollars in donations over the past year and was able to distribute them throughout the community to those in need. HomeFront’s mission is to “pull families out of the cycle of poverty,” O’Neill said, as Fran’s Pantry has made strides toward accomplishing this goal. 

Dylan O’Neill touched upon the subject of decreasing resources as time passes and COVID-19 fades into the past. The governmental benefits are ceasing to continue, so HomeFront is working around the clock to provide all of the resources needed for individuals in the Mercer County community. Poverty has become a serious issue according to O’Neill, but they are working very hard to turn this around and support all community members.

Fran’s Pantry has grown into an extremely useful resource for the community. Contact HomeFront at homefront@homefrontnj.org or (609) 989-9417 with any questions or if you or anyone you know may benefit from their resources.