Mercer Street Friends
Mercer Street Friends, located in Trenton, NJ, provides food, family support, and educational opportunities to those in need, collaborating with various organizations to serve the community.
Services
Mercer Street Friends offers a variety of services focused on food security, family support, and educational opportunities. Key programs include their Food Bank, which distributes over 6 million meals annually through more than 150 pantry partners. The Send Hunger Packing program provides weekend meals for food-insecure students, while the Community Schools Initiative aims to break down non-academic barriers for students. Additionally, they offer a Preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 and Adult Basic Education programs to help individuals earn a New Jersey State Diploma. Other notable services include the Healthy Families TIP Program and Parents as Teachers Program, both providing home visiting services for families.
Educational Programs
Mercer Street Friends runs several educational programs aimed at various age groups. Their Preschool program offers high-quality early childhood education at no cost for children aged 3 to 5 residing in Trenton. For adults, the organization provides Adult Basic Education programs that help individuals achieve a New Jersey State Diploma. The Community Schools Initiative works to reduce non-academic barriers for students, contributing to better educational outcomes. These programs underscore their commitment to lifelong learning and academic support for the Trenton community.
Food Security Initiatives
Food security is a major focus for Mercer Street Friends. The organization operates a comprehensive Food Bank that distributes over 6 million meals annually via a network of more than 150 pantry partners. The Send Hunger Packing program specifically provides weekend meals for food-insecure students. Additionally, Community Food Bags, consisting of 16 meals, are distributed to families throughout Trenton and Mercer County. Mercer Street Friends collaborates with the Trenton Health Team to provide a list of available food resources, ensuring that the community has access to essential nutrition.
Collaborations and Community Engagement
Mercer Street Friends collaborates with numerous social and human service organizations, the Trenton School District, and medical health resources to enhance their community impact. Their Students Change Hunger campaign engages schools and youth communities in food and fund drives. The organization also facilitates volunteer opportunities and hosts an annual Leadership Awards Celebration to recognize outstanding leadership in the community. These collaborations and events help foster stronger community ties and broaden the reach of their services.
History and Mission
Founded in 1958 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Mercer Street Friends has a long-standing history of community service. The organization's mission is to nourish minds and bodies while empowering families and communities. They emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals feel heard, respected, valued, and uplifted. Over the decades, Mercer Street Friends has evolved to meet the changing needs of the Trenton community, always staying true to its core mission.