Young people are the future. It is important that our youth have outlets to be themselves and to express themselves in order to expel all of their energy into places that will nurture them. Many organizations in Trenton have taken it upon themselves to help our youth every step of the way, whether it be by providing them with life skills or giving them a safe place to thrive. Here are a few Trenton Journal noteworthy organizations serving the children in our area.
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Anchor House
482 Centre Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
Anchor Houses' goal is to help out the homeless youth in the community of Trenton by providing housing and job access. The housing they have is semi-permanent and they also provide groceries. Their mission is to help at-risk youth have a place where they can succeed and thrive. The organization has been helping thousands of youth for 44 years serving five locations throughout Trenton. Mental health services, including counseling and therapy are also available. Click here for more info.
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Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County
212 Centre Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
Boys & Girls Clubs provide many services for the community, such as after-school and summer programs, as well as STEM opportunities. They also offer transportation to their clubhouse from various schools within Mercer County. There are two locations in our area; one in Lawrenceville, which serves three school sites and the other in Trenton, which serves five area schools. Their after-school program includes homework assistance, tutoring, enrichment programs, and many more. If you would love to have your child join the rich history of the Boys & Girls Club, visit their site for more information
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A Better Way
340 Calhoun Street
Trenton, NJ 08638
This non-profit organization helps veterans in need, at-risk youth and families find A Better Way to live and contribute to society. They’ve provided over 36,000 hours of community service in numerous ways, such as disposing trash, mentoring youth, and helping to rebuild homes. They’ve also helped 86 youth avoid arrest. The women’s and men’s groups offered, as well as GED tutoring and employment skills workshops, gives Trentonians everything needed to feel empowered. There is also a food pantry available at Turning Point Church. For more information on the offerings at this organization, visit their website here.
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Campfire NJ
535 East Franklin Street
Trenton, NJ 08610
Campfire New Jersey’s goal is to serve the youth, children, and communities within the state. They provide programs within 120 schools that serve more than 15,000 Mercer County youth. Outside of the classroom activities are also available, such as summer camp and teen leadership programs. The organization has been working for 86 years to help build leaders through social and emotional character development. Here is where you can find out more about Campfire New Jersey.
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Capital Area YMCA
431 Pennington Ave
Trenton, NJ 08618
The YMCA has always given people a place to get in shape, play sports and learn new skills. Committed to faith principles, while providing programs for the mind and body, the Y also provides kids access to free and reduced-cost food and The Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market. The facility includes a new fitness center, which is double the size of the previous one. For information on sports programs and food access, as well as all of the other offerings at the Y, visit YMCA website.
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Isles Youth Institute
33 Tucker St.
Trenton, NJ 08618
Isles Youth Institute (IYT) was founded in 1981 by Marty Johnson and strives for young students' success academically and in the work field. High school drop-outs are able to receive an extra boost of support from this program whose goal is to see each individual succeed not only academically, but in other important aspects in life. IYT promotes leadership building, which includes enhancement and developmental vocational training, and career-oriented jobs. For more information, visit here.
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Fan Favorite
299 Whitehead Road, Unit 279
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
If you know a basketball lover in or near Mercer County, tell them to join this one-of-a-kind program. The founder and owner, La’Keisha Sutton known as the “Fan Favorite” established her brand in 2013. Sutton’s mission was to decrease gun violence in her hometown city of Trenton, as well as to encourage children. This club offers basketball training for players of all stages. Young promising athletes that join her club are guaranteed to gain confidence in themselves on the court, and to introduce them to the game’s core concepts. Offering classes for children as young as four, this program will help your child thrive on the court. For more information, click here.
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Trenton Circus Squad
675 S. Clinton Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08611
The Trenton Circus Squad encourages youngsters to take a big leap in life and offers unique training and programs. The specialized institution offers free of charge after-school and summer programs and workshops. Participants are able to gain quality insight on personal growth, while assisting with community through the performance of circus arts. The key elements in this institution are: physical proficiency, life mastery and attaining trust with teens from different neighborhoods. Kids of all ages are welcomed to attend. Click here to sign your kid up for an adventure filled program full of laughter.
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Tuff Foundation
The Tuff Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Trenton, NJ that encourages children through initiatives for youth development and creating outlets while serving the community. Click here for more information.
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UrbanPromise Trenton
801 W. State St
Trenton, NJ 08618
Urban Promise Trenton empowers young adults to select a better path for their future Urban Promise Trenton (UPT) believes in the strong capability of opportunity. The organization provides teens with a chance to build a positive and better life path. Their main focus is to encourage the young generation to strive and succeed academically, spiritually and to hone life skills. The goal is to see each child graduate from high school. The organization offers drop-in after school programs and summer camps for area children. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to encouraging the children by equipping tutoring and homework assistance, alongside fun activities. Please visit UrbanPromise Trenton for additional information.
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