Callie Crowder’s Passion for Community Drives Her Leadership at The Maker’s Place
Callie Crowder, a lifelong resident of Trenton, embarked on her journey with The Maker’s Place in 2019 as assistant director and rose to the position of executive director in April 2022. Reflecting on her path, she notes, “It was a job description that was tailored to my heart. You never know where you’re going to end up.”
Crowder’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Cum Laude, from Seton Hall University in May 1991, followed by a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation from Princeton Theological Seminary in May 2019.
Her role at The Maker’s Place came at a pivotal time, just as she was completing her seminary studies. “This opportunity arose where I would engage with the community, build programming, and help empower others,” Crowder shared. “Being very determined, I’ve always been a people person.”
The Maker’s Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018, is located at 1985 Pennington Rd. in Ewing Township. Initially formed as a faith-based diaper bank and Hope Center, it is sponsored by the United Methodists of Greater New Jersey. The organization’s mission is to connect neighbors in the Greater Trenton area with resources and support, striving to empower low-income families and those living in poverty across Central New Jersey. Maker’s Place also host birthday parties for one year-olds, as part of a collaborative community-based effort to address Trenton’s high infant mortality rate.
“We are a budding neighborhood resource center,” Crowder explained. “We operate a diaper bank in Trenton with eight pop-ups throughout the city five days a week. This program has provided invaluable insight into the community’s needs and how we can better support them.”
What began as bi-monthly Saturday meetings has expanded into daily distribution tables, increasing awareness of The Maker’s Place and its programs. “People see our table, and it’s a great way for us to interact with the community,” Crowder said. “We’ve distributed over a million diapers to date.”
Diaper need is a pressing issue. “Not having the funds to buy diapers is a heartbreaking situation for any parent,” Crowder noted. As a single mother, she deeply understands the struggles of many families. “We all have the same challenges,” she added.
Ensuring no one is ever turned away for diapers is a top priority for Crowder and her team. “It takes a lot of prayer to meet the growing demands of the community,” she shared. “But somehow, the diapers always show up. We’re still here, and we’re able to help.”
Crowder finds great fulfillment in her work. “We build relationships, foster community, and earn trust from residents. It’s not something that happens overnight, but making those connections, especially with moms, is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
In addition to the Diaper Depot program, The Maker’s Place offers a range of services including the Formula Depot, the Swap Shop, and the Book Depot. Diaper parties celebrate important milestones like a child’s first birthday, while the YOUFirst program offers self-care and support for mothers and caregivers. The EmpowerHer program provides free feminine products for women and girls.
The Book Depot, a pilot program, offers free books for early childhood. Crowder explained, “If you can’t afford diapers, you’re not going to spend your money on books. Libraries are great, but being able to have books at home makes a huge difference for families.”
The organization also has several open volunteer opportunities, including roles for administrative assistants, distribution site volunteers, Spanish-language phone translators, and website administrators.
For more information about The Maker’s Place and how you can get involved, visit makersplace.org.
