NFL Executive Troy Vincent Sr. and Love Thy Neighbor Community Development Corporation Donate Hydroponic “GroShed” to Historic Trenton Community Garden
On June 2, Isles, Inc. celebrated the unveiling of a new hydroponic “GroShed” at the historic Chestnut Ave Three Point Garden in Trenton, donated by Troy and Tommi Vincent, cofounders of Love Thy Neighbor Community Development Corporation, in partnership with Sport For Impact.
The innovative growing facility will enable Isles and local gardeners to produce seedlings for the organization’s network of more than 50 community gardens serving 250 families throughout Trenton and surrounding communities.
A Homecoming with Deep Roots
The donation represents a meaningful homecoming for Troy Vincent Sr., who grew up in Trenton’s Wilbur section before his family moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Vincent spent his early childhood in east Trenton’s Wilbur section, where he and his younger brother, Sam, were raised by their mother, Alma. As a youngster, Vincent participated alongside his parents and neighbors in the development and growth of Isles’ first community garden, started by Liz Johnson and Marty Johnson on Chestnut Avenue.
“It was great to have Tommi Vincent and Troy Vincent, Sr. and their Love Thy Neighbor Community Development Corporation join in support of Isles garden support network,” said Sean Jackson, CEO of Isles. “As a youngster along with his parents and other neighbors, the future Philadelphia Eagles superstar Troy participated in development and growth of Isles’ first garden.”
Honoring a Legacy of Community Leadership
The Chestnut Ave Three Point Garden holds special significance as a living legacy of Jefferson Vincent, Troy Vincent Sr.’s grandfather, who was instrumental in transforming a dangerous vacant lot into one of Trenton’s most productive community gardens in 1983.
Jefferson Vincent and neighbor Betty Fleming, both originally from the South with agricultural backgrounds, tackled a two-acre vacant lot where demolished houses had attracted drug dealers and illegal activities. Working with Isles, they gradually expanded the garden over six years, eventually driving out the criminal activity and creating a thriving community space.
“Jefferson and Betty, with the backing of their community and help of Isles, went to City Hall to fight to protect the now flourishing community garden,” Vincent Sr. shared in a social media post. “Who says you can’t fight city hall? The residents won.”
“This garden represents a lasting tribute to the vision of my grandfather, Jefferson Vincent, and all those who believed a forgotten corner of Trenton could be turned into something life-giving. He showed us what it means to plant hope in hard soil. My wife Tommi and I believe the GroShed will continue this legacy by playing a part in empowering families to grow, connect, and succeed together,” said Vincent Sr.
By 1986, the garden had grown to over an acre and partnered with Howell Living History Farm to bring draft horses and oxen for traditional plowing — a tradition that continues today, nearly 40 years later.
Expanding Access to Fresh, Healthy Food
The new GroShed addresses critical food access challenges in Trenton, where residents have historically faced limited access to fresh, healthy produce. The hydroponic system will allow for seedling production, supporting food security for participating families.
“This donation exemplifies the kind of community partnership that makes real change possible,” said Stacy D. Heading of Isles, who helped organize the unveiling event. “The GroShed will enable us to better serve our gardening families and expand our impact throughout the community.”
Community Celebration
The unveiling event drew local officials including Mayor Reed Gusciora, Councilwoman Jennifer Williams, and former Mayor Doug Palmer, along with community gardeners Joe Robinson and Adrienne King, who serves on Isles’ board of directors.
Vincent is considered a national leader and an advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault, and is guided by the principles of L.I.T., which stands for leadership, integrity, and truth.
He is the only player in history to have received the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award, NFL Players Association Byron Whizzer White Award, Sporting News #1 Good Guy, and NFL Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award.
About the Organizations
Isles, Inc. is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton that creates sustainable communities through local environmental action, practical solutions and policy reform. Isles operates more than 50 community gardens serving 250 families. Learn more at www.isles.org.
Love Thy Neighbor Community Development Corporation was established by Troy and Tommi Vincent to serve communities through philanthropic work guided by principles of leadership, integrity, and truth. Learn more at www.ltncdc.org/our-story.
Sport For Impact works to create positive change through athletics and community engagement. Learn more at www.sportforimpact.org.
The Chestnut Ave Three Point Garden is located in Trenton, New Jersey, and remains active today with community gardening, educational programs, and the annual traditional plowing demonstration with draft animals from Howell Living History Farm.
This article has been updated to reflect that it was Marty Johnson, Vincent Jefferson, and the community who transformed the vacant lot in 1983.
