Mercer Street Friends

08/17/2023

Best Day Ever! How ‘bout Best Summer Ever?

Summer Bridge 2023 is in the books! We are incredibly proud of the progress that all 200 students made this summer. Progress in reading & math in the classrooms, fitness in the gyms, gardening, science labs, tennis, rock climbing, practicing yoga and drums, rest assured – no one missed a beat 🥁

Our outstanding team of Community Schools reading intervention specialists, case managers and site coordinators are gearing up for an amazing 2023/2024 school year with exciting new initiatives. Read all about our Summer Bridge wrap-up:

After many hoorays and hugs at our end of Summer Bridge celebration, we said, "See you in September" to the more than 80 kindergarten through third grade students who enrolled through our Community Schools initiative in the Trenton School District.

08/04/2023

Today is the last day of Summer Bridge 2023 at B.C. Gregory Elementary. It is admittedly bittersweet. Our educators and staff love working with young students preparing them for the school year ahead.

Good news is “Gregory” is one of three of our Community Schools in the Trenton School District, so we’ll back in September supporting students and their families.

Stay tuned for more highlights from Summer Bridge ‘23. In the meantime, here’s more information about our year-round Community Schools initiative: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/programs/community-schools-initiative/

08/03/2023

Food for thought: there’s nothing like Jersey Fresh!

Our Summer Bridge students enjoy a nutritious breakfast, lunch + two healthy snacks each day 🥪

7th & 8th graders from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. middle school have the option of taking a cooking class using fresh veggies from the school garden 🥬🍎

Our educators discuss the benefits of garden-to-table eating and making healthy food choices — students have as much fun preparing recipes and they do eating them!

Read more about Summer Bridge in our NEWS section: mercerstreetfriends.org/news/

08/02/2023

With nearly sixty 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in our Summer Bridge Program at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, we've been busy!

From the classroom, to the garden, to the basketball court; plus, dance, drums, cooking class, and more - middle schoolers are making Summer Bridge memories. Read all about it:

As an extension of our Community Schools initiative, Summer Bridge is a continuation of classroom learning for math, science, social studies, and language arts, using a more interactive model than a traditional school setting.

07/28/2023

We’re crowning our young friend hula-hoop queen 👑 // Sports, fitness + FUN are an integral part of our Summer Bridge program.

Kindergarten thru 3rd grade students enrolled in Summer Bridge 2023 at Gregory Elementary enjoy awesome afternoons filled with tennis, dance, relay races, jump rope, musical chairs AND hula hooping 🤸🏿⭕️

Summer Bridge is an extension of our Community Schools initiative supporting young learners and their families year-round. Here’s more about Summer Bridge at Gregory: mercerstreetfriends.org/summer-bridge-spotlight-all-good-at-gregory/

07/26/2023

It’s all good at Gregory!
80+ kindergarten through 3rd grade students have joined us for Summer Bridge 2023, an extension of our Community Schools initiative at B.C. Gregory Elementary.
Read all about it 😎

We’re off to a great start at B.C. Gregory Elementary where 80+ students joined us for Summer Bridge 2023, an extension of Mercer Street Friends’ Community Schools initiative.

07/05/2023

School’s out, Summer’s in at our Summer Bridge programs at B.C. Gregory Elementary School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Trenton, New Jersey.

An extension of our Community School initiative in the Trenton School District, 200 students will engage in immersive learning through reading, writing, STEAM, as well as social and emotional learning, outdoor activities (Namaste!), and popular field trips to a Trenton Thunder game, Shady Brook Farm, Camden Aquarium, Grounds for Sculpture, and more!

Read all about it:

Summer Bridge is an extension of Mercer Street Friends' Community School initiative in the Trenton School District serving hundreds of local students and families throughout the year.

06/29/2023

In collaboration with The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey's "Growing Healthy Pantries" initiative, Mercer Street Friends Food Bank has been working with HomeFront to bring more nutrition its clients.

Thanks to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's multi-year commitment, we are progressing towards a stronger, more food secure state!

06/26/2023

Members of the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank joined forces with Starbucks Trenton Community Store staff to take a stand against food insecurity.

With the help of Feeding America, The Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Starbucks, Mercer Street Friends Food Bank is continuing to break down barriers to nutrition in BIPOC households with programs like Send Hunger Packing, also known as SHUP. SHUP provides access to nutritious weekend meals to children throughout Mercer County.

06/17/2023

“Mercer Street Friends Honors Local Leaders” Thank you, TrentonDaily!

Mercer Street Friends, a nonprofit whose mission supports local families through comprehensive food and education programs, hosted their third annual Leadership

06/15/2023

“Mercer Street Friends Honors 4 Local Leaders for Community Service” — Thank you, NJ Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)

Mercer Street Friends hosted its third annual Leadership Awards event on June 13, when more than 200 guests gathered at the nonprofit’s Ewing food bank to

06/14/2023

“JM Group’s Jack Morrison honored by Mercer Street Friends at annual awards ceremony” Thank you, Planet Princeton!

Restauranteur Jack Morrison, president of the JM Group, was honored by the Mercer Street Friends on Tuesday for his service to the community.

06/14/2023

Last night we hosted our annual Leadership Awards event honoring local leaders for their outstanding commitment to service in the community.

“When you consider the longevity of loyalty to service by this distinguished group of leaders, it’s extraordinary,” said Courtney Matlock, Chief Development and Marketing Officer for Mercer Street Friends. “Each of the honorees have supported our organization for over 25 years and counting. We are incredibly grateful for their collective commitment to making our community better.”

Pictured left to right: Courtney Matlock, Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Mercer Street Friends; Robert LeFever received the Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award; Jack Morrison President of JM Group received the Philanthropic Leadership Award; Adam Taliaferro, Director of Strategic Alliances and former New Jersey Assemblyman, accepted the Corporate Leadership and Public Service Award on behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb; Bernie Flynn, CEO of Mercer Street Friends; (front) Odie LeFever, former trustee and chair of Mercer Street Friends, received the Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award along with her husband Bob.

photo credit: Riverview Studios

06/13/2023

Let the celebration begin!
Tonight we honor individuals and institutions for their outstanding leadership and commitment to service at our third annual Leadership Awards event.

Stay tuned for highlights on the honorees !!

06/09/2023

On Thursday, June 8 we joined our friends at the The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, and Norwescap New Jersey to host Feeding New Jersey 2023, the state’s first conference on food insecurity for food pantries, soup kitchens, and other local food assistance organizations.

It was an extraordinary day for the 300 participants to connect with other organizations to listen and learn about best practices to increase capacity and effectiveness, and collaborate for hunger-relief.

The schedule included an advocacy panel with all five food bank CEOs, including Bernie Flynn, CEO, Mercer Street Friends, a welcome address by New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate Mark Dinglasan, MBA, peer-to-peer discussions, a networking lunch, a town hall on operational excellence, and closing remarks from Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America.

Together, we will build a more food secure New Jersey for all of our residents.

06/07/2023

Sixty amazing students at B.C. Gregory Elementary School received recognition awards for achievement in reading and we couldn’t be prouder 🎉

Our Reading Intervention program was born during the pandemic, in partnership with Gregory Elementary School Principal Jeannette Harris, due to an obvious need for small group reading support.

Thanks to funding from Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF), we were able to hire reading specialists and on-site coordinators to manage what is now a robust reading program specially-designed for students in first through third grades.

To date, the results have been extraordinary. At the start of the program 50% of the students at Gregory were reading below grade level ~ fast forward, 60 students were awarded for their growth + achievement 🌟

Congratulations to all !!

05/31/2023

Thanks to our generous sponsors, benefactors, and patrons, we will have a wonderful Leadership Awards Celebration!

Don't miss out - this is the last week to register for June 13th: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/event/leadership-awards-2023/

05/11/2023

We are delighted to honor Odie and Bob LeFever with the Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award! In addition to their years of service, they have continued to support Mercer Street Friends in their retirement and marked their commitment to the organization as Stewards of the Mission.

Come celebrate with Odie, Bob, and the Mercer Street Friends community on June 13th at the Leadership Awards: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/event/leadership-awards-2023/

Odie and Bob LeFever carried the Quaker values of caring respectfully and passionately for those who are struggling. Odie served as a Trustee, starting in 1984 and subsequently elected to Chair in 1997. Throughout her terms as a Trustee, she guided the Board with strong leadership and a sensitivity to the needs of the people Mercer Street Friends served. Bob, after a 30-year career as a consultant to advertising agencies and public relations firms, joined Mercer Street Friends as Director of Advancement, broadening the agency's reach.

05/04/2023

Jack Morrison, President of JM Group, is enthusiastic about being a champion of philanthropy for the Mercer County area, inspiring others along the way!

Join us to honor Jack Morrison with the Philanthropic Leadership Award during the celebration on June 13th: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/event/leadership-awards-2023/

A dedicated supporter of Mercer Street Friends for many, many years, he continues to leverage relationships and connections with those who also want to have a positive impact in their community, and we are so grateful for his partnership.

04/27/2023

We are thrilled to honor Bristol Myers Squibb with the 3rd Annual Corporate Leadership Public Service Award and welcome them as a Grand Sponsor!

Register today and join us for the celebration on June 13th: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/event/leadership-awards-2023/

Supporting the Mercer Street Friends Mission for decades, Bristol Myers Squibb strives to make a positive difference in people's lives through research, advocacy, and philanthropy. For years, employees have shared time and lent talents to the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. We are all working together to build a stronger Mercer County.

04/20/2023

Join us for the Third Annual Leadership Awards Celebration! We'll be coming together on Tuesday, June 13th to reflect on our work in the community and honor those who have dedicated themselves to service ✨

Get your ticket today:
https://mercerstreetfriends.org/event/leadership-awards-2023/

04/03/2023

It’s been said “it takes a village” to raise a family. Well, we're here to tell you we are *that* village for local families.

Speaking from her own experience raising triplets, Mercer Street Friends' Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Courtney Matlock, shares the significance of relying on her personal network of moms, dads, colleagues, church congregants + the kindness of strangers.
https://mercerstreetfriends.org/we-are-a-village/

It's been said “it takes a village” to raise a family.

03/29/2023

Thank you to our friends at Bob and Alex at Juma Entertainment for donating a variety of gloves, sweatshirts, and leggings that Mercer Street Friends can give to the families we serve. We all work together to support our neighbors!

02/21/2023

We are grateful to the New Jersey State Golf Association for its continued support of Mercer Street Friends and its mission to serve and uplift the community!

The New Jersey State Golf Association is a non-profit organization of public and private clubs and courses dedicated to the service of golf in New Jersey.

01/25/2023

Gregory Elementary School was visited by our local friends over at ETS! Thanks to about 15 ETS Volunteers, Gregory Elementary students & staff had to opportunity to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of books, such as: My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I have a Dream, and My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King Jr.

They were so excited & eager to share their day reading to our students. Volunteers spent a few hours reading stories to all 20 classes (K-3) at Gregory Elementary. Each of them bringing their own enthusiasm, compassion, and love. Afterwards, they took the time to answer questions and comments from either the story or fun facts about themselves.

We could not be more grateful and appreciative to have these volunteers come out to Gregory Elementary & put a smile on our children’s faces. We cannot wait to see our friends from ETS come back & visit Gregory soon!

01/18/2023

Thank you to the Mu Boule Foundation for supporting our commitment to providing Mercer County with nutritious food. Your generosity is greatly appreciated in the fight against hunger!

01/17/2023

In partnership with BookSmiles, Fisher Middle School knocked it out of the park collecting more than 9,000 books! Led by 7th grade teacher Mr. Jesse Ambriz, Fisher students are helping spread the joy of reading one book at a time 📖

01/01/2023

Happy New Year from the Mercer Street Friends family to yours! #2023

12/23/2022

Mercer Street Friends and its offices will be closed Monday, December 26th thru Monday, January 2nd.
May you have a happy and peaceful holiday season!

12/08/2022

🎥 Don't miss CEO Bernie Flynn on "Spotlight on Nonprofits" tonight at 6:30 on CNJN!

Miss it on TV? Stream it on https://cnjn.org/watch-live/ or https://youtube.com/channel/UCUqXk21fcS9cAJ38Sow2sLg

Central New Jersey Network is the largest public television station in Central New Jersey, offering greater reach, new programming, and expansive resources to our local business community.

12/07/2022

12/07/2022

Mercer Street Friends Food Bank appreciates Aqua's continued support as we work in the Mercer County community to help feed our neighbors in need. Thank you!

11/29/2022

we supply food county-wide by working directly with schools + pantry partners to provide nutrition to communities hard hit by hunger? This effort supports friends and neighbors right here in your community. Your monetary donation of ANY amount makes an impact: https://www.iatspayments.com/saaura/PA942940A013527B94

11/28/2022

Rivera Community Elementary School and Gregory Elementary hosted Friendsgiving dinners! A time for the Community School family to gather, celebrate life, and be thankful for one another.

We give thanks to our community partners who made the celebrations possible for our families and community!

11/23/2022

Mercer Street Friends will be closed November 24th and 25th. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂

11/21/2022

We are so appreciative for your collaboration as we strive to bring the love of reading to Trenton Community Schools!

11/02/2022

Join Team Mercer Street Friends for the 10th Annual Mercer County Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day! Register today for the 5k race or the 1-mile walk to support MSF Food Bank and other local pantries https://www.mercercountyturkeytrot.com/

10/31/2022

Last week members of the Mercer Street Friends Community Schools team attended the National Center for Community Schools in New York City. Our Site Coordinators Nigel Johnson and Mia Sapp and Director of Community Schools, Bernadette Trapp, had a fantastic time to learning and networking with colleagues from across the country!

10/19/2022

It's not too late to register your school or youth organization with Mercer Street Friends for Students Change Hunger! Join us in raising awareness for hunger in Mercer County by registering here: https://studentschangehunger.org/

10/07/2022

NJM Insurance Group collected over 2,200 books for Mercer Street Friends! In partnership with BookSmiles, this donation will benefit a new book bank initiative that is being developed to support literacy in Mercer County 📚📖