Mercer Times

Trenton, N.J. - The City of Trenton is proud to announce the allocation of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to aid a local nonprofit that has served the City and state for over 100 years. Under the American Rescue Plan, the City was allocated nearly seventy-three million dollars in direct aid, and given the discretion to allocate these funds amongst in-need businesses and charities. The Children's Home Society of New Jersey received a grant of $91,450.

"I am proud to support the work of another youth-centered organization in our City," said Mayor Reed Gusciora. "At locations, dotted around the Capital City, the Children's Home Society of New Jersey brings critical support and resources right to Trenton's youth: They make a vital difference in the lives of so many youth and families here."

Founded in 1894 by Reverend Martin T. Lamb, the Children's Home Society of New Jersey was built on the philosophy that "each child should be cared for in a family home and loved ." Through its many free programs, today CHSofNJ seeks to help at-risk, abused, or neglected infants and children and now includes extensive  services that prevent abuse and neglect by building healthy children and families.

This is what happens at all of CHS's Trenton Early Head Start/Head Start Centers. CHS also brings (Women, Infants & Children) WIC for nutrition and special needs linkages as a part of their onsite comprehensive  services for infants, toddlers and parents at their newest Early Head Start Center: the Vivian Shapiro, MSW, PhD Early Childhood Center, which is located on Liberty Street. For nearly 130 years, CHSofNJ has been headquartered in Trenton and has connected, supported, and strengthened children and families within the Trenton community and throughout multiple cities and counties of New Jersey.

CHSofNJ will use the funds in the development of their new Early Head Start center located on Liberty Street, covering the costs of the purchase and installation of Bipolar Ionization to enhance the Center's HVAC system, thereby improving the air quality and mitigating the spread of diseases, including COVID-19. Additionally, the funds were used to help develop an expanded outdoor playground space for our youngest local children's physical development and enjoyment.

CHSofNJ CEO, Donna Pressma, affirmed, "CHSofNJ is delighted with Mayor Gusciora's support that allows us to bring to Trenton's youngest, most vulnerable children needed, comprehensive early childhood development services, including this beautiful, developmentally appropriate playground and enhanced HVAC system to mitigate the spread of viruses at Shapiro Center. The ARP funds for the Shapiro Center are a critical investment in the positive supportive continuum of CHSofNJ services for children and families including WIC nutrition services; special education services for those under 5 in Early Head Start/Head Start, and mental health counseling for families."

More information about CHSofNJ’s history and programs can be found on their website at https://www.chsofnj.org. They can also be reached at their address of 635 South Clinton Avenue, and by phone at 609-695-6274.

Original source can be found here.