HomeFront Receives an Early Christmas Gift!
| The Times of Trenton Editorial - 12/22/2009
STAFF WRITER
There is not a bit of ambiguity when it comes to the name of HomeFront's Family Preservation Center. That is exactly what the center is all about and what it continues to accomplish each day. Not an easy task in the best of circumstances, family preservation becomes even more challenging and difficult when the families in question have lost the grounding of their own home or temporary shelter. And while the reasons are legion and often linked, homelessness recently seems to be hitting families harder than individuals. National surveys by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Conference of Mayors suggest that the number of people at shelters or roaming the streets has remained roughly steady. But a HUD survey of several communities around the country showed that, from March to June, there was about a 2 percent increase in the number of homeless families, even as the number of non-family homeless fell slightly, as Times Staff Writer Meir Rinde reported in a Sunday story. Trenton reported a 1 percent increase in sheltered family homeless during the 12 months ending in September, echoing the situation in three-quarters of the responding cities, according to the mayors' report. That explains the nearly always full house at the Family Preservation Center in Ewing, where families in need are referred by the county Board of Social Services. It's a bright and cheerful place, ringing with activity and enlivened by dozens of families -- mostly mothers and young children -- gradually learning the skills that will help sustain them in the wide world. Experts believe that objective of independence with a working knowledge of available services and support systems is the most powerful means of breaking the cyclic nature of homelessness. "How these children turn out depends on what kind of precious services they start to get here," Center Director Thora Faigle said. "You build a resilient child by one healthy connection at a time. Without these healthy connections or additional supports, these kids are going to be lost." As their mothers get help with parenting skills, children are given security and responsibilities. When the changes begin to take hold, the soundtrack of the family dynamic quiets from shouts to conversation. According to the success stories of both past and present clients, the Family Preservation Center manages to strike a remarkable balance by answering the immediate needs of its clients while preparing them for self-reliance. Guided by HomeFront Executive Director Connie Mercer, perpetuated by indefatigable employees and aided by government and volunteer efforts, its vision and its work are to be commended. It seems to be the gold standard. <<Shrink>> |
Thank You From Connie Mercer
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What a wonderful, caring, and generous community we live in! Last summer, we at HomeFront asked you to help us send the children of homeless families back to school with new clothes and backpacks. And your response made the new school year special for 1245 children. And then in November, you provided more than 1400 of our client families with a real Thanksgiving feast, with all the trimmings. |
Most recently, you filled the Christmas wish lists of 2934 children of homeless, very low-income families, giving them a Christmas they would never have had without you. I wish you all could have been there when their parents, many literally with tears in their eyes, picked up the presents that they would never have been able to give their children. You made the celebration special for both the children and adults, particularly because they knew you cared.
As a social service agency, HomeFront’s primary role is to see that our client families have shelter, food, and all the services and supports that will enable them to become successfully independent. Our budget simply doesn’t allow for any “frills.” We are so grateful to our thoughtful community for adding all the things that bring our families so much joy and pleasure. “Thank you” isn’t really adequate for your amazing support, but it comes from our hearts.
Connie Mercer
Executive Director
HomeFront
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NEWS
Stuff the Truck!
Help us collect food donations on March 3 and 4 at the ShopRite of Lawrenceville (Mercer Mall). We need volunteers to help advocate for HomeFront at our special table inside the store. Contact Lynn at 609-989-9417 ext 133 or at getinvolved@homefrontnj.org.
Bohrens Moves to Help HomeFront Families
As part of a planned renovation, the Nassau Inn recently donated over 50 rooms of gently used furniture to HomeFront. Read more
2010-2011 Annual Report Available
HomeFront's Annual Report honors our community of supporters and highlights the scope of our mission. Click above to read the annual report and on the attached pdf for a list of additional donors. Read more
Tyco Helps Families Make a House a Home
Moving into a home is a big first step for homeless families. But it takes a couch to sit on, a table to have meals together and lamps to do homework by--all things that make a house a home. With support from Tyco, HomeFront's Resource Network serves over 3,000 families a year making each home a special place.
Skateboarder Jake McNichol Launches Fundraiser. Help A HomeFront Camper Learn to Skateboard!
Jake McNichol, founder of Skate Not Hate, is a senior straight-A student at George School in Newtown, PA. Jake, who lives in Ewing, approached HomeFront about running the camp in 2011 in hopes of providing kids living in urban areas with a fun, challenging activity they can enjoy year-round at home. He hopes skating will help kids to feel proud and to develop a positive focus despite the many challenges they face. Read more
Grounds for Sculpture Hosts HomeFront Client Art Exhibit Aug. 21-Sept. 25
The vital and dynamic human spirit of homeless and working poor families is unleashed into astounding and emotional artistic expression in the upcoming month long educational exhibit, “HomeFront: Putting the Pieces Together.” The artists are HomeFront clients. Read more
Back to School Campaign Kicks Off
HomeFront’s Back-to-School campaign that started 20 years ago, ensures that homeless children in Mercer County start school off on the right foot. Homeless kids have so many stigmas and obstacles to overcome. They need as much support as possible–especially on the all important first day of school. Thanks to a community-wide effort, kids have new tennis shoes, clothes, school supplies and backpacks to begin the school year. Read more
A Summer Hunger Message from Sunny, Our Director of Program Support Services
Summer is a tough time for families who come to our food pantry. Families must adjust their grocery needs to ensure that children who are on summer vacation get breakfast and lunches which ordinarily would be provided by the school.
One Room at a Time—Helping One Family at a Time
Home decorator and Princeton resident Anne Battles does more than ‘re-do’ rooms. She’s doing makeovers for HomeFront residents in one our multi-unit buildings. Her first challenge is the home of a mother with two teenage kids. Read more
Run For Hope Race Results In
The third annual HomeFront Run for Hope was a huge success. The sunny skies enticed over 450 people to come out to support the event and help local families in need. Click here to see the race results. Like us on Facebook and check out the race photos. Read more
Women's Initiative Brings Homeless to Harvard's Liz Murray to Speak May 15
Murray will be the guest speaker at HomeFront’s Women’s Initiative luncheon on Sunday, May 15 at the Nassau Inn in Princeton. Read more
Clients Speak Out Meet Rachel
How can homelessness happen? And who are the homeless in Mercer County? Following is the first of a series of interviews with Home Front clients who explain how they became homeless. These are real stories from real people. Read more
URGENT NEED
HomeFront has an urgent need for dressers, small couches and kitchen tables. These are all important items that make a home home. Please help! Go to Get Involved, and click on 'Go Green.'
Powerful and Sad Numbers
The 2010 Census revealed the grim economic story for Trenton households headed by single females with young children who fall below the federal poverty limit. The number of these households with children under the age of 5 (the majority of families we see) grew from 1,011 households in poverty in 2000 to 6,859 families in 2010, or from 41% to 68.7% . Read more
60 Minutes––Hard Times Generation: Homeless Kids
Last week 60 Minutes aired a segment that spoke eloquently, and heartbreakingly, about the pain homelessness inflicts on children. While these children live in Florida, not too long ago these same stories played out right here in Mercer County. Read more
Something to Smile About
For the last two years, the staff of the Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics have taken a day to give back to our community by putting a bright healthy smile on the faces of local homeless children living at the HomeFront Family Preservation Center in Ewing. Read more
Looking for A Few Good Camp Counselors
If you need a summer job, and you’d like to have the experience of a lifetime, HomeFront may have the solution for you. Read more
ArtSpace to Exhibit at Twist Yogurt During March
Throughout March 2011, ArtSpace will be exhibiting works by 5 young artists from their program at Twist Yogurt at 84 Nassau St. in Princeton. Read more
Free Eye Clinic for Needy Families
HomeFront 2010 Annual Report Now Available
HomeFront's Annual Report pays tribute to the community that has made HomeFront the organization it is today. Click here to read the annual report. Read more
Three HomeFront Welcome Mats on Doorsteps in Hopewell Township
Community Effort Makes It Happen! HomeFront TCL has opened the doors to three units of high-quality affordable housing and they are going about it in a way that they do best: through community involvement and support. Read more
FPC Celebrates its 7th Birthday!
On Wednesday, Mar. 3, our HomeFront community celebrated the seventh anniversary of the Family Preservation Center in West Trenton. For seven years, the FPC has given food, shelter and support to help over 1000 families break the cycle of poverty. At the same time, they honored the service of Thora Faigle, the director of the FPC and marked her retirement. Click to WBZN story. Read more
Check Out our ArtSpace Web Page
See the art, visit the exhibits and help support our program. (Click here for more information) Read more
We Need Volunteers!
HomeFront's 2009 Annual Report Available
HomeFront's Annual Report honors our community of supporters and highlights the scope of our mission. Click above to read the annual report and on the attached pdf for a list of additional donors. Read more
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609 989-9417