30 years of partnering with
our community to
achieve stability for
our neighbors in need
The Crisis Ministry operates from two offices located in Princeton and Trenton
HUNGER PREVENTION
Through our "Client Choice" grocery-style pantries, customers
make their own selections based on household size and up-to-date nutritional guildelines monitored by Food Services Director Mark Smith, R.N. and nutritionist. Fresh and
frozen products are available as often as possible, and include weekly deliveries by Philabundance, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, Italian People's Bakery, Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, and numerous volunteer food drives by groups ranging from the grassroots Yes We Can! organization to schools to congregations. Families receive an average
of 35-40 pounds of food, a 3- to 4-day supply.
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION
The Crisis Ministry helps to stabilize critical housing situations through emergency financial assistance to:
• Renters facing possible eviction
• Households with a utility shutoff notice
• Families facing foreclosure
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Our advocacy program includes weekly health and nutrition classes taught by a certified nutritionist from the Rutgers Extension program to help equip low-income clients with the knowledge to maintain health through smart food and cooking choices.
We also educate the wider Princeton-Trenton community about issues that affect
low-income people. Advocacy and education through speaking engagements and special programming is offered to schools, civic groups, and the 60 congregations that make up our interfaith support network.
This gracious note from the children who participate in Princeton Charter School's Service Club shows how our advocacy efforts make an impact:
December 5, 2009
Dear Mr. Kerbel,
Princeton Charter School appreciates your prepared presentation and the enjoyable and informative quiz show. We learned a lot, including how many families go to the Crisis Ministry for food. You gave us motivation to help these low-income residents of Mercer County. After your presentation, our school's number of cans suddenly rocketed up. Once again, we thank you copiously for your efforts.
