Mercer Street Friends

Mission: Nourishing bodies and minds, empowering families and communities. Values: As a Quaker-affiliated, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) organization, Mercer Street Friends honors the equality of all people and strives for a just, prosperous, and peaceful society for all. We respond to the needs of the community to build alliances that will have the most meaningful impact in addressing issues of poverty. We provide a range of integrated services that build community, nurture self-worth and independence, and offer resources for children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and its lasting effects. Background: Mercer Street Friends was founded in 1958 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) who were concerned about the decaying Trenton community and its impact on residents. The founding Quaker volunteers responded by renovating a 100-year old meeting house no longer used for worship, located on Mercer Street in the Mill Hill section of Trenton, and turning the facility onto a community center for neighbors. Over the past 6 decades, Mercer Street Friends has grown into a multi-faceted human service agency. Today we serve more than 20,000 families throughout Mercer County who face the challenges and impacts of poverty. Our programs target disparities related to: education, food insecurity, parental and family wellness, youth enrichment opportunities and community-building capacity. Supported by a combination of government, corporate and foundation grants and private donations, Mercer Street Friends has a budget of $5.7 million, a workforce of 70 employees and more than 500 volunteers.