To reflect the positive partnership it shares with the community, the 36-year-old Crisis Ministry is changing its name to Arm in Arm. Its mission and programs will remain the same: to help those in Mercer County in need of food, housing and work to regain financial stability.
TRENTON, NJ – The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County announced the launch of its new name, Arm in Arm, effective Thursday, September 22, 2016.
The 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 1980 by Nassau Presbyterian Church and Trinity Church, helps secure the basic needs of food and housing and promotes long-term stability through work training and support. Today, over 5,000 families are helped each year.
The new name — Arm in Arm — conveys the organization’s collaborative approach to service, its spirit of optimism, and its belief in the possibilities of the future.
Executive Director Carolyn Biondi said:
“Arm in Arm is a place where people in need find people who want to help. Our new name reflects our respect for the dignity of the people we serve, as well as for their own power in the process of regaining stability.
Our tagline ‘Better Together’ expresses our belief that we all benefit when everyone in our community thrives — and that it takes our whole community to ensure that we all thrive. Individuals, congregations, corporations, foundations, schools, and businesses are all critical partners in this effort.”
The mission and programs of Arm in Arm will continue to focus on securing basic needs of food, housing, and work to promote longer-term stability.
Chante H., who recently received a security deposit from Arm in Arm for an apartment for herself and her two children, said that the assistance “has taken a huge burden off of me because now I know that my children have a place to live. I’m so grateful.”
John B., who works two jobs and occasionally receives food from Arm in Arm’s food pantries, said, “I think things are looking up for me, but I’m not quite there yet. But the food is really nutritious, and I just want to say thank you.”
Said Natara N. of Arm in Arm’s work training program, “It is a good feeling to be giving back and contributing (in Arm in Arm’s food pantry) while also gaining skills and experience as a trainee.” With financial help from Arm in Arm’s License to Succeed program, she also obtained a driver’s license, which she said about 75 percent of job applications require. “And now I can answer that question with a ‘Yes!’”
Locations for Arm in Arm will remain in downtown Princeton, downtown Trenton, and south Trenton, all easily accessible from anywhere in Mercer County, New Jersey.
Arm in Arm will celebrate its name change at its fall benefit on November 3, 2016, at The Frick Chemistry Laboratory Atrium on the campus of Princeton University. Special guest Billy Shore, co-founder and executive director of the national hunger awareness organization Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, will keynote the event. Open to the public and the media, the event will be attended by volunteers, supporters, community members, and staff. Reservations can be made online at www.arminarm.org or by calling 609-396-9355, ext. 27.
For more information about Arm in Arm, visit www.arminarm.org or call 609-396-9355.
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