July 29, 2026
Dear Friends,
As we just closed our fiscal year on June 30th, I wanted to share an update that reflects both the extraordinary impact you helped make possible and the realities we continue to face in Mercer County. This year stretched us, inspired us, and reminded us why your partnership matters so deeply.
Thanks to your support, Arm In Arm provided:
- Food to families through 59,499 pantry visits and deliveries: a significant increase from 48,000 last year, underscoring both our expanded reach and the rising need for food assistance.
- Rental, utility, and security‑deposit support for 185 families, helping them obtain or maintain stable housing
- Emergency assistance and case management for 84 homeless families with children in the Trenton School system, helping to provide greater stability and opportunity for 121 youth
- Driver’s license restoration for 14 individuals, opening doors to employment and long‑term opportunity.
- Two Financial Fitness workshop series including a new 2.0 cohort, providing 20 participants with practical financial skills. Outcomes included paying off a car note, improving credit scores, and even securing a mortgage approval.
- A Still Standing program now serving 35 active members across two cohorts, including a new group launched through our partnership with Donnelly Homes and the Trenton Housing Authority.
- Representative Payee services for 115 individuals, ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors receive consistent, dignified support.
We also advanced major operational goals:
- Operationalizing our FEEDNJ grant and feeding more families in the food deserts of East and West Trenton, while also, preparing to renovate our Hudson Street Pantry to create a true service hub; expanding client choice, integrating services, and welcoming additional partner providers.
- Strengthening our team through strategic staffing adjustments that support our ability to meet rising community needs with consistency and quality.
And we cannot overlook the extraordinary contribution of our volunteers. Their time and commitment equate to nearly $500,000 in annual value: a testament to the generosity and heart of this community.
While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize the challenges ahead. Food insecurity continues to rise. Housing instability remains a daily reality for too many families. The demand for emergency assistance is growing, and we see more neighbors navigating complex barriers to stability, coupled with the increased cost of living.
Our priorities for the coming year reflect this urgency and include strengthening the integration of our hunger and housing services, expanding client choice through the Hudson Pantry renovation, deepening partnerships that connect families to additional resources, and continuing to build pathways to long‑term financial stability. These efforts will help us meet rising demand while ensuring families receive coordinated, dignified, and effective support.
Your support makes all of this possible.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and helping ensure that families in Mercer County have a place to turn.
We have accomplished so much together, and there is still more to do, but with your partnership, we will continue moving forward with purpose and hope. We are better together.
With gratitude,
Maureen