Since 2016, the Smith Family Foundation has been carrying out its mission to empower, cultivate, and transform the lives of Trentonians in many ways. Check out some of their initiatives and programs already underway or coming in the near future.
Youth Lounge
This fall the Smith Family Foundation opened a youth lounge to act as a safe haven for Trenton youth to attend after school and receive tutoring, help with college applications —and have access to instruments, creative arts, and gaming systems. The Youth Lounge, located at 407 West State Street, operates Monday through Friday from 3 pm – 6 pm.
Trenton Stars
Last month, the Smith Family Foundation sponsored the “Trenton Stars” event at the New Jersey State Library which gave students the chance to connect with Trenton’s entrepreneurs. This event connected rising stars with already established stars to help celebrate and cultivate the next generation of Trenton leaders.
Community Arts Program
Each month the foundation features the works of a different Trenton artist at their headquarters and online at https://smithfamilyfoundationnj.org/shop/featured-local-artists/. Proceeds from purchases go to the artists and 20% of the proceeds go towards a scholarship for a Trenton youth.
Community Empowerment Workshops
The foundation seeks to be a conduit to help build up and create sustainability for nonprofit and grassroots effort in the city. To accomplish this they host workshops on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at their resource center in order to help individuals and organizations learn about obtaining their 501(c)(3), fundraising, grant writing, as well as providing resources necessary to launching and sustaining a successful effort in the city.
Jackie’s Store
Opening soon, “Jackie’s Store” will be a resource center for nonprofits and individuals to obtain resources to help them carry out and improve upon their respective missions.
To learn more about the Smith Family Foundation or to get involved with one of their various efforts, visit them online at https://smithfamilyfoundationnj.org/ or contact their Community Engagement Specialist, Dawn Reyes, at 609-888-6300 ext. 101 or dreyes@sffnj.org.
