It is often said that the youth is a community’s greatest asset. Meeting the needs of our younger generation allows for the next generation of leaders to grow up prosperous and ready to meet the needs of tomorrow. If you’re on the hunt for a practical, hands-on way to be a part of the solution, the Trenton Kids Count Community Conversations are an incredible place to get started.
On Wednesday, February 15th, Advocates for Children of New Jersey will be hosting its first Community Conversation. The topics of each session are based on data from the Trenton Kids Count 2023 survey, which you can read here: Trenton Kids Count. The upcoming conversation will focus on the Education and Development data found in the study. The discussion will occur at the Smith Family Foundation (471 Parkway Ave, Trenton, NJ 08618) from 10 am-12 pm. Guests are also invited to enjoy some light refreshments at 9:30 am before the start of the session. If you’re interested in attending, registration is available online here: Register – Trenton Kids Count.
This first session of many vital conversations will discuss education and development for Trenton youth. This series of conversations hopes to bring together Trenton parents, community members, city leaders, and advocates to discuss what can be done to serve the city’s children best. Once data regarding education in the town has been presented, the forum will split into small groups to further discuss. In the small groups, attendees will discuss what should continue, start, and stop to improve educational outcomes in the city. Other topics of discussion will include engaging key stakeholders, identifying concrete solutions, and discussing initiatives and funding opportunities that can be utilized to advance improvements in education.
On January 25th, Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) released Trenton Kids Count 2023, which provides critical data insights to the well-being of children living in Trenton. ACNJ Kids Count reports are intended to inform members of the public about the challenges and successes that New Jersey, counties, and particular communities like Trenton face in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all children.
Trenton Kids Count 2023 was published with the input and assistance of members of the Trenton Kids Count Committee in both identifying data indicators and potential sources and contributing the stories of the programs and activities behind the data. Several entities also provided the photos that are included in the report. Trenton Kids Count 2023 was made possible through the generous support of The Burke Foundation, the Princeton Area Community Foundation, and the Smith Family Foundation. True to the nature of this collaborative effort, ACNJ hopes to foster continued collaboration in transforming this data into meaningful action.
If you would like to participate in these critical discussions, please register to attend as soon as possible if you cannot make it out to this week’s session, do not worry! ACNJ will be hosting a handful of other sessions throughout the spring. Upcoming sessions include Health and Human Services (March 15th), Juvenile Justice and Crime (April 19th), and Housing and Economics (May 17th). When enrolling, you can select multiple sessions, so be sure to be a part of as many as you can! If you have any questions before the event, please get in touch with ACNJ at advocates@acnj.org for additional details. These conversations will undoubtedly be vital in shaping our city’s future, so don’t miss the chance to make your voice heard!
