(TRENTON, NJ) -- New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the state of New Jersey’s largest community development financial institution (CDFI), announced they donated $10,000 to the city of Trenton. Funding will be distributed to the city’s Department of Recreation and Youth Programs, as well as Howard’s Healthy Choices. The donation is part of NJCC’s commitment to this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration theme – “It starts with me: cultivating a beloved community mindset to transform unjust systems.” 

“We, at the City of Trenton, are incredibly grateful for this kind gift from New Jersey Community Capital,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Last summer, the City of Trenton provided jobs for over 250 children and maintained consistent recreational programming. This donation will further enhance the recreational programs available to our children in Trenton.”

Mayor Gusciora selected the Department of Recreation and Youth Programs and Howard’s Healthy Choices due to their commitment to bettering the city socially and economically. The Department of Recreation and Youth Programs will receive $5,000 to develop and maintain Trenton’s natural environment, coordinate the development and operation of cultural and recreational activities, programs and facilities. Howard’s Healthy Choices will allocate funds for their healthy choice platform to redirect, heal, educate and empower children and families.

“On behalf of Howard’s Healthy Choices, we thank New Jersey Community Capital for pledging assistance in our endeavor to provide service to our community,” said Tynnetta Howard, Executive Director at Howard’s Healthy Choices. “Without crucial support, we would not be able to enrich lives, advance education, and advocate for dynamic, healthy communities.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to support such well-deserving programming and further our impact in New Jersey,” said Bernel Hall, President and CEO of New Jersey Community Capital. “These two initiatives are focused on improving Trenton communities, and supporting the Department of Recreation and Youth Programs and Howard’s Healthy Choices is crucial to creating more equitable and thriving opportunities for New Jersey residents.” 

NJCC’s charitable giving corresponds to its work across the state to finance the predevelopment, acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and mini-permanent needs of affordable housing units for ownership and rental opportunities. NJCC’s lending takes a holistic and equitable approach by financing projects that use the diverse pillars of a community, including small businesses, commercial office and retail spaces and early childhood education centers. 

In honor of the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, NJCC invites you to join us in supporting New Jersey communities. Please consider donating (bit.ly/donatetoNJCC) to further NJCC’s mission of promoting equitable opportunities for all.

New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides an innovative toolkit of financial products, programs and services to advance equity and opportunity in underserved communities. NJCC supports the preservation and development of affordable housing and sustainable community development ventures that increase jobs, improve education and strengthen neighborhoods to ensure that communities can thrive.

NJCC is part of the NeighborWorks network, an affiliation of more than 240 nonprofit organizations located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The NeighborWorks network was founded and is supported by NeighborWorks America, which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities.