Soon after Zerlina McKinney and her six children moved to Trenton in 1997, Isles started to make a difference in their lives. Early on, Zerlina participated in the Isles’ Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) initiative, where she learned to manage her family in a more loving and disciplined way.
PEP’s coordinator, Maxine Palms, also introduced Zerlina to the range of Isles’ services, and in 1998 she was able to buy her own home after graduating from Isles’ Homebuyers Workshop. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Isles,” she says.
Zerlina was grateful for Isles’ support and decided she wanted to give back. She trained to become an Isles’ in-home asthma counselor, so that she can help other Trenton parents manage their homes in ways that allow their children to thrive. “It seemed like the natural thing to do, to give back, because the impact of my knowledge can be so great if I share it as a teacher,” she says.
Zerlina served on the Isles’ Board of Trustees for two years, between 2005 and 2007. “This is my city, and working with Isles is a great way to make it better for my kids,” she explains.
Having learned firsthand the transformative power of good parenting techniques and sound financial planning, Zerlina has a unique perspective on Isles’ strengths. But as a resident of the city and a mother of six, she also understands that challenges remain for both Isles and Trenton.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is how to set the bar higher and improve opportunities for youth, and Zerlina wants to make a contribution. “I hope that I can be a voice which calls attention to youth issues,” she says. “I want my children to grow up and raise families here. Working with Isles is the best way I can help make Trenton the place where they can do that.”