On April 11th, Isles turns 34. Over those years, we’ve steadily built the capacity to foster sustainable development across the region.
But of course, we can’t – and would never try – to do it alone. As our name suggests, Isles provides a range of help to local community-based groups (or “isles”). They are the glue that keeps development moving forward.
As a result, Isles is increasingly providing strategic grants to build the capacity of grassroots groups. This newsletter describes one of those efforts, with the Trenton Historic Development Collaborative.
Isles’ 8th Annual Golf Outing takes place at the Cherry Valley Country Club on June 1. Join us if you can, or find other ways to get involved. We can’t do this work without you!
Author: master
A Fork in the Road Documentary
A Fork in the Road tells the stories of Andre, an Isles employee, and Lamar, a former IYI student, two Trenton residents who “got into some trouble” as young men. Having dealt with some of the same challenges growing up, Andre became a mentor for Lamar, and helped motivate him to make serious changes in his life.
This short documentary was directed by Ava Rose Hoffman for The Trenton Project.The Trenton Project is a collaborative project produced by the students of Princeton University’s “Documentary Film and the City.” It is part of the Program in Urban Studies and supported by the Community-Based Learning Initiative, a university program which connects Princeton classes with partners in the community.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE:
A Fork in the Road tells the stories of Lamar and Andre, Trenton residents who “got into some trouble” as young men. Having dealt with some of the same challenges growing up, Andre becomes a mentor for Lamar and recruits him to join YouthBuild, a vocational training program for youth aged 16-24 coordinated by Trenton nonprofit, Isles.
Today’s Trenton is not the same city that Andre experienced as a young man, for better and for worse. As Andre puts it, “the neighborhood has changed…” yet “the stakes are much higher now” for young people who are making choices at a critical time in their lives. This film explores some of these choices and challenges facing young people in Trenton today.
Under the positive influence of role models, Lamar and Andre cultivated the motivation to make serious changes in their lives and distinguish themselves from some of their peers, turning away from the streets and embarking on the road to self-development.
Calvin Thomas (Andre’s father) is a member of Isles’ Board of Trustees. This fall, he was interviewed by the students involved in The Trenton project about his memories and experiences growing up in Trenton
February 2015 CEO Corner
Here in New Jersey, it’s been cold. Take a moment to imagine those who live in substandard housing. Thousands of friends and neighbors live in leaky, drafty homes that are expensive to heat! For years, Isles has worked to develop low-cost ways to retrofit homes for energy efficiency, while also remediating the lead poisoning and asthma triggers at the same time.
Finally, we are poised to help others learn these techniques across the state. Working with PSEG and other partners, this work requires keen attention to details. This is where Isles’ Peter Rose excels.
As Managing Director of Isles Community Enterprises, Peter has been with Isles since 2006. We are lucky to have talent like this at Isles.
January 2015 CEO Corner
As we head into the new year, we take stock of the accomplishments of the past year…but not for long. We expect 2015 to be even more transformational.
Part of that change includes new leaders at the Isles board level. We are grateful to Dr. Ann Marie Senior, who chaired Isles’ board in 2014. Her term limits are up and we welcome Michele Minter to the role of Chair. Michele has served 2 years on the Isles’ board and as you can tell from the article below, she is the right leader at the right time.
Other new board members include Rolando Torres, Tracey Syphax, Rachel Cogsville-Lattimer, Ian Goldstein, Tom Sullivan, and Kathy Fitzpatrick. This is a diverse and strong class of new trustees!
As you know, we care most about family self-reliance. As a result, Isles Financial Solutions (IFS) helps families become more financially healthy and build wealth. The IFS article below shows how we do that for nonprofit and for profit employees, employers, and clients. Princeton University, restaurant chains, Womanspace, and others are getting results. If you are interested for your business, let us know.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements in the months ahead.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Isles, Inc. Announces New Board Members
Trenton, N.J. – Isles, Inc., an award-winning community development nonprofit headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey, elected six new Trustees in December. Marty Johnson, President and CEO of Isles, said, “Isles’ Trustees bring skills, resources, and connections to our work. They represent those we serve, and leadership throughout the region. This just may be the strongest class yet!” New Trustees include:
Rachel Cogsville-Lattimer was born and raised in Trenton, NJ. She is an Investigator for Child Protection and Permanency for the State of New Jersey. Mrs. Cogsville-Lattimer is retired from State of VA Department of Corrections and was the third woman to be placed on Emergency Response Team at her former direct male prison. Mrs. Cogsville-Lattimer received her B.A in Sociology from Norfolk State University. She is the First Vice President of Trenton Council of Civic Associations (TCCA), member of the West Ward CPAC, and won the 2014 Citizen Legislator award from the Citizen Campaign.
Kathleen Fitzpatrick is the owner of Padgett Business Services, an accounting and tax firm serving small business. Prior to starting her own firm, Kathleen was an executive with Johnson & Johnson for over 25 years in Finance, Human Resources, and Project Management roles. Kathleen received a B.A. in Accounting from Rider University and her M.B.A. from Pace University. She is a CPA, Enrolled Agent and CGMA. Kathleen is serving as Isles’ Treasurer.
Ian P. Goldstein, business lawyer, specializes in providing strategic and transactional advice and guidance. He serves as an outside general counsel to business enterprises, investors, and entrepreneurs focused on innovation and technology. A partner at the national law firm Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Ian leads the firm’s emerging company and venture capital team. Ian received a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers College and a J.D. from The Rutgers School of Law.
Thomas J. Sullivan was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Symmetry Surgical Inc. (NASDAQ: SSRG) on December 5, 2014. Mr. Sullivan was CEO of Symmetry Medical Inc. from January 2011 until its sale and the spin-off of Symmetry Surgical Inc. He held numerous executive and functional leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico from 1990 until 2011. Mr. Sullivan graduated as a Palmer Scholar from The Wharton School in 1991 where he earned an MBA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Tracy Syphax is Founder and CEO of Capitol City Contracting, Inc., specializing in roofing, siding, windows and doors. He also founded the Phax Group, LLC., a real estate development company. Mr. Syphax is also a founding member and former Chairman of Father and Men United for a Better Trenton. He also serves as Co-Chair for The Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training (MOET), Trustee of Minding Our Business, and he is Co-Chair of Union Baptist Church Trustee Ministry.
Rolando Torres, Jr. is a private attorney in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. His practice focuses on employment law, advising both plaintiffs and management organizations, general practice of law, and serves as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He has held positions in both state government and the corporate sector in New Jersey. He served as Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Personnel and Director, of Civil Rights for the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety.
Retiring from the Board were: Frances Blanco, Henry Von Kohorn, Jacque Howard, Michael Dundas and Ann Marie Senior, our outgoing chairwoman.
Reading Senior Center Renovation Project
READING SENIOR CENTER RENOVATION
Isles Youth Institute
Isles Youth Institute (IYI), the youth development initiative of Isles, was created in 1995 to combat Trenton’s high dropout and low employment rates by preparing at-risk youth for employment and higher education. By providing the tools for self-reliance in a non-traditional educational environment, IYI builds self-reliance and fosters positive change through education.
IYI offers students various opportunities to engage in life skills training aimed at developing emotionally stable, well-rounded citizens. IYI’s goal is for all students to become valued members of their community. The objective is to increase student engagement with positive role models and in community development activities as measured by student participation in life skills, leadership, and community service training.
The Reading Senior Center
The Reading Senior Center is an historic building, previously an active train station, part of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad line.
In 1977 it was designated as an historical landmark by the Trenton Landmark Commission for Historic Preservation. It was designed by Francis Kimball, a New York architect who also designed the Philadelphia Reading terminal. It was built in 1888.
Presently it houses an active senior community who use every available inch of the facility. It is however, showing much wear and tear and has not been upgraded since the 1960’s. The last addition to the space was a non structural set of walls that do not function adequately for present needs, including ADA compliance. Bathrooms have deteriorated from use over 50 years! The flooring has areas which are coming apart which present safety concerns.
We can look through the windows from our school on Tucker St and see the seniors sitting out on the back porch. There are weeds, garbage cans, inadequate chairs. The potential to improve this area and create a comfortable relaxing environment is great.
Project Description
Students at IYI learn and work to improve spaces within the community. Since this is the IYI neighborhood, the Senior Center is an appropriate project for student involvement on many levels. Renovations at the Senior Center are being designated as the winter and spring projects for the 2014-2015 school year.
Areas of focus for our students:
- Removing commercial wallpaper and interior painting.
- Minor demolition and replacement of studs and sheetrock.
- Cleaning and organizing activity areas.
- Developing outdoor patio area and landscaping.
- Areas of focus for contractors:
- Replacement of bathrooms for men and women.
- Replacement of flooring up to the dining hall.
- Adding closet doors to storage areas.
- Reconfiguring office areas with walls and doors.
- Adding moldings to specified foyer areas.
This project will offer students the opportunity to establish community connections, help plan and implement a community-based project, and participate in meaningful community service. It will also afford students the opportunity to interact with older community members who may become role models and mentors.
Volunteer Opportunities
Because this is such a large project, we will need help from volunteers and community leaders. There are many small organizational tasks and hands on projects, such a building bookshelves and setting up storage areas.
For more information and/or a tour, please contact:
Joanne Scofield
Art/Life Skills Teacher at IYI
609-341-4766
[email protected]
It will truly “take a village” to provide the seniors with the beautiful, comfortable, and functional space they deserve.
See more pictures of the project here.
December 2014 Update
Holiday greetings!
This year, my holiday message is a simple one: take a look at the staff photo below, taken a few days ago at our Holiday party. I don’t tell them this nearly enough, but these are the faces of extraordinary, inspirational people who bring diverse perspectives and talents to Isles’ audacious mission. They work really hard to make innovative things happen, in places where it matters most, with modest financial compensation.
How lucky I am to be part of this team!
We are also grateful for all our loyal donors and volunteers, particularly those who donate their time, wisdom, and wealth to serve on our board of trustees. Five trustees retired from the board this year: Frances Blanco, Henry Von Kohorn, Jacque Howard, Michael Dundas and Ann Marie Senior, our outgoing chairwoman. (Next month, I’ll share the six new trustees who are joining Isles in 2015.)
If you see these good folks, staff or board, thank them for caring. But then give them a hug for doing important things that matter – every day.
We deeply appreciate your friendship and support. But this only works when others out there, like you, care enough too.
May your gifts last a lifetime this holiday season.
Bill Scheide, 1914-2014
Isles’ friend, advocate, and donor Bill Scheide passed away on November 14, shortly before his 101st birthday. Bill was a Renaissance man. World class musician, arts collector, philanthropist, civil rights supporter, and anti-poverty advocate, his impact reached back many decades and across the country.
Bill’s quiet but powerful voice for civil rights began when a young lawyer, future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, asked Bill if he would support a case called Brown vs. Board of Education. Bill Scheide would become a primary funder of the case that desegregated U.S. public schools, and he served as a member of the NAACP LDF Board ever since.
Ironically, an earlier Trenton case was critical to Marshall’s landmark Brown v. Board legal strategy. In 1943, two mothers, Berline Williams and Gladys Hedgepeth, were outraged that their 12 year old children could not attend the new school built in their neighborhood because they were black. They filed a lawsuit against the Trenton Board of Education with a simple demand: let their children attend the same school as the white children.
In January 31, 1944, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled “It is unlawful for boards of education to exclude children from any public school on the grounds that they are of the Negro race.”
A few years later, Brown v. Board of Education overturned the doctrine of “Separate but Equal” across the land.
Three years ago at our 30th Anniversary, Isles honored the Scheides and Williams families, introducing them to each other for the first time. That emotional meeting closed the loop on one of the most far reaching but little known partnerships between Trenton and Princeton.
In her comments that night, Judy Scheide spoke of Bill’s vision for an “enlightened community.” We are grateful that his vision included support for Isles.
Eight years ago, Isles was the beneficiary of Bill’s first orchestral birthday party. What a treat it was to watch his childlike love for the music, especially when combined with a cause that he was passionate about.
We were witnesses to a man (nay, a couple) that bent the arc of history towards justice, in unusually disarming and youthful ways. What an honor to have called Bill a friend.
November 2014 Update
Thanksgiving, perhaps our most important holiday, was not always a holiday. Luckily for us, a small group of determined people spent many years advocating for it. Their leader was Sarah Josepha Hale (author of Mary Had A Little Lamb).
Born in 1788 to parents who believed girls should be educated too, she was taught at home and became a writer and poet. Her book about slavery titled A Tale of New England, held that while slavery hurts and dehumanizes slaves absolutely, it also dehumanizes the masters and retards the progress of their world. We are all connected.
Sarah also spent over 17 years trying to convince presidents to create Thanksgiving, until President Abe Lincoln responded to her advocacy in 1863. He liked the idea but had an additional motive – he hoped that a national holiday of thanks might unite the country in the midst of war.
Sarah’s story is an important example of what can happen – indeed what does happen all the time. When once-marginalized people receive education, teach themselves, and benefit from a support system that helps them dodge the arrows of the status quo, great things happen! And for that, we at Isles give thanks.
With gratitude and in community,
Marty
PACE Internship Video
This summer, Isles was pleased to host a Princeton Internship in Civic Service video production intern, Christie Jiang. Sponsored by the Princeton Area Alumni Association, Christie created six short videos that document some of Isles’ work, including Isles Youth Institute, green job training, urban agriculture, the vacant property survey, and our housing counseling service. Christie also created a video about the Rollings family, and their quest to clean up environmental hazards in their neighborhood. In the following video, Christie talks about the time she spent interning at Isles.
Thank you Christie, PICS, and Princeton Area Alumni Association!
Foster self-reliant families and healthy sustainable communities