Community Group Works To Change Trenton Perception [AUDIO]

While crime and political corruption in Trenton continue to dominate the headlines, one area group is trying to build pride and unite the capital city.

What's so great about the Garden State? Let us know using the form at the end of this story

Formed in 2007, the I Am Trenton Community Foundation set out on a mission of make Trenton better through community engagement.

The charity searches for non-profits intending to help the city.

"What I Am Trenton helps to do is help to fund those types of organizations," said Board President Ali Wilson.

Money is raised throughout the calendar year in the Trenton and Mercer County areas, with a grant process beginning in the late summer. The board selects a few of these types of organizations and donates grants to support them, usually in October. The rest of the year is spent fundraising and uniting the city.

"Our community, our citizens, and those who love the city really think of I Am Trenton as a way of giving back as part of their community engagement," Wilson said.

Wilson says that right now Trenton is going through a lot of tough things, but, "there are a number of individuals, citizens, that are trying to do something different,"

He estimates that more than 20 grants at over ten thousand dollars have been spread around by I Am Trenton.

"If you scratch away that negativity, you see that there are many citizens that are trying a lot for the city."

Find out more by visiting them online and on Facebook.

More Good News

Mary's Place By The Sea

Established in 2009, Mary's Place By The Sea is a non-profit organization in Ocean Grove that provides an innovative approach to caring for women with cancer during and after treatment. Conceived by Michele Gannon, Mary's Place By The Sea aims to alleviate a woman's daily stresses so she can focus on getting well and win her battle with cancer. Some of the services offered include oncological massage, guided meditation, spa services, yoga, group workshops and nutritional counseling. The organization offers support to family members as well. To date, Mary's Place By The Sea has served over 500 women. To learn more, visit their website.

Special Olympics New Jersey

Special Olympics New Jersey is a not-for-profit organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It currently serves more than 22,000 children and adults in the Garden State and conducts nearly 200 competitions and fundraisers each year. It has a network of 20,000 volunteers. To learn more, visit them online.