Three social service agencies in the Diocese of Trenton were awarded grants totaling $7,500 from the 2025 Bishop Ahr Endowment Fund.
Announced by Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and chair of the Bishop George W. Ahr Endowment Foundation, each organization will receive $2,500 toward a project or initiative that serves poor and vulnerable populations in the Diocese.
The endowment, which is named for the seventh bishop of Trenton, awards $10,000 annually to an entity, apostolate, individual, special ministry or organization. The remaining $2,500 from this year’s funding will carry over to next year’s grant cycle.
Msgr. Gervasio announced that this year’s grant recipients are: Collier Youth Center, Wickatunk; Mercy Center, Asbury Park, and Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton.
Collier Youth Center: Funds for transportation were requested to relieve the financial pressure for a number of students currently living in Collier Group Home and Collier House. The $2,500 grant will support the Residential Program at Collier Youth Services, allowing the Center to provide transportation to school and work for a group of young women ages 13 to 21. Many of the young women living at these locations suffer from trauma-induced behavioral and mental health issues, and find educational, emotional, and residential support at Collier Youth Services.
Mercy Center: The Community Fresh Produce Project, founded by Mercy Center with the goal of providing fresh produce through their pre-existing food pantry, will receive $2,500 to enhance food quality and provide a dignified experience for their patrons. The Mercy Center serves a large population of low-income immigrant families and will use the funding to provide a healthy variety of food which meets the cultural and religious dietary restrictions of the community.
Mount Carmel Guild: The Guild will receive a grant amounting to $2,500 for the Summer Feeding Families Project, which provides food to families with school-age children when school meals are unavailable. The program will help to lessen food insecurity and relieve financial stress on low-income families. The Guild intends to provide healthy options which appeal to children’s preferences and meet the cultural and religious dietary restrictions of the families who regularly visit the food pantry.