The I Am Trenton Community Foundation works to support and grow community-initiated efforts and innovation
TRENTON -- The I Am Trenton Community Foundation has awarded $10,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving across the city.
"This year's grants will help grow and start new community-driven efforts in the city," Kelly Ingram, the board's president, said. "Our all-volunteer foundation is dedicated to Trenton and concentrates on working with the community to identify and support efforts and to identify areas of collaboration between people and groups."
This year's nine grantees are:
Sheltered Yoga -- Its "Community Serving Community" program trains residents in yoga instruction within their own communities, using mindfulness to build self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence
Urban Mental Health Alliance -- Its "Healthy Minds" program brings awareness of mental health and addiction issues to urban families, helping to break the stigma
The Tre'Devon Lane Foundation -- Its "Sisters Inspiring Sisters" mentoring project teaches sewing skills to young women, engaging them in a collaborative project that builds creativity and self-confidence
LifeBridge Technology Enrichment Centers -- It provides residents with a series of computer training courses and free computers, helping them with their learning and job prospects. The money will go toward refurbishing donated computers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters -- Its "Cops + Kids" initiative aims to build relationships between children and law enforcement by pairing them together. Each participant builds two bikes with their mentor, one for themselves and one for another child in the city.
Trenton Community "A" Team -- A grassroots artists' collective based at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen hopes to introduce the greater community to Studio 51, a new art space in the Old Trenton neighborhood
SAGE Coalition -- "Pendulum @ the Park" is a series of pendulum painting workshops in five public parks across the city. The artwork will then be installed in city neighborhood.
HiTops -- Its "Trauma Informed Classrooms" initiative at Dunn Middle School is aimed at helping to create an environment that supports young people in managing their emotions and engaging fully in their education
Catholic Youth Organization -- The Broad Street center's PeeWee soccer program will involve 40 children between the ages of 4 and 6 and their families
Since 2009, I Am Trenton has given out more than $50,000 in its annual grant rounds and partnered with other organizations to distribute another $50,000 in neighborhood-focused grants.
"We put dollars where they are most effective -- on the ground," said Iana Dikidjieva, who sits on the board.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.