COMMUNITYNEWS.org
COMMUNITYN COMMUNITY The latest in local news and events
AUGUST 2024 FREE
COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
Leaving a legacy
COMMUNITYN
Mary Gay AbbottYoung reflects on her long career at the Rescue Mission of Trenton By KRisten Hunt
Lenny Anklowitz, third from right wearing teal and grey, owner of the Beverage Barn liquor store on Clarksville Road, stands with his crew in front of the business in a 1994 photo from the book “Images of West Windsor, New Jersey” by Joe Ryan. The store was torn down a short time later to make way for the Village Square shopping center.
WW through the lens By SCOtt MuRPHy
From the vantage point of his childhood home at the crosssection of Alexander Road and Scott Avenue, Joe Ryan thought he knew every inch of West Windsor. For years, when he wasn’t walking to the local shop-
ping center, train station, or high school—all conveniently close by—he would regularly bike or drive over every inch of the town he loved. But at the beginning of this year, the now 53-year-old IT specialist returned from his current home in a Philadelphia suburb
and surprised himself by discovering new areas off Route 1 that he had never encountered. “I looked on a map and found that there’s a trail that walks in from Washington Road,” Ryan said during a recent Google Chat conversation. “You walk in about See RYAN, Page 6
COMMUNITYN
Over a century ago, the Trenton community was faced with the crucial need to help residents struggling with homelessness and hunger in the area. It started with a shelter that opened its doors, day and night, to those seeking refuge. There were no criteria, just two simple questions: “What’s your name?” and “Are you hungry?” The Shelter was more than just a safe haven—it was a symbol of hope. Today, the Rescue Mission of Trenton is dedicated to serving the same cause for all individuals in need across Mercer County. More than just hope, the mission helps find potential and opportunity. Over the years, individuals have not just provided food and shelter, but also shown the path towards a better future. In just the last year, the non-profit has served 4,636 individuals, 193,290 meals, and provided 106 forms of housing. For more than half of its existence, the Rescue Mission had been led by CEO and president
Community Educa�on and Be�er Health Programs located on page 3
Mary Gay Abbott-Young. With her contribution, alongside the help of volunteers, staff, board and donors, the Rescue Mission has become an anchor for the community. Over the years, it has addressed the needs of clients and expanded resources in eight key sectors, from the Behavioral Health Center to Vocational Development to the latest endeavor, the New Direction program. Abbott-Young, who embodied the spirit of the Rescue Mission in her work for more than 50 years, officially retired from the organization effective June 30. With her retirement, she stepped down from her role as president. In 2021, she handed off the position of CEO to her son, Barrett Young. The president’s job is oversight of all fundraising and grant/contract management, while the CEO has oversight of all development Work, and agency operations. The Rescue Mission is holding a “Retirement Celebration For Mary Gay Abbott Young” on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 2-4 p.m. at Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Anyone interested in joining the celebration can go to eventbrite.com and search for “Retirement Celebration For Mary Gay Abbott-Young.” Tickets for Community Partners are $50, and attendance is See ABBOTT-YOUNG, Page 4
COMMUNI
COMMUNITYN
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD,1179 MA NEWARK, NJ PERMIT NO. 142