Fostering self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities.
Summer 2021
Dear Friend,

We hope this message finds you safe and healthy. Despite the COVID uncertainties disrupting our expectations around getting "back to normal," Isles continues to find ways to move our work forward in this new environment. We have much to celebrate this summer.

First, our lead poisoning prevention work reached a critical milestone that will forever impact the communities we serve. On July 22, Governor Murphy signed legislative bill S1147/A1372, closing a loophole in lead testing and ensuring that families with young children know their home is lead-safe before they move in. Read more about this legislation and watch highlights from the outdoor press event below.

We also hosted the Isles Youth Institute Commencement at the Social Profit Center at Mill One, where our graduates celebrated their achievements among staff, family and community partners. This event was held both in-person (with limited invitations to allow for physical distancing) and online, where folks could stream the event live. See video below.

We then continued to expand our Isles Youth Services by launching our (hybrid virtual and in-person) Love, Peace & Joy Summer Enrichment Program, where youth participate in workshops focusing on emotional intelligence, mental health, and self-esteem through music, poetry, and fitness.

The summer heat isn't stopping our Urban Ag team as we extended summer gardening hours, and installed parklets (mini “parks” that transforms a parking space into vibrant, useable public space) outside of local businesses to promote safe, outdoor gatherings. See the "Isles in the News" section below to read more about that project.

Make sure to follow us Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay up to date on the latest highlights.

In community,

Jacquelin Giacobbe
Director of Communications and Grants Management
Lead Bill Signing
"Isles has been a particular force and voice as it relates to lead."
-Governor Murphy
On July 22, Governor Phil Murphy signed S1147/A1372, a major step in Isles' efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning in New Jersey.

This legislation requires a proactive lead inspection process for rental properties built before 1978, closing a loophole that allowed single family/two family rental units to go uninspected. Prior to this, thousands of kids were poisoned each year before lead was detected in a home – using kids as lead detectors. The new law will ensure that families know their home is lead-safe before they move in.

Isles has been at the forefront of advocating for common sense policies to keep kids safe from lead and other environmental health hazards for decades. “We know this is one of the most impactful ways to prevent childhood lead poisoning over the long term,” said Isles’ CEO Sean Jackson. “Today, the New Jersey legislature stops the usage of children as the canary in the coal mine.”

Read this press release to learn more about how Isles advocates for common sense policies to keep kids safe from lead and other environmental health hazards.

Click the video link here to watch highlights from the press conference, including comments from Isles' CEO Sean Jackson.
Isles Youth Institute Commencement
Congrats to the Isles Youth Institute Class of 2021! This year's graduation took place on June 22 at the Social Profit Center at Mill One in Hamilton, NJ. The Commencement included an awards ceremony and student speeches, with a reception that followed. This year's keynote speaker was Dr. Adela Ames-Lopez, Director of Health & Human Services for the City of Trenton.

Watch the full event here.
Drumming Healing Circle
On July 30, Isles Youth Services hosted a Drumming Healing Circle for Peace outside of our 33 Tucker Street Garden. This event was the culmination of last month's African Drumming Workshop hosted by master drummer Baye Kemit. Thank you to all of the youth and community members who participated in this event. We also had a special presentation to the Trenton Track Club coaches to acknowledge Trenton’s Athing Mu’s Olympic journey! Check out more info about our Love, Peace & Joy Summer Enrichment Program at isles.org/LPJ
Garden Open Hours
Isles' Garden Support Network have expanded our spring open gardening hours from two days a week up to FOUR for the summer! All ages are welcome, so stop by for kids activities or a tour. Take home a few flowers, herbs, or seeds or just relax for a while.

Open hours are offered at two locations in Trenton:

  • 33 Tucker Street - Mondays (3pm-5pm) and Wednesdays (4pm-8pm)
  • Roberto Clemente Children's Garden (next to the pool on Academy St.) - Tuesdays (3pm-5pm) and Thursdays (3pm-5pm)

Contact our team at UrbanAg@isles.org for additional questions, or if interested in bringing your summer youth group to the gardens!
Isles in the News