Patch Picks: Five Nonprofits that Make a Difference

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There are many nonprofit organizations in Lawrence Township and the surrounding area that help make a difference in our community. Among these wonderful groups are:

HomeFront

1880 Princeton Ave., Lawrence Township

Founded in 1998 as a nonprofit agency, HomeFront is dedicated to fighting poverty and homelessness in Mercer County. The agency provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, food, clothing, furniture and other items to those in need. Counseling, job readiness training, life skills mentoring, tutoring and other services are also offered by the agency, along with preschool and after-school programs for children. In addition to providing services and programs from its headquarters at 1880 Princeton Avenue, HomeFront also manages the Lawrence Community Center at 295 Eggerts Crossing Road.

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Lawrence Township Education Foundation

17 Phillips Ave., Lawrence Township

Founded in 1992 by township residents, educators and business leaders, the Lawrence Township Education Foundation is a non-profit organization. It supports local school-age children by raising funds from corporate and private donors to provide grants for the township's seven public schools' various projects and programs. It has generated more than $2 million for Lawrence schools since its inception.

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PEI Kids

231 Lawrenceville Rd., Lawrence Township

Founded in 1985 under the name Prevention Education, PEI Kids is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated "to promoting and maintaining a safe environment for all children." The acronym in the organization's new name, which was adopted in 2004, stands for the three main types of services it offers: prevention, education and intervention. PEI Kids offers a variety of programs for children of all ages and their families throughout Mercer County, including sexual and physical abuse prevention training, bully prevention, crisis intervention, and outreach to juvenile offenders.

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Princeton Area Community Foundation

15 Princess Rd., Lawrence Township

Organized in 1991, the Princeton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit agency that "builds community by promoting and encouraging philanthropy across greater Mercer County and central New Jersey." The foundation manages more than 250 charitable funds, including scholarships, endowments and grant programs.

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Special Olympics New Jersey

3 Princess Rd, Lawrence Township

Special Olympics New Jersey is a non-profit organization funded by individual, corporate and civic donors. Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round athletic training and organized sports competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All equipment, uniforms, food and lodging, insurance and other assistance are provided free of charge to Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics New Jersey believes "that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with special mental and physical limitations."