NJ Governor, First Lady, and Commissioner Visit Rescue Mission

New Jersey’s Governor, First Lady, and Commissioner of the Department of Human Services Visit The Rescue Mission of Trenton On A Dangerously Cold Night

As the temperature plummeted to dangerous levels last evening, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Carole Johnson, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services met with over 180 men and women who sought refuge from the bitter cold, and enjoyed a warm meal at the Rescue Mission of Trenton.

Surprised by the visit, the clients at the Mission engaged in conversations and had photographs taken with the dignitaries, who shared their deep concern for those who would otherwise have been freezing outside on the city’s streets. After spending time in the dining hall, The First Lady and the Commissioner visited the Mission’s women’s unit, while the governor visited the men’s unit.

“It meant a lot to our clients to know that the Governor, First Lady, and the Commissioner were so concerned about their well-being – and that they took time to be with us,” said Mary Gay Abbott-Young, CEO of the Mission. “Afterwards, the Governor, First Lady and Commissioner each expressed their appreciation for the work we do, and for the respect and care we give our clients who are going through a difficult time in their lives.”

She added, “While we offer food and shelter around-the-clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, of course, whenever the temperature gets dangerously cold and there is a Code Blue alert, everyone’s concern heightens. It is in such times that we are even more grateful for the partnership and support of the Governor, the First Lady, the Commissioner, the Mayor’s office, the Mercer County Department of Human Services, and our colleagues at other agencies in the community – including HomeFront, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Arm and Arm, and the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness.”

The Rescue Mission of Trenton is the agency in the City of Trenton that serves the truly needy men and women who have no place to turn for shelter, food, and clothing. The Mission provides a safe, clean, warm, refuge for the homeless, the hungry, the transient and the addicted. Visit www.rescuemissionoftrenton.org to learn more about emergency services, addiction treatment, housing, and vocational training provided at the Rescue Mission.