Resilient Communities: Exploring the Power of Collaboration

by Daren Miller

In an inspiring show of unity and strength, Mount Carmel Guild recently hosted its annual Open House, drawing community development partners and care-receivers from across Trenton and Mercer County. Beneath a welcoming autumn sky, individuals representing the Guild’s Mission Membership, other charitable organizations, religious groups, local businesses and schools gathered to network, with discussions ranging everything from food insecurity in the region to capacity building opportunities for low-income families.

Over grilled hot dogs and other refreshments, the spirit of goodwill and service was palpable - testament to the power of community in addressing these long-standing challenges.

The event was more than just a social gathering. It was a strategic meeting of minds and hearts, all committed to the well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors. Conversations flowed easily, not only about current obstacles like rising costs of living and the growing demand for basic needs assistance, but also about solutions.

It was a reminder of the crucial role volunteerism and donations play in helping to support our mission of service to the community and the growing role that charitable organizations must continue to play in fostering an environment of collaboration and close connection to the real needs of those they serve.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of organizations such as Mount Carmel Guild.

Findings from a 2019 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteers are crucial in stretching the capacity of nonprofits, allowing them to deliver services to 2.5 times more individuals than they could with paid staff alone. It’s a staggering statistic that speaks to the transformative impact of grassroots involvement.

In reflecting on the event, Executive Director Mary Inkrot remarked on how vital partnerships are for the Guild’s work. “We’re fortunate to have the support of very kind individuals in our community, schools, churches, and businesses, but we’re always looking for more hands, more hearts, to join our efforts,” she said. “Poverty is a complex issue, and it requires a community-wide response. When we come together—whether through donating resources or offering time—we can create real, lasting change.”

This call to action couldn’t be more timely. Across Mercer County, nearly 9% of residents live below the poverty line, many of them families with young children or senior citizens on fixed incomes. According to Feeding America, more than 57,000 people in the county are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. These numbers may seem overwhelming, but events like Mount Carmel Guild’s Open House remind us that when communities pull together, we can make a significant difference.

Corporate entities, civic groups, and religious organizations have a special role to play in this effort. By leveraging their networks and resources, they can amplify the impact of grassroots initiatives. Companies can offer employee volunteer programs or sponsor food drives, while faith-based groups can encourage members to donate their time or funds.

Over the years, the Guild’s Open House has highlighted several examples of successful collaborations, such as businesses sponsoring holiday meal distributions and churches organizing neighborhood food collections.

But beyond these institutional efforts, it’s clear that individual action remains at the heart of progress. Every volunteer who stocks shelves at the Guild’s food pantry, every person who donates to the emergency assistance program, is helping to strengthen the social fabric of our community. It’s a collective effort, one that Mount Carmel Guild is proud to lead—but one that requires all of us to continue to step forward.

As we approach the close of 2024, I urge that we all begin to think about the broader impact of our support for those in need through Mount Carmel Guild. When we come together such as we did for this year’s Open House, we’re not just learning about new ways we can help, we are re-affirming our commitment to service by encouraging others to join the effort and to building a stronger, more wholesome community for generations to come. Every contribution of time, resources, or expertise helps us get one step closer to a world where everyone has what they need to thrive.

Now, more than ever, that investment is needed. The challenges may be great, but as our Open House demonstrated, so too is the potential for meaningful, collaborative change. We invite all members of the community—whether individuals, businesses, or civic groups—to join us in this important work. Together, we can make a difference.

GET INVOLVED

If you’re ready to be part of the solution, consider volunteering or donating to Mount Carmel Guild. Your efforts will directly contribute to providing food, shelter, and assistance to those in need across Trenton and Mercer County. Visit the Guild’s newly launched website for more information on how you can help, or stop by our next event to see firsthand the power of community in action.

The fight against poverty and food insecurity is ongoing, but with more hands and hearts, we can continue to grow through giving.