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  • Stony Brook Elementary and Millhill: A Lasting Partnership of Kindness

    Stony Brook Elementary and Millhill: A Lasting Partnership of Kindness

    For nearly a decade, Stony Brook Elementary School in Pennington has been partnering with Millhill Child and Family Development in Trenton to bring joy and essential items to Millhill’s 105 Pre-K students. This partnership brings the students together twice a year, showcasing the school’s commitment to giving back to the community. 

    In the spring, Stony Brook Elementary visits Millhill, distributing bags filled with goodies like crayons, coloring books, and socks to the Pre-K students. To date, they have provided over 800 care bags. Around the Thanksgiving season, the school’s efforts have fed over 500 families, ensuring they have a meal for the holiday. 

    What makes this partnership truly special is the personal touch. During their visits, Stony Brook Elementary students take the time to read stories to the Pre-K students, creating a heartwarming and interactive experience. This “kids helping kids” approach embodies the spirit of kindness and compassion that defines the school’s community service efforts. 

    “We thrive on peer-to-peer education, and our partnership with Stony Brook Elementary School is a shining example of this,” said Jigna Rao, CEO of Millhill. The partnership is part of Millhill’s Day of Caring series, which promotes kindness, empathy, and community service. 

    The enduring partnership between Stony Brook Elementary School and Millhill Child and Family Development showcases the impact of community service, and the difference one school can make in the lives of others. 

    If you are interested in supporting our efforts to expand these opportunities, please reach out to Micayla Weissburg at mweissburg@millhillcenter.org. Your support can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the future of our community.

     

  • Millhill’s STEM Program Ignites Passion in Local Youth

    Millhill’s STEM Program Ignites Passion in Local Youth

    Last night, Millhill Child and Family Development proudly concluded its 6-week STEM program, a transformative journey for 31 local students. The event was marked by an inspiring showcase where these young innovators presented their favorite projects, offering a glimpse into their budding interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

    STEM education is more than just a curriculum—it’s a crucial investment in the future of our community. As technology continues to drive global progress, it’s essential that our youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in these dynamic fields. This program has not only introduced students to the exciting possibilities within STEM but has also ignited a passion that could lead to future careers in these essential areas.

    The success of this program would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders. Their contributions have created a lasting impact, providing our students with the opportunity to explore new interests, develop critical thinking skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience in STEM disciplines. These are the building blocks that will help shape the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

    Throughout the program, our students displayed remarkable dedication, curiosity, and enthusiasm. From coding and robotics to environmental science experiments and engineering models, their projects showcased not only technical skills but also creativity, confidence, and collaboration. The showcase event was a testament to their hard work, leaving parents, educators, and community members in awe of their achievements.

    However, the need for continued investment in STEM programs remains urgent. Many young people in our community lack access to the resources and opportunities that can unlock their potential in these fields. By supporting programs like ours, funders play a critical role in bridging this gap, ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can pursue their interests and build skills that will serve them well in the future.

    As we look ahead, we are committed to expanding our STEM offerings and reaching even more students in our community. The enthusiasm and talent we’ve witnessed over these past six weeks prove that our youth are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future. With sustained support, we can continue to nurture their potential and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

    We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has made this program possible, from our dedicated funders to the educators who have guided our students every step of the way. Together, we are not just teaching STEM; we are empowering our youth to dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve more. The future of STEM is indeed bright, and it starts here, in our community.

    If you are interested in supporting our efforts to expand these opportunities, please reach out to Micayla Weissburg at mweissburg@millhillcenter.org. Your support can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the future of our community.

     

  • Class of 2024: Moving Up Ceremony for Early Education Pre-K Students

    Class of 2024: Moving Up Ceremony for Early Education Pre-K Students

    Millhill Child and Family Development is proud to announce the Moving Up Ceremony of 47 students from its Early Education Pre-K Program. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the students, who have demonstrated remarkable growth and development during their time in the program.t

    The Moving Up Ceremony is a celebration of the students’ completion of the Pre-K program and their transition to the next stage of their educational journey. The students will be moving on to the Trenton Kindergarten program and other local schools in the area.

    “We are incredibly proud of our students and the progress they have made,” said Jigna Rao, CEO of Millhill Child and Family Development. “We are confident that they will continue to thrive in their academic pursuits and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

    The Moving Up Ceremony is a testament to the program’s commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. Millhill Child and Family Development remains dedicated to empowering young minds and setting them on a path to lifelong learning.

    For over five decades, Millhill has been an integral part of the Trenton community, supporting children, youth, and families with individualized and culturally-sensitive educational and behavioral health services. The organization’s core values of Teamwork, Adaptability & Flexibility, Dignity & Respect, Diversity & Inclusion, Professional Excellence, and Ethics & Trust have been instrumental in shaping its programs and services.

    Millhill Child and Family Development was established in 1971 and has since evolved to meet the growing needs of the community. From its beginnings as a childcare center, Millhill has expanded its offerings by maintaining strong communication with parents and the community.

    The success of the Early Education Pre-K Program and the achievements of its students reflect Millhill’s ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving community where everyone has access to limitless possibilities.

    For more information about Millhill Child and Family Development and its programs, please visit www.millhillcenter.org.

     

  • Celebrating Our Millhill Trenton PEERs Graduates: A Journey of Achievement and Gratitude

    Celebrating Our Millhill Trenton PEERs Graduates: A Journey of Achievement and Gratitude

    We are beaming with pride as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Millhill Trenton PEERs graduates – Class of 2024. As they mark the end of their high school journey and prepare for the exciting new chapter of college, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their futures.

    College Bound: Meet Our Exceptional Graduates

    We are thrilled to announce that seven of our talented graduates are heading off to college. Their hard work, dedication, and resilience have led them to this significant milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud.

    • Josh Ortiz
      • University: Kean University
      • Major: Special Education
      • Scholarship: Smith Family Foundation Scholarship – $5,000 per year
      • Journey: Josh cherished the connections he made through PEERS, enjoying the camaraderie with smart and talented peers. Finishing high school strong with his friends, he is set for a promising start in college.
    • Eric Gudiel
      • University: Yale University
      • Major: Computer Science
      • Journey: Eric’s time with PEERS helped him overcome his fear of presenting. As the wrestling team captain, he celebrated a winning season with his brother, marking a transformative high school experience.
    • Mya Pratt
      • College: Mercer County Community College
      • Journey: Mya valued the guest speakers and presenters in PEERS, always eager to learn. Leading her soccer and track teams as captain made her high school years unforgettable.
    • Breelle Abdullah
      • University: Montclair State University
      • Journey: Breelle enjoyed exciting trips with PEERS, especially to the waterfront. Her high school years were enriched by the time spent growing up with her god sister.
    • Michael Yax
      • University: Monmouth University
      • Journey: Michael loved the outdoor activities in PEERS, which helped him bond with peers. High school highlights included joining an architecture prep class, fueling his passion for architecture.
    • Nathyeli Delgado
      • University: Rutgers University New Brunswick
      • Scholarship: The Pannacchi Family Scholarship – $1,000
      • Journey: Nathyeli will always remember the laughter-filled holiday meetings in PEERS. Her high school experience was punctuated by a memorable senior prank night with classmates.
    • Edward Garcia
      • University: Cairn University
      • Journey: Edward’s standout moment in PEERS was translating for Spanish-speaking students, stepping out of his comfort zone. Maintaining Honor Roll throughout high school was a proud achievement.

    Gratitude to Our Supporters

    Our graduates’ success would not be possible without the incredible support from our partners and donors. We extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing partners from Wise Up for joining us in celebrating this milestone. Your support means the world to us and to our youth.

    A special thank you to everyone who made donations to create college gift baskets for our graduates. Your generosity has provided them with essential tools and a warm send-off as they embark on their college journey.

    Looking Ahead

    As our graduates move forward, we wish them bright futures filled with endless possibilities. Their journeys have just begun, and we are confident that they will achieve great things.

    At Millhill, we remain committed to empowering children, youth, and families through individualized and culturally sensitive educational and behavioral health services. Together, with the support of our community, we will continue to create thriving environments where dreams become reality.

    Congratulations to all our graduates! Here’s to your success and the incredible adventures that lie ahead.

  • Millhill Leadership Champions Community Engagement and Advocacy

    Millhill Leadership Champions Community Engagement and Advocacy

    At Millhill, we take immense pride in the commitment and active participation of our leadership team in community events that drive change and foster inclusivity. Recently, two key members of our team, Chief Program Officer Tamara Noizy and CEO Jigna Rao, have showcased our organization’s dedication to community support and advocacy through their involvement in significant panel discussions.

    Jigna Rao at the New Jersey MVC’s AAPI Heritage Month Event

    In May, our CEO, Jigna Rao, attended the inaugural #AAPIHeritageMonth event hosted by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The event celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage, and Jigna was a key speaker on the panel titled “Unite Our Vision to Promote Equality and Inclusion.”

    Jigna’s participation in this event was a proud moment for Millhill. She shared powerful stories and celebrated achievements that advance diversity and inclusion. Her presence and words of wisdom at the event underscored our organization’s unwavering commitment to equality and belonging. Jigna’s involvement inspires others and reinforces our core values of dignity, respect, and professional excellence.

    Tamara Noizy at the NJ Theatre Alliance and Health Bridge Project Panel

    On June 12, our Chief Program Officer, Tamara Noizy, participated in a special panel organized by the NJ Theatre Alliance in collaboration with the Health Bridge Project focus group, an initiative supported by the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. This event brought together theatres and community organizations to discuss innovative and impactful ways to support our communities.

    Tamara’s participation highlights our ongoing efforts to create limitless possibilities for the children, youth, and families we serve. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, Tamara emphasized the importance of individualized and culturally sensitive educational and behavioral health services. Her insights and contributions during the panel reinforce Millhill’s mission of empowering our community through collaboration and shared vision.

    Our Commitment to Community Engagement

    At Millhill, we believe in the power of community engagement and advocacy. The active involvement of our leadership team in events like these exemplifies our dedication to bringing awareness, sharing expertise, and driving meaningful change. We are proud to have leaders who not only represent Millhill but also inspire and influence broader conversations on equality, inclusion, and community support.

    We look forward to continuing our efforts in collaboration with various organizations and community partners. Together, we can create thriving communities where everyone has access to limitless possibilities.

  • PEERS Host First-Ever Speed Networking Event at Rutgers Cooperative Extension

    PEERS Host First-Ever Speed Networking Event at Rutgers Cooperative Extension

    The Trenton PEERS program made history on Monday, April 29th, with its first-ever Speed Networking event held at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. This innovative event brought together 15 dedicated PEERS and 12 industry professionals, offering a unique opportunity for young adults to explore their future career paths and gain valuable insights from experienced mentors.

    Throughout the event, PEERS participants engaged in rapid one-on-one sessions with professionals from various industries, including education, nonprofits, technology, healthcare, business, and more. These interactions provided valuable guidance and helped participants develop their networking skills. The event was a significant milestone for the Trenton PEERS program, reflecting its commitment to empowering young people in their educational and career pursuits.

    The success of the Speed Networking event was further highlighted by the achievements of this year’s graduating PEERS. Of the 15 attendees, 7 are set to graduate in 2024, and each of them has been accepted into their first or second college of choice, a remarkable accomplishment that underscores the program’s dedication to academic success.

    The event also offered a platform for professionals to share their expertise and give back to the community by mentoring the next generation. The Trenton PEERS program is grateful to all the professionals who participated and made this event a success.

    The success of the Speed Networking event at Rutgers Cooperative Extension paves the way for future opportunities to connect PEERS with industry leaders. As the program continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering an environment where young people can explore their potential and build meaningful connections.

    A huge thanks to everyone who made this event a success. We’re so proud of our PEERS and can’t wait to see where their journeys take them!

     

     

  • Trenton PEERS Student Accepted into Prestigious Bank of America’s Student Leader Summer Program

    Trenton PEERS Student Accepted into Prestigious Bank of America’s Student Leader Summer Program

    Trenton PEERS Student Accepted into Prestigious Bank of America’s Student Leader Summer Program

    Trenton, NJ – Sheguyma Bazile, a bright and ambitious member of the Trenton PEERS Class of 2025, has been awarded a coveted spot in the highly competitive Bank of America’s Student Leader Summer Program. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Sheguyma’s exceptional dedication to academic excellence but also underscores the effectiveness of Millhill’s commitment to nurturing young talent within the community.

    The Bank of America’s Student Leader Summer Program is renowned for its rigorous selection process, which identifies outstanding young leaders who demonstrate a passion for community engagement and social change. Sheguyma’s acceptance into this prestigious program is a testament to her remarkable skills, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact on society.

    “We are incredibly proud of Sheguyma’s accomplishment and thrilled to see her recognized for her exceptional talents,” remarked Micayla Weissburg, Associate Director of Youth Engagement at Millhill Child and Family Development. “Sheguyma’s journey exemplifies the possibilities that await our youth when provided with the necessary support, resources, and opportunities.”

    As Sheguyma prepares to embark on this exciting summer experience, the entire Millhill community eagerly anticipates hearing about her adventures and the valuable insights she will gain through the Bank of America’s Student Leader Summer Program. This achievement serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for all aspiring young leaders within the Trenton community.

    Stay tuned to our website, www.millhillcenter.org, as well as our social media channels for updates on Sheguyma’s journey and to learn more about the transformative initiatives taking place within our community.

    Congratulations, Sheguyma, on this well-deserved recognition!

  • Support Our Preschool Classrooms – Help Enhance the Learning Experience

    Support Our Preschool Classrooms – Help Enhance the Learning Experience

    Millhill Child and Family Development is reaching out to our generous supporters for assistance. We have curated a special Amazon Wish List featuring essential items for our preschool classrooms that will directly enhance the learning experience of the children we serve.

    Our carefully selected items range from educational toys that ignite curiosity to classroom essentials that foster creativity. Each item on our Wish List holds the power to unlock limitless possibilities for our students.

    How You Can Help:

    1. Visit our Amazon Wish List by clicking here
    2. Browse through the items and select those you would like to contribute.
    3. Complete your purchase, and Amazon will deliver the items directly, or choose to drop-off yourself at Millhill.

    Your support extends beyond the purchase of these items; it is an investment in the future of our community. By coming together, we can bridge the gap and ensure that every child who walks through our doors has the opportunity to thrive.

    Join us in building brighter futures, one gift at a time. Your contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant difference in the lives of our students.

    Thank you for being a champion of early education and for making dreams come true at Millhill Child and Family Development.

  • Millhill Leaders Recognized on Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter’s 2023 Women’s Power List

    Millhill Leaders Recognized on Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter’s 2023 Women’s Power List

    We are thrilled to announce that two esteemed leaders from Millhill Child & Family Development, CEO Jigna Rao and Board Member Linda Coles, have been honored on Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter’s prestigious 2023 Women’s Power List.

    Assemblywoman Sumter’s Women’s Power List recognizes the outstanding contributions of women leaders across various sectors in New Jersey. Jigna Rao and Linda Coles’ inclusion on this esteemed list is a testament to their dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts in our community.

    As an organization committed to empowering children, youth, and families, we take immense pride in having Jigna and Linda at the helm of Millhill. Their vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to our mission have been instrumental in guiding us towards our goal of creating a thriving and inclusive community where everyone has access to limitless possibilities.

    We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jigna Rao and Linda Coles for this well-deserved recognition. Their leadership continues to inspire us all as we work together to empower individuals and families in our community.

    We applaud Assemblywoman Sumter for her dedication to highlighting the achievements of women leaders in New Jersey and thank her for recognizing the outstanding contributions of Jigna Rao and Linda Coles.

    Join us in congratulating Jigna Rao and Linda Coles on this remarkable achievement!

  • Join Us in Celebrating Read Across America: Seeking Sponsors to Inspire Young Readers!

    Join Us in Celebrating Read Across America: Seeking Sponsors to Inspire Young Readers!

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    Join Us in Celebrating Read Across America:  Seeking Corporate or Individual Sponsors to Inspire Young Readers! 

    At Millhill, we are passionate about nurturing the love for reading from an early age. That’s why we’re excited to announce our participation in Read Across America, an annual celebration of literacy and Dr. Seuss’s birthday, taking place the week of March 2nd. 

    We believe that instilling a love for reading in children is crucial, especially during their formative years. That’s why we’re reaching out to our community for support in bringing the magic of Dr. Seuss’s books to each of our preschool children, that’s a total of 105 books. We’re inviting corporate sponsors to join us for a Day of Caring in this endeavor and be a part of something truly special. 

    During Read Across America week, we’ll be hosting special events where sponsors can come into our classrooms and read Dr. Seuss books with our 4 and 5-year-old students. This interaction not only fosters a joy for reading but also serves as a meaningful way for businesses to engage with the community and make a lasting impact on young minds. 

    Why is this initiative important? Research has consistently shown that exposure to books and storytelling at a young age significantly contributes to a child’s cognitive development, language skills, and overall academic success. By providing our preschoolers with access to quality literature and meaningful interactions with adults who value reading, we are laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. 

    But we can’t do it alone. We rely on the support of our community to make events like Read Across America possible. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to purchasing Dr. Seuss books for our preschoolers and organizing engaging activities throughout the week. If you’d rather purchase the books and bring them, that would be great! 

    If you cannot join us, please consider buying and sending a book from our Amazon Wishlist – this way, we can ensure that every child is sent home with a book. 

    Together, we can inspire a new generation of readers and make a difference in the lives of children in Trenton, NJ. If your company is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor for Read Across America please contact Angie at Amcmanimon@millhillcenter.org or by phone at 609-989-7333

    Thank you for your continued support in promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading among our youngest learners. 

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