Today, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced Isles Inc., will receive nearly $100,000 in the fiscal year 2008 budget approved by both the House and Senate.

“For the past 26 years, Isles has been a beacon of hope for so many families in the Trenton-area. Through a multi-faceted approach, the Isles program helps low-income families and individuals expand their self reliance and economic opportunities.  I am pleased that my request for this important funding was included in the federal budget,” said Smith, a long-time supporter of the Isles program.

The funding will support Isles’ plan to redevelop a historic 240,000 square foot, former textile mill located on the border of the City of Trenton and Hamilton Township. Plans call for a model, green, mixed-use facility including a 17,000 square-foot academic and job training center that will serve as classrooms for the YouthBuild Institute. The YouthBuild program provides high school-level education, and job and life skills training to young adults age 16-24. Smith said he hopes to bring additional federal funds in the out years and said this year’s funding will serve as leverage for future federal and nonfederal support.

Isles' CEO Marty Johnson said Isles’ renovation of the 6.5 acre former Atlantic Products Mill project, “will bring energy and exciting public services to the Trenton-Hamilton border community. We are heartened that Washington, D.C. will be an investor in the project.”

“Each year, Isles continues to expand its outreach efforts. Through their YouthBuild program, Isles promotes the positive development of young adults.  This funding will help create a new development center to teach at-risk youth the job skills necessary to compete in the professional world,” said Smith.

Founded in 1981, Trenton-based Isles, Inc. is a nationally recognized nonprofit community development and environmental organization with the mission to foster more self-reliant families in healthy, sustainable communities. The Isles program was created to promote the concept of “neighborhood-scale islands of development.”

Isles’ goal is to foster more self-reliant families in sustainable and healthy communities. Each year about 10,000 Trenton residents benefit from one or more Isles programs. Between 50-60 high school drop-outs participate in the YouthBuild Job Training program, over 1,000 families benefit from community outreach programs, ore than 3,000 residents benefit form the Community Gardening program, and over 3,000 people participate in environmental education programs each year.

“We deeply appreciate Congressman Smith’s ongoing, thoughtful support of our work over the years. He and his capable staff have done their homework,” Johnson said.