Journeys We invite you to embark on a narrative voyage through the transformative paths carved by the Trenton Circus Squad. In these pages, you will encounter just a handful of stories out of many lives that have been transformed by our program over the years. They are stories of convergence and divergence, of roads traveled, and lives profoundly changed. At the heart of Trenton Circus Squad is a simple yet powerful truth: our journeys, diverse and distinct as they may be, are interconnected. Each participant, or ‘Squad’ member, arrives at our doorstep with a unique story, a personal road they have traveled. Here, their paths converge, intertwining in a vibrant tapestry of learning, growth, and community. Within the nurturing environment of “The Factory,” our Squad members embark on a journey like no other. They leap, they balance, they soar – but, most importantly, they transform. You are the co-authors of these remarkable journeys. Your generosity and belief in our vision pave these roads of possibility. As you peruse these pages, we hope you feel a profound sense of pride in the part you play in these life-changing journeys. Together, we are not just teaching circus skills; we are nurturing the next generation of community leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens.
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
The circus arts become a metaphor for life’s challenges and triumphs, teaching resilience, teamwork, trust, and creativity.
Message from the Board Chair As I reflect upon my time as board chair, I am humbled by the privilege of steering such a vibrant beacon in our community. With a promise to nurture the awe-inspiring legacy of the circus and harness its power to unlock the capabilities of our youth, we embarked on a journey to build on the extraordinary potential for youth to transform themselves and the people around them when they have confidence in their value. This year, Trenton Circus Squad witnessed a phenomenal surge in engagement—growing by nearly 30%. This growth was made possible by you, our esteemed donors, and by the robust partnerships that we’ve nurtured over the years. To our donors, advisors, and partners: your generosity and belief in our mission have laid the foundation for a future full of possibility. For this, we stand in admiration and gratitude. There is a path we continue to pave—a path toward inclusivity and equity, ensuring every child and teen can vault into the world with robust health, essential life skills, and the ability to trust and collaborate. Trenton Circus Squad is poised to meet this call to action, fortified by the unwavering dedication of our staff and the commitment of our entire support network. The road ahead calls for a reimagining of our resources to guarantee access for all to our world of creativity, diversity, and opportunity. United through giving, we are crafting a legacy of lasting impact, empowering our youth to thrive and shape their worlds. I extend heartfelt thanks to my fellow board members, whose passion and commitment are indispensable in fortifying the pillars of Trenton Circus Squad. And on behalf of us all, I salute the staff and leadership of Trenton Circus Squad for creating a healthier, more imaginative, and joy-filled community. With boundless appreciation and anticipation for what we will create together in the coming year,
Adriana Abizadeh Board Chair
Kordell in 2015
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
Kordell in 2017
Kordell present day
Kordell’s journey Joining at 15, after a childhood marked by frequent moves and the absence of an incarcerated father, Kordell faced challenges with trust and stability. At Trenton Circus Squad, he found a solid ground and discovered his innate talents in circus arts, which he soon realized he could share and teach. Rising through the ranks, from Junior Squad to Road Squad, Kordell’s travels across the country were a stark contrast to his earlier life - now filled with purpose, teaching workshops, and inspiring young performers. His dedication and skill led to his full-time role as a lead coach, extending his influence into the Trenton community. In 2023, Kordell’s leadership journey continued as he was elected Youth Coordinator on the Freedom Skate Park Board of Directors in Trenton. He recently graduated from the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen Emilio’s Culinary Academy.
These experiences don’t just create skilled performers; they shape empowered individuals ready to face the world’s stages with confidence and grace.
Photo credit: Jenna Lowery
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
Helen in 2021
Board of Trustees Adriana Abizadeh, Chair
Anne Hoppenot
Kelly Ganges, Vice-Chair
Chanelle Williams Lester
Michael Shapiro, Treasurer
Mussa Sanoe
Michele Russo, Secretary
Kimberly de los Santos
Kieanna Childs Alexander
Ermine Smith
Elizabeth Borland
Christian Wallace
Eric Geoffrey
William Watson
Staff Thomas von Oehsen, Executive Director Karen Ladd, Program Manager and Lead Coach Regina Mundy, Director of Operations Kordell Garland, Lead Coach Andre Thomas, Life Skills Coach Bilal Haley, Coach Joy Johnson, Coach Cam von Oehsen, Coach Julisa Soriano, Intern The journey doesn’t end at the edge of the circus ring. As our Squad members step back onto their individual roads, they carry with them more than just the memories of applause and spotlight. Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
They emerge enriched with skills and values that transcend the circus: empathy, leadership, a sense of belonging, and an understanding that their actions can create waves of positive change.
Helen’s journey First captivated by the allure of the circus in 5th grade, Helen’s journey has now taken her to the esteemed halls of Carnegie Mellon as a freshman. During a recent visit to “The Factory”, Helen’s reflections resonated with warmth and nostalgia. “I miss the camaraderie of the squad,” she shared, her eyes alight with fond memories. “You come for the circus, but you stay for the community.” This sentiment echoes the unique spirit of the Squad - a place where the thrill of circus arts intertwines seamlessly with the warmth of a close-knit community.. For Helen, the spectacular performances were always exhilarating, but it was the daily grind in the afterschool workshops that truly left an indelible mark on her. “That’s where you really see your peers progress. It’s that dynamic and that improvement that is so inspiring,” she reflected. This environment of mutual growth and encouragement not only fostered her skills but also deepened her pride in her peers. Helen’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of the Trenton Circus Squad. “It’s a welcoming place, where kids from all backgrounds can go and feel safe, and share that feeling of accomplishment that bonds you together.”
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
Income
By the numbers Participants and Audiences
Expenses
Winston’s journey Winston's journey with Trenton Circus Squad is a vivid illustration of the enduring power of teamwork and inspiration. Reflecting on his high school years in the Squad, he recalls, “We always had each other’s backs. It was like being part of a magical machine, all coming together for something truly breathtaking.”
Ripple effects are the essence of our mission. As our Squad members forge their paths in the world, the impacts of their experiences at Trenton Circus Squad reverberate through communities, touching lives in seen and unseen ways.
As one of the first homework tutors in the afterschool program, Winston not only honed his skills but also played a crucial role in fostering a supportive community. This profound experience with the Squad was so impactful that it became a centerpiece in his college essay for the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN), where he later graduated. His time at UPENN saw him bring the spirit of the Squad to his fraternity, sharing the unique blend of camaraderie and performance he had cherished. Winston credits head coach Karen Ladd for her exceptional leadership. Now, as a Thouron Scholar studying mathematics at Cambridge, Winston carries with him the invaluable lessons of unity, determination, and collective achievement, hallmarks of his transformative time with Trenton Circus Squad.
Corporations, Foundations & Grants Abrams Foundation
McMaster Carr
Byrd-Borland Fundation
Mercer County Division of Youth Services
Camden Community Partnership INC
MIDJersey Center for Economic Development
Carter Rowe Foundation
Network For Good
CBIZ Borden Perlman
NGW Foundation
Charity on Top Foundation, Inc
NJM
Church & Dwight
PACF Arts and Culture Recovery Fund
Coopers Ferry
PACF Community Impact / Burke Foundation Legacy
County of Mercer Cyber Grants Department of the Treasury (State of NJ) Grunin Foundation James Kerney Foundation Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation John D. Wallace, Jr. Memorial Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation
Philip S. Harper Foundation Princeton Area Community Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Schwab Charitable The Bank of America Charitable Foundation The Burke Foundation The Curtis W. McGraw Foundation
Mary C. Roebling Foundation, Inc.
The George H. and Estelle M. Sands Foundation
Mary Owen Borden Foundation
Tractor Supply Company
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
Partners Boys and Girls Club of Camden County
Millhill Child and Family Development
Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County
Monmouth University
Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County
NJEDA
Boys and Girls Club of Newark
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Camden Community Partnership Inc.
Pace Center for Civic Engagement
Camden County
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Christina Seix Academy
Princeton Public Schools
Circadium
Princeton University
City of Trenton
Princeton YMCA
Collingswood Public Schools
Princeton-Blairstown Center
Crew That
Robert Perry Video Editing
CURE Arena
Rutgers University Camden
CYO Mercer County
Rutgers University Newark
Fennelli Design
Steve Sarafian
Freedom Skate
The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County
greenworldx2 Grounds for Sculpture Healthy Relationships, Healthy Choices Henry Austin Health Center HomeFront Isles Lewis Center for the Arts McCarter Theater Mercy Center, Asbury Park Mercer County Mercer County Community College Mercer County One Stop Career Center Mercer County Park Commission
The City of Camden The College of New Jersey The Father Center The Neighborhood Center in Camden The Watershed Institute Trenton Area Soup Kitchen Trenton Health Team Trenton Peer Leaders Trenton Police Department Trenton Public School District Urban Promise Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
Donors Adriana Abizadeh
Amy Mayer and Daniel Oscar
William David Henderson
Susan Albert
Alex and Doug Davis
Nancy Henkel
Kienna Childs Alexander
Kimberly de los Santos
Victoria Hepp
Joe Amon and Erin Galbraith
Greg Deatz
Maricel Hermann
Joan Arkuszewski
Robert Denby
Kristina and David Hill
Sanjeev Arora and Silvia Weyerbrock
Kathryn Doyle
J Robert and Barbara Hillier
Jonathan Erickson
Anne and Herve Hoppenot
Anthony Ferrandino
Jamie Huang
Tanice and Dudley Fitzpatrick
Jennifer Jang
Mona Fixdal
Kimberly Jingoli and Dr. Anthony Chiurco
Angela Ashley Joy Barnes-Johnson Samantha Bobila Elizabeth Borland Brogann and Jon Bowden Teri Boyd Jude Bratman Zoe Brookes and Alastair Binnie Warren Broudy Dave Brown Elisabeth Calvarin Gene Cascone Ann Chapman Scott Cleveland Mary Clurman and Peter Lindenfeld
Erin Flanigan Ingrid French Tasha and Mark Gajewski Kyle and James Galbraith Rose Galvan Victoria Gammino Kelvin Ganges Janet and John Gaudino Eric Geoffrey Jed Gibson Mary Ellen Granozio James j. Groome
Sarah Collins
Jennifer Guy
Donald Crocker
Kate Harwood
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian
Andrew Lichtstein
Joshua Raymond
Peter and Caroline Travers
Ronnie and Andrew Lowenstein
Todd Reichart
Lori and Tad Troilo
Jenny Ludmer
Jennifer and Jack Richardson
Nelida Valentin
Nancy and Duncan MacMillan
Felicia Rinier
Mary Vance
Andrew Maskell
Heather Robbins
Fredrick Vereen, Jr.
Edward Matthews
Yvette Rodriguez
Kimberly and Robert Vogel
Marna Matthews
Andrew Ross
Thomas and Jane von Oehsen
Lisa Mazzone
Gregory Stankiewicz and Julia Rubin
James von Oehsen
Florence Mcauliffe Daniel Martin McGinnis Ayanna McKay Fran Mcmanus Julie Meyers
Kara Jonsson
Ruth Miale
Wendy Kaczerski
June Millington
Debbie Kaplan
Robert Monsour
Barbara Kaplan
Susan Moore
Inci Karaasian
Christine Morano
Irene Karpinski
Babette and Minot Morgan
Shana Kennedy
Christina Morgan Peck
Georgia Koenig
Rosalind and Thomas Muir
Matthew Kohut
Ralph Neuneier
Marjorie Laughlin
Scot Pannepacker
Yuki Moore Laurenti
Tari Pantaleo
Liz Lempert
Vincent Peloso
Chanelle Lester
Michael Petrone
Paula Levinsky
Joy Power
Allan and Donna Rubin Bonnie Rucker Michele Russo Sarah Ryan Domenic Sanginiti Mussa Sanoe
Bill and Helen von Oehsen Christian Wallace Jack and Happy Wallace William Watson Will Wauters Mrs. Isla Weber
Mary Saudargas
Kate, Duke, Woods and Harriet Wiser
Stacey Schlosser
Bethany Weise
Dodi Schmidt
David Whitlock
Heidi Shafer
Elisabeth Whittaker
Michael Shapiro
Jerlene Worthy
Ermine Smith
Neil Wummer
David Smith
Frank Yandrisevits
Tim Stauning
Julie and Margot Zimmerman
Sylvia Stengle
Clifford Zink and Emily Croll
Joseph and Julie Tattoni Taylor Household Jacqueline and Franz-Josef Tillmann
Thank you for being part of our journey!
We've featured just a small sampling of our transformative squad journeys on this report. Please follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to learn about our groundbreaking program and the positive ripple effects we're creating all year!
Photo credit: Steve Sarafian