Mission
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, inspired by the Scriptures as reflected in Catholic Social Teaching, alleviates human suffering and improves the quality of life of individuals and families, especially the poor and vulnerable, through service, advocacy, and community building.

What is El Centro?
El Centro is an after-school program started by Rider University students with Catholic Charities for children of Latin-American background living in the Trenton area.  It offers tutoring and fun activities for the children to participate in and keep them occupied in the hours after school and before their parents get home from work.

Bonner and El Centro
El Centro after school program is run solely by Bonner students from both Rider University and The College of New Jersey.  Those who work there spend time tutoring and mentoring the children with their homework as well as provide a fun and safe environment to keep the children entertained and interested.

What if I don't speak Spanish?
One of the goals we work toward at El Centro is accustoming the children with a primarily English-speaking environment.  Because they are there to learn and use the English language, it is not necessry that you as a volunteer are fluent in Spanish.

Off-Site Activities
In addition to all the tutoring activities done at El Centro, we also like to take the children out for educational and entertaining field trips including The Philadepelphia Zoo, The Camden Aquarium, and ice skating.

The Children
The children in the program range from age 10 to 15 years old and usually have at least some knowledge of the English language.

Community Service
The children also take part in community service projects, such as spreading flyers for other Catholic Charities events and opportunities. 

Contact Information
El Centro
383 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08618
Phone:  (609) 394-5181
Fax:  (609)