When the discussion of forming Love Thy Neighbor first hit the table, we knew this was an opportunity for us to empower the lives of individuals to build stronger communities. It is our objective to give a hand up and not a handout. We wholeheartedly believe in the proverb, "Feed a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and he will eat for a life time."

- Tommi Vincent

Troy and Tommi Vincent founded Love Thy Neighbor Community Development & Opportunity Corporation (formerly the Troy Vincent Foundation.) Love Thy Neighbor is near and dear to the Vincents' hearts because it has allowed them to create a solid vision for economic growth and community leadership that has, in turn, empowered countless residents of Trenton, New Jersey where Troy and Tommi grew up. Prior to establishing Love Thy Neighbor, the Vincent family gave their time, talents and treasures to numerous non-profit organizations. They realized, however, that they could have a more immediate impact and direct their money and other resources to people in the community by creating their own community development corporation, which reflects their personal values and beliefs.

Their mission is simple.

Love Thy Neighbor Community Development & Opportunity Corporation is committed to comprehensive community development and strives to build thriving neighborhoods by creating opportunities for positive social and economic change.

Their values reflect the vision Troy and Tommi shaped —together.

Troy and Tommi Vincent, along with members of the Love Thy Neighbor board and others responsible for touching the lives of those involved in Love Thy Neighbor programs, envision Mercer county neighbors as being active and empowered participants in building stronger, safer, healthier communities. Applying a holistic approach to community development that includes workforce development, improved housing, life skills training and increased open space and recreation, they envision transforming communities from poverty to self-sufficiency. They also see the people of Trenton advancing socially, economically and physically while developing important leadership skills essential to sustaining healthy communities.

Their philosophy will long endure.

The Love Thy Neighbor philosophy begins with the belief that community development is comprehensive and must meet the housing, employment, economic, educational, spiritual and recreational needs of community residents.

Further, Love Thy Neighbor understands that human performance is enhanced by conditions that foster improved housing, educational and economic opportunity and increased open space that encourage each of us to take pride in our communities and ourselves.

Love Thy Neighbor believes that by empowering individuals to reach their highest potential and encouraging each individual to participate in the planning and development of each aspect of community development, there is opportunity to create neighborhoods that promote a sense of ownership and civic responsibility among its residents.