Our story: Building character, empowering communities.
At Men & Women of Character Organization, our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: to strengthen our community through unwavering support for youth, families, and senior citizens. What started as a small Saturday club in the home of founder Donyale N. Thompson, alongside Sarah L. Warner and Montise Fields, quickly blossomed into a powerful movement. After witnessing the life-changing impact of mentorship and leadership, Donyale, with the invaluable support of beloved co-founder Chaneta Ruby Leonard, established us as a non-profit serving the Metropolitan Trenton, New Jersey community. Today, we continue to honor Chaneta's legacy through initiatives like the Sharing Our Ruby program, providing leadership, community events, and essential resources that empower individuals, strengthen families, and foster a more united Trenton.
Our unique approach: Community, character, and connection.
Men & Women of Character stands apart by doing more than just running programs—we cultivate lasting relationships and build family-like support systems across generations. We serve the entire community, intentionally connecting youth, elders, and families through shared programs, mentorship, and service. This unique intergenerational model fosters wisdom-sharing, mutual respect, and strengthens community bonds. We combine leadership development with real-life support, offering mentorship, scholarships, hygiene resources, holiday assistance, educational tools, and vital life skills. Our commitment is to meet people where they are, consistently and with dignity, ensuring a trusted presence rooted in genuine care for the Trenton community.
Our impact: Inspiring confidence, fostering belonging.
Every individual touched by Men & Women of Character walks away feeling seen, valued, and empowered. We strive to instill confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging. Our youth are encouraged to believe in themselves, recognizing a future brimming with possibilities, supported by guidance and the skills needed for success. For families, we offer relief, encouragement, and the reassurance that they are not alone, standing by them with compassion and real support. Our elders are honored and respected, their wisdom invaluable as we ensure they remain connected and appreciated. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire hope and connection—a profound feeling that they matter, they belong, and they are an integral part of something greater, realizing their worth and potential for generations.
Our vision: A lasting legacy of empowerment.
Our biggest dream is to establish a lasting legacy of empowerment, opportunity, and unity that transcends individual lives to transform entire families and generations within our community. We envision a future where every young person we serve becomes a confident, capable adult who leads with character and actively contributes to their community, potentially returning to uplift the very community that supported them. We also aspire to have a permanent community home—a safe, welcoming hub in Trenton for learning, support, intergenerational connection, and daily programs. Expanding our scholarship, leadership, and family support services, our long-term vision is to create impactful partnerships and programs that ensure lasting change for generations to come.
"Men & Women of Character has truly transformed lives in our community. Their unwavering support for youth, families, and seniors creates a ripple effect of positive change that is deeply felt by everyone they touch."
Trenton Community Leader