Joyce E. Campbell serves meals to clients at a Trenton-area soup kitchen. (Courtesy of TASK)
TRENTON — Change is the only constant, and no one knows that better than those who serve the public.
After managing unprecedented change at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), CEO Joyce Campbell has decided to make a personal change as well and will be retiring at the end of the year.
Campbell's eight years at the helm of TASK have been filled with hardship and growth, but she has navigated it all, leading the organization forward and making TASK stronger and more capable. Political change, a global pandemic, economic hardship, and greatly increased need have made her tenure challenging. Yet, TASK has grown and adapted to all of these changes to serve more people than ever before.
“Back in 2016, no one could have imagined the unprecedented rapidity with which COVID-19 would spread.
“We have seen an increase in demand for the programs and services we offer,” Campbell said in a press release. “Despite this, TASK has persevered through this.
We meet challenges head on with creativity, dedication and an unrelenting enthusiasm.”
Prior to TASK, Campbell gained extensive experience as a social worker, advocate and leader with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton, transitioning from a frontline worker to overseeing government relations and external affairs. She was already deeply connected to the people of Trenton and the challenges they faced. Having served on the boards of organizations such as the New Jersey Poverty Action Network, the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness, NJ SHARES and NAMI Mercer, she was also keenly aware of the many obstacles people living in poverty encounter on their path to self-sufficiency.
“Throughout my career, it has always been my goal to provide people with the most compassionate and comprehensive service.
“We went out of our way to serve those in the community who needed our help,” Campbell said.
Under her leadership, TASK has also launched a variety of bold new initiatives that are having a profound impact on Trenton-area residents. This year, TASK introduced its first food truck, which is already serving more than 800 meals per week to seniors, families with children, and the most vulnerable throughout the capital city. Campbell also oversees the expansion of TASK's Community Meal Site program, with meals delivered and served to 40 locations throughout Trenton, Greater Mercer County, and neighboring Lower Bucks County. In response to this increased demand, plans are in place to increase meal production by 30% over the coming year.
Campbell's impact on TASK extends beyond increasing the number of meals served. In 2021, Campbell helped TASK obtain funding to serve as the lead agency providing identification services in Mercer County. TASK has helped thousands of people obtain the documentation they need to obtain identification, which in turn provides people with the credentials they need to obtain housing and jobs. Campbell also promoted TASK's culinary training program and workforce development services, resulting in hundreds of people gaining the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
TASK Board Chair Pam Kelly said, “Joyce has worked extremely hard to strengthen TASK's leadership team. What has particularly impressed me are the partnerships she has built during her time at TASK. She has been a constant presence in a variety of groups, including Mercer County Food Security Leaders, the New Jersey Community Kitchen Coalition and the Trenton Social Impact Group (active). She knows that everyone is better off when we work together. Her leadership has truly strengthened TASK's programs and created better outcomes for the people we serve.”
County Executive Dan Benson praised Campbell, saying, “Her leadership at TASK has been invaluable to residents of Trenton and throughout Mercer County. TASK has been on the front lines for many years, providing important work, providing food, job training, adult education, arts programs and many other vital services to residents in need. Joyce's legacy of service will continue for years to come.”
Councilman Anthony Verrelli said, “Joyce Campbell is a true pillar of our community, an inspirational leader whose dedication and compassion have profoundly impacted the lives of countless people. As CEO of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Joyce tirelessly championed the cause of food security, providing hope, sustenance and opportunity to our neighbors in need. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service established the gold standard of nonprofit excellence. We are sincerely grateful for her incredible accomplishments and wish her a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement, confident that her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift our community for generations to come.”
Homefront CEO Sarah Steward added, “I've had the pleasure of working with Joyce for over 15 years and have seen firsthand her dedication and passion to help our community. What impresses me most is that Joyce's compassion is not theory or fantasy, but working whole-heartedly to make a real difference and improve the lives of her neighbors. Joyce has been an unwavering advocate and foot soldier in the fight for justice and opportunity for all. Joyce has never sought accolades or recognition, but they are well deserved. I've learned so much from Joyce and her leadership, and I am confident that even when she retires, she will continue to make a real difference. That's who she is!”
A search committee, led by TASK Director Eleanor Horn, working with consultant Michelle Hall of Boardwalk Consulting, has begun the process of conducting a thorough and thoughtful search for TASK’s next CEO.
