I am writing to share an important update with and to reaffirm our commitment to transparency and strong stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
In February and March, Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) received several rental assistance applications that were later determined to be fraudulent. Our review indicates that the applicant and landlord information was likely falsified, and that supporting documents—including driver’s licenses—were likely AI-generated, with patterns suggesting a single source.
The matter has been reported to local law enforcement, and they are investigating.
Importantly, we have taken immediate steps to strengthen our review process, adding additional safeguards to detect and prevent this type of fraud. We are also working with our banking partners and expect to recover the funds involved.
HIP remains deeply committed to responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us. We continuously review and improve our systems to ensure that our resources reach the individuals and families who truly need them, and we continue to work with our nonprofit partners to keep pace with the evolving digital world.
Lori S. Troilo
Troilo is the executive director of the Housing Initiatives of Princeton Charitable Trust.
Second career, renewed purpose in the classroom
I am writing to share a message that I believe is important for our community and beyond—one rooted in resilience, purpose, and the power of education at any stage of life.
My name is Christopher Tricoles Jr., a resident of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, and a high school science teacher at Rubino Academy in Ewing. My journey into education did not begin in a traditional way. In fact, it came after more than 25 years working in banking, sales, and service industries—a completely different path from where I stand today.
A life-altering workplace injury changed everything for me. In a moment of urgency, believing a child was in danger, I acted without hesitation. That decision resulted in severe injuries to my back and knee, leading to multiple surgeries, years of physical therapy, and the difficult process of learning to walk again. During that long recovery, I was left asking myself a question many people face at different points in life: “What’s next?”
The answer came not from within alone, but from the voices of my community. Through my involvement with youth programs, athletics, and mentoring, many people encouraged me to consider teaching. One mentor in particular, Coach Brian Meeney, saw something in me that I had not yet fully realized. His belief in my ability to connect with and support young people helped guide me toward a new purpose. His untimely passing only strengthened my commitment to pursue education and to honor his legacy through my work.
When I was able to return to work, I took my first steps into education as a playground aide, then as a substitute teacher, and later as a paraprofessional. Along the way, I worked in classrooms, summer camps, and specialized programs, gaining experience with students of all ages and backgrounds. At 51 years old, I made the decision to fully commit to this new path and enrolled in a graduate program in Secondary STEM Education. I graduated with distinction and was inducted into a national honor society—an achievement that reaffirmed that it is never too late to pursue your goals.
Today, I teach at Rubino Academy, an alternative high school that serves students who need a more supportive and personalized educational environment. Many of my students have faced significant challenges, both academically and personally. In our classrooms, education goes far beyond textbooks—it is about building trust, fostering resilience, and helping students rediscover their confidence and potential.
What I have learned is this: education is not just about instruction—it is about connection. When students feel seen, supported, and valued, they begin to believe in themselves. And when that belief takes hold, incredible transformation can happen.
I am sharing my story with anyone—student, parent, or adult—who may feel uncertain about their path. It is never too late to start over, to pursue a passion, or to make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we never planned.
There is nothing more powerful than witnessing the moment when understanding clicks—when a student has that “A-ha” realization and begins to see their own potential. Those moments remind us why perseverance matters and why investing in others is one of the greatest contributions we can make.
Thank you for sharing this message with the community. My hope is that it inspires others to keep moving forward, to embrace new opportunities, and to recognize the impact they can have on the world around them.
Christopher Salvatore Tricoles Jr.
Lawrence Township
