BRICK, N.J. — Choose love. Celebrate life. — A Foundation for Youth and Families, Inc., (CLCL Foundation) a nonprofit serving youth and families across Ocean and Monmouth Counties, is honored to announce that Brick Township is preparing to vote on an ordinance that would allow CLCL to lease a township-owned storefront for the launch of Community Threads – a free clothing shop dedicated to restoring dignity and meeting essential needs for individuals, families, and young people facing hardship.
Under the proposed ordinance, the CLCL would lease Unit 11 at Civic Plaza (270 Chambers Bridge Road), transforming the space into a welcoming hub where people can access new and gently used clothing, linens, accessories, hygiene items, and children’s supplies – all at no cost. Until additional funding is secured, the shop will be sustained entirely through charitable donations and volunteer support, ensuring zero cost to taxpayers while delivering high-impact relief to the community.
If approved, the agreement would grant CLCL a one-year lease beginning January 1, with the option to extend for up to 4 additional one-year terms, in accordance with New Jersey statutes governing municipal property agreements serving public purposes.
“We are deeply grateful to Brick Township for recognizing the importance of this service and for partnering with us to help meet the needs of vulnerable families in our community,” said Tiffany deSousa, Founder and Chair of CLCL Foundation. “Community Threads represents our mission in action — providing dignity, warmth, and hope to those who need it most. It also reflects our deep belief in the Jersey Shore community, which consistently rises to meet hardship with compassion and care for our neighbors.”
Hours of Operation
Once fully operational, Community Threads would be open:
- Monday–Thursday: 3 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Friday: 3 p.m.–9 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Closed Sundays
A soft opening will allow CLCL and its volunteers to scale to full hours gradually. Finalized hours will be posted on CLCL’s website and social media closer to launch.
The ordinance outlines clear accountability measures. CLCL will submit an annual report to the township reflecting its activities, the number of individuals served, and confirmation of its continued tax-exempt status. The township’s business administrator will serve as liaison to ensure alignment with the mission and compliance with municipal standards.
“We expect Community Threads to serve more than one hundred individuals in its first year alone,” said CLCL Board Member Nicole Steed, “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to lifting families and ensuring that every child and adult has access to clothing and supplies that support their comfort, confidence, and well-being.”
The ordinance will take effect following its second reading and formal publication.
About Choose Love Celebrate Life Foundation
Choose love. Celebrate life. A Foundation for Youth and Families, Inc. is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families through compassion-centered programs, community partnerships, and essential resources that foster stability, dignity, and opportunity. CLCL was founded by a former foster youth and teen runaway, and co-founded by the intake counselor who welcomed her the night she entered crisis care. Together, they transformed a moment of vulnerability into a lifelong commitment to community healing. CLCL is rooted in lived experience and professional insight—bridging trauma-informed care with systems-level advocacy to ensure every child and family is met with dignity, safety, and support.
CLCL is committed to empowering youth and families by providing vital resources and bridging the gap to critical services. Through genuine partnerships and community collaboration, they foster growth, resilience, and belonging in a safe, nurturing environment for all. CLCL envisions a community where every youth feels safe, supported, and included. Their goal is to prevent homelessness, trafficking, family crises, and child maltreatment, while empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to the community.
You can visit their website for more information about free family programs at www.clclfoundation.org