Building Foundations of Love and Resilience

Our Story

A Journey of Transformation:
From Adversity to Triumph

“Choose love. Celebrate life.” These mantras guided Andrea C. Viggiano, a Toms River public-school teacher, and one of our founding board members, Tiffany deSousa. Their connection began when Andrea was Tiffany’s journalism teacher at Toms River High School South.

During a challenging time, Andrea helped Tiffany find the support she needed. When Tiffany ran away one cold December night, it was Andrea who connected her to a local youth shelter. A few weeks later, Andrea secured guardianship for Tiffany, right before Christmas 2001—an act Tiffany credits with saving her life.

This pivotal moment inspired Tiffany’s mission. When Tiffany learned that the shelter closed in July 2023, she quickly rallied a team of former counselors and volunteers. Their goal is clear: restore emergency shelter access and offer preventative services to youth and families in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, providing innovative solutions to local challenges.

What We Stand For

Building Strong Foundations: Empowering Youth and Families

Our mission, vision, and experience come together to empower youth and families, providing access to essential resources and fostering resilience within a supportive community.

Meet Our Board of Directors and Advisors

Our board and advisors, with expertise in social services, education, mental health, and leadership, guide our mission to empower youth and create change. Their experience ensures the success of our programs and initiatives.

Board of Directors

  • Tiffany M. deSousa

    Board Chairperson
  • Lisa Scala

    Board Treasurer
  • Kelsey Wetmore

    Mental Health Programs Advisor
  • Jennifer Santa Maria

    Arts Education Advocate
  • Lauren LeMay

    Community Laison

Advisory Leadership Council

  • Cathrine Petty

    Youth Advocacy Specialist
  • Daria LeMay

    HR and Organizational Strategy Advisor
  • Catherine Christopher

    Family Support Coordinator

Community and Strategic Advisors

  • Shane Skwarek

    Founder and Chief Technologist, S-FX.com
  • Jim Campbell

    Administrator at OCC

Former Board Members

  • Leslie Brower

    Former Board Secretary
  • Kathleen DeLorme

    Former Social Services Advocate