Mission: Inclusion for All
The RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams has become a reality, giving people of all ages and abilities an inclusive play complex that intentionally addresses physical and social inclusion.
Christian Kane, Executive Director, RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams
The RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams at the Ocean Orthopedic Associates Complex was designed to provide families and individuals from across Ocean, Monmouth, and Burlington counties an all-inclusive equitable play space. This one of kind complex is a model for all communities that want to embrace and promote physical and social inclusion for people of all ages and abilities.
On July 12, 2012, Christian Kane and his 19-month-old son Gavin were in a terrible car accident which resulted in Gavin suffering a traumatic brain injury. Five years later, Christian and his wife Mary found themselves embarking on a challenge to raise $3.5 million to fulfill their dream of building a special needs recreation complex to help everyone like Gavin, who did not have the ability to enjoy moments of play with their family and friends at local parks due to poor park accessibility.
On April 30, 2022, Christian and Mary’s dream was realized when the complex opened its doors to the public. The positive outpouring from the community, especially from those living with a special need, was truly overwhelming to the Kane’s. In its inaugural season, 1,623 families representing every county in New Jersey have registered to be members; 1,471 students from 35 school districts have taken a field trip to the complex or attended/participated in leagues activities and events; 453 adults and 12 organizations serving adults over the age of 21 with special needs have utilized the complex; 117 athletes with special needs have participated in leagues; 63 events/festivals were hosted on-site; and 5 leagues including flag football, cheer, basketball, baseball, and bocce are currently offered.
The team behind the Field of Dreams is extremely happy with the community partnerships made including: OceanFirst Bank, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Toms River Regional School District, Special Olympics of New Jersey, Fulfill, Kean University at Union, Kean University at Ocean County College, Monmouth University, Ocean County Health Department, Surf Taco, Grunin Foundation, Citta Foundation, Florian J Lombardi Foundation, Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation, Todd Frazier, Josh Blair and Family First Funding, ReMax Revolution, Carl’s Fencing, Pine Belt Chevrolet, Integrity Holdings, Toms River Basketball Association, Toms River East Little League, Atlantic Therapy, Capstone Insurance, Waste Management, Point Pleasant Beach Rotary, Silverton Funeral Home, D’Anton Family, Charles Edison Foundation, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Ocean Pediatric Dental, Mary Conover, Lucky Leo’s and Whalen Family, Jersey Mike’s, Kelaher-Van Dyke-Moriarity Law Practice, Cardillo and Associates and RWJ Barnabas Health and Ocean Orthopedic Associates. Learn more at https://rwjbhfieldofdreams.com/.
The Incredible Rescue of Twinkie
How one OceanFirst Team Member’s actions saved a small creature and brought smiles to the team.
Celeste Koehl, Purchasing Administrator, OceanFirst Bank
Small actions can have a big impact. Here’s the story of Twinkie and Celeste, and their unusual encounter that ended up saving the life of Twinkie and bringing joy to the team at OceanFirst. Twinkie the bat, first appeared outside OceanFirst Bank’s Toms River Branch back in October. OFB employee Celeste overheard another employee talking about removing a bat from the drive-thru area one morning. Celeste called a wildlife rescue that said to leave the bat that it was most likely just resting. After several days, it was brought to her attention that another employee said, “Twinkie wasn’t really moving”.
Celeste returned from vacation and found Twinkie laying on her back on the cold, wet ground. Celeste sprang into action and did her best to ensure her rescue. With bad weather in the forecast, she quickly searched the internet for a wildlife rescue specializing in bats. She wrapped Twinkie up in a warm, cozy blanket and took her to Shaw Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Southampton, New Jersey, the sanctuary provides medical care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.
Twinkie is now receiving the treatment she needs to grow strong and healthy. Shaw Wildlife will keep her until this spring, when they will return her to Toms River and release her back into the wild. Special shoutout to Celeste who ensured this story will have a happy ending for Twinkie. Learn more at www.ShawWildlife.org.
Living on Purpose
Our mission is to empower, inspire, encourage, and motivate women in finding their divine purpose while here on earth.
Tanika Brock, CEO & Founder, Sisters with Purpose and Area Branch Operations Manager, OceanFirst Bank
“I wanted to find a way to give back and make a difference in the lives of those around me. So as a woman of Faith, I prayed and God showed me the way. A way that would not only be helpful to women but to men and the youth in our community as well.” Tanika shared. Growing up and working in Atlantic City has allowed Tanika to see the needs and struggles of people living in her community.
As CEO and Founder, Tanika leads the Sisters with Purpose team as they empower women in finding their purpose while also inspiring the Atlantic City community at large. “Sisters with Purpose and the work we do means humility – putting the needs of others before ours. Seeing the lives of people changed and inspired regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, or religion all are welcome”, stated Tanika.
Through programs including a Women’s Empowerment Luncheon and Scholarship Presentation, a Teen Summit, and community collections, they have impacted hundreds of children, adults, and seniors providing guidance, warm winter necessities, and school supplies. Their hard work and dedication to helping those in Atlantic City does not go unnoticed. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Sisters-with-Purpose-1998369017084336/.
We are Better Together
Our neighborhood outreach efforts have been the most impactful. Our staff meets residents and neighbors where they live and engages them in being the change of their neighborhood.
Heather Santoro, Executive Director, Holly City Development Corporation
Heather stepped into her role as Executive Director in 2016, implementing new programs and projects, which have produced a positive impact for our neighbors in Cumberland County. Holly City Development Corporation (HCDC) works to inspire community members and empower local neighborhood change.
With a focus on community and economic development, HCDC strives to create fair opportunities for residents and local community members. “All our projects are in direct response to the input we receive from our grassroots efforts. For the past 16 months many of our efforts shifted to help support COVID relief. In this capacity we partnered with our local food pantry to deliver food to residents, as well as deliver school meals to families without transportation”, Heather shared.
HCDC delivered pantry items to 800+ households and has delivered more than 3,500 meals to local schools. They have also supported many small businesses with COVID relief assistance, helping more than 56 businesses in the Millville community receive grants or forgivable loan funding. Learn more at hollycitydevelopment.org.
Community is Stronger Than Cancer
Gilda’s Club South Jersey provides a community for cancer support with the opportunity to join with others and share similar experiences.
Jessica Melville, Development Director, Gilda’s Club South Jersey
Jessica has been a dedicated team member of Gilda’s Club South Jersey (GCSJ) for two years, working to ensure those impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Serving more than 1,500 members throughout Atlantic County, Gilda’s Club is there for the emotional side of cancer.
With a deep-rooted connection to the mission through personal experiences, Jessica has been able to help form stronger connections and support for individuals and families. “My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was in high school, and later passed away while I was in college. I didn’t know anyone my age going through something like that. It was a very isolating and confusing experience to go through on my own as a young adult. Fundraising for Gilda’s Club South Jersey gives me a sense of pride knowing that there are programs in place to help those who are watching a loved one suffer, have lost a loved one, or who are suffering themselves. It’s so important to take care of one another. That’s why we say that community is stronger than cancer”, Jessica shared.
With its OceanFirst Foundation grants, GCSJ has been able to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. GCSJ continuous to increase the number of support groups offered monthly and has widened its reach by offering virtual support. At Gilda’s Club, everyone has a unique story in the way that cancer has impacted their lives and every story includes how GCJS has provided the support they needed. Learn more at gildasclubsouthjersey.org.
Friends Helping Friends
The opportunity to lead the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and grow our team and impact over the years has been truly incredible. Being part of an organization that is helping save precious lives is more than I could have imagined.
Dawn Doherty, Executive Director, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS)
In 2012, Dawn began her journey at SPTS, working closely with program staff to ensure the successful delivery of suicide prevention training and consultation throughout the United States.
Locally, SPTS works to engage high school students, their trusted adults, school staff, and parents across Monmouth and Ocean Counties providing resources to help decrease stigma through information and supporting wellness clubs within school communities.
When the pandemic began, SPTS shared positive messages on social media; provided new resources for parents; and a free online learning system to school communities. They also provided virtual professional development to schools and community education. In 2020, SPTS reached over 375,000 people, including more than 1,000 students.
Over the last 10 years, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded $100,000+ to SPTS. The evaluation and outcome data from these grant funded projects has been used to expand programs and reach more individuals and new communities. Learn more at sptsusa.org.