On a beautiful June evening overlooking the Toms River, we shared a celebration of history and service at The Rebecca Finn House, raising $40,000 in support of the Mission, Vision and Future of Ocean's Harbor House.

A Walk In Their Shoes:

Seaside Edition!

May 5, 2024 : Our first-ever walk on the Seaside Boardwalk was a smashing success, raising over $10,000!!

Thank you to all of our walking warriors today who braved the weather (with children and dogs!!). Thank you to Dominick Farro and Farro's Tees for the great tee-shirts, thank you to our wonderful Ron Mueller and the ENTIRE staff of The Sawmill for their amazing hospitality, love and support, thank you to our staff, amazing volunteers, and our Board of Directors for your presence and participation- all for the youth, families, and future of Ocean's Harbor House!! We love our Ocean County Family!!!

THE SHORE HOUSE SPOTLIGHT:

Now in its 20th year of operation, the SHORE House (Supportive Housing Opportunities through Rehabilitation and Encouragement) has graduated over 650 young persons between the ages of 16 - 22 to stable, self-sustaining adulthood.

Paul's Story

Since I have been at Oceans Harbor House, I have gotten a lot of things done that are going to set me up for life. Getting my finances in order to better provide for myself has been my focus. Since I have been in the program, I have managed to gain two jobs after successfully completing my junior year in high school. This was not the typical road I thought I would be on but being here for the majority of school year had its ups and downs. Passing all my classes and attending junior prom were definite highlights of the year. Staff was very helpful and encouraging during this process. Working as much as I can throughout the summer is my focus especially go into my senior year of high school. The program is going to help keep my focus with maintaining my grades, part time work schedule and playing on the hockey team. Of course, help me with time management, saving money, and being more responsible, which definitely wasn’t something that I was able to do or think about before coming here.

When I came to the Transitional Living Program, my mental health was not at all in good shape. Through talking to people, starting to get things done, and having things to look forward to, all with the help of the house (staff), I feel like things have become normal again. So, they were able to get me back to a normal mental state and start really beginning my life as an healthier adult which is what the whole program is about. 

KP's Story



I would like to take my time to introduce myself. I go by KP. I was brought into Oceans Harbor House in February 2023. It all started off when I was in the shelter. I was extremely nervous and scared when I first was brought into the environment. During the 6 months of me being in the shelter I have gained so much knowledge and comfort from the staff there. It was very hard at first being so far away from family, but I got up and motivated myself to get a job and look at the bigger picture. At the shelter I was taught cooking skills, different ways to handle stress/ anxiety, and basic hygiene needs. I had worked with a counselor that I had become very close with who has helped me extremely.

Later that year in May 2023 1 got accepted into the transitional living program of Ocean's Harbor House, it was a great opportunity for me to focus on myself and what I wanted to gain not only out of the program, but for myself. I have been in STLP for about a year and two months now. My overall experience here has been good. The staff and team of STLP have helped me tremendously, making me feel great about myself. Being here you are able to make connections with different people and relate to experiences you've been through.

Being here has taught me a lot of independence and given me resources on housing, saving, life skills, healthy habits, etc. STLP is a good environment for anyone who is the age of 16-21 looking for independence and resources for living on your own. I want to say thank you to the staff and faculty for assisting me and pushing me to become a better individual.

Support Paul, KP, and all the teens and youth of our SHORE House. Become a Harbor Light today. Your gift, for as little as $10 a month, will help support our program and the kids who call The SHORE House home. Click the button below to become a Harbor Light, and be part of extending the light of hope to the youth of our community.



Anna Graziano, Primary Counselor

holds an MSW in social work, with specialty studies in psychopathology, substance abuse and addictions. Anna has worked as a counselor, family service specialist and special responder for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, as a community resource advisor for Community Medical Center, and as a patient access representative for the emergency department.