Around Ocean County is back with guest Judyth Brown, executive director for MOCEAN center for Independent living.  The city of Long Branch, which is also home to their Monmouth County location, has been very instrumental in providing social activities such as yoga on the beach. There is a newly built ramp along with a large wooden platform to provide easy access to yoga and other activities. Games and social gatherings such as concerts on the beach are also available for the disabled. For more information, you can visit MOCEAN.cil.org, or access their 24 hour help line at 1-833-MOCEANS

This week Madeline Rice, Executive Director for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County joins Lisa Anderson to talk about what’s new with the organization.  Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County was founded in 1997 by a group of dedicated parents who felt they had to help youth at risk in Ocean county.  It is a non-profit organization.   Although they are part of a National Organization, BBBSis self-funded through grants, generous donations and fundraising. Their vision is that all youth achieve their full potential, and their mission is to build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for the youths.For over 20 years, BBBS has been recruiting, screening, and matching "bigs" (mentors) with "littles" (youth) These mentoring relationships have changed the lives of hundreds of children throughout Ocean County.

Today’s guest is Madeline Rice who is the Executive Director for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County.  There are several other programs that have been introduced in the community, such as "Bigs in Blue" where the Toms River police Department, headed by Chief Mitch Little pairs children with a police officer mentor. High School students, juniors and seniors from area high schools are also mentors to area children in need.   For more information on the many services offered, please visit bbsoc.org or call 732-505-3400.

This is Around Ocean County with guest Michael Dominick, director of communications for the non-profit organization  Make A Wish Foundation New Jersey.  Each day Make A Wish Foundation creates life changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Since its inception in 1983, Make A Wish has granted the wishes of ten thousand children in NJ.  There are over sixty chapters across the country. Make A Wish is the legacy of Chris Greicious a seven year old boy from Phoenix whose wish was to become a police officer. Caring people in his community granted his wish, and set in motion a phenomenon that would create an unprecedented kind of charity.

This is another episode of Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson and guest Michael Dominick, director of communications for Make A Wish Foundation New Jersey.  Did you know there are four steps to granting wishes?  Step 1 is a referral for children who have reached the age of 2 1/2 and under the age of 18 at the time of referral, and have not received a wish from another wish granting organization may be eligible for a wish.  Hear the other wishes.  Plus, find out whysSummer months are the busiest time for Make A Wish NJ.  For more information, please visit nj.wish.org, or like them on Facebook.

It’s Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson and guest Lisa Champion, development director for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.   CCFA was formed in 1967, with the mission to improve the quality of life for children and adults suffering from Crohn's and Colitis and to find a cure. The foundation sponsors basic and clinical research, educational programs, support groups, webcasts, and a yearly camp for children.

Around Ocean County returns with Lisa Anderson and guest Lisa Champion, development director for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation  Fundraising is essential to CCFA. They hold walks, races and this August it's their BANDed Together event being held August 15th at the House of Independents in Asbury Park.  This fun event features three fantastic area bands, as well as great raffle prizes.   For more information about CCFA or BANDed Together, visit Crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

This is Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson.  Today, Lisa is joined by Heather Andersen, President and CEO for the Special Olympics of New Jersey.   Before 1968, the global movement known as Special Olympics was an idea for one visionary woman Eunice Kennedy Shriver.  This movement inspired the founder of Special Olympics New Jersey to bring this opportunity to the state.  Special Olympics is a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing pride into the lives of all involved. Their mission is to provide sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities completely free of charge.

We’re back with Heather Andersen, President and CEO for the Special Olympics of New Jersey.  All programs are free to eligible athletes including insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing and meals. Special Olympics NJ is making an impact on more than 25,000 athletes and their communities throughout the state. Special Olympics is the world's largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities, and the Family Program provides a safe, non-judgmental environment which focuses on acceptance, awareness and respect. For more information on becoming an athlete, volunteering or donating, visit sonj.org or call 609-896-8000.

This weekend’s Around Ocean County features guest Lisa Mulhearn, Development Associate for Ocean Mental Health Services.  Ocean Mental Health Services provides help and support to Ocean county residents experiencing a mental health issue. In addition, they also provide foster care, substance abuse counseling and services, group homes and partial day services to adults, children, and their families.   A private school, Ocean Academy, is a private alternative school for students grades 3 to 12 which uses a regular school curriculum along with art based therapy to educate children who may be experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or learning difficulties.