We’re back with Paul Hulse, co-founder and director of the non-profit organization "Haven Beat the Streets."  They provides shelter, food, job referrals and placement, education and training and treatment for addiction for the homeless population in Ocean County.  Area restaurants donate food and volunteers cook and serve the residents during the months they sleep at the facility.   For more information, visit havenstreets.org.

This is Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson.  Todays’ guests are Lynn Snyder, founder and executive director of the non profit organization Common Ground Grief Center, along with Chef Mike Jurusz, owner of Chef Mike's ABG, one of the many chefs who takes a child from Common Ground under their wing and teach them how to make their loved one's favorite dish.  Today, they’re discussing the 6th annual Chef's Extraordinaire Culinary Food and Wine Tasting to be held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Park. Proceeds from this event goes towards funding for Common Ground's many resources to provide counseling and therapy for children ages 6-18 who have lost a parent or sibling. Common Ground treats the entire family as a whole, offering counseling, art therapy and more.

It’s Around Ocean County and joining Lisa are Lynn Snyder, founder and executive director of the non profit organization Common Ground Grief Center, along with Chef Mike Jurusz, owner of Chef Mike's ABG.   What began as a grass roots organization in 2009 in the basement of a church has grown tremendously over the past ten years.  Common Ground Grief Center now operates out of a large home at 67 Taylor Avenue in Manasquan.   At Common Ground, they feel a safe, caring environment along with being in the presence of other children who have experienced similar losses helps them feel less alone and more understood. For more information, please visit commongroundgriefcenter.org.

Welcome to Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson and guest Michael Dominick, director of communications for Make A Wish New Jersey.  Make a Wish fulfills the wishes of children faced with a life threatening illness.  Last year, over 500 wishes were granted in New Jersey through the generosity of donors, fundraising and grants.  Make A Wish believes that a wish experience can be a game changer. This belief guides them in everything they do.   Make A Wish is the legacy of Chris Greicius, a seven year old boy from Arizona.  His wish to become a police officer set in motion a phenomenon that created an unprecented kind of charity.  The New Jersey chapter was founded in 1983 and serves the entire state.  The Samuel and Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place is the headquarters for Make A Wish New Jersey and is in fact a very large castle. Tours are open to the public.

You’re listening to Around Ocean County and Michael Dominick is here to talk about Make A Wish New Jersey.  Make a Wish fulfills the wishes of children faced with a life threatening illness.  Last year, over 500 wishes were granted in New Jersey through the generosity of donors, fundraising and grants.  For the last nine years, Jersey Mike's Subs franchises are proud to give back to many charities during the entire month of March.  Donations can be made at 67 Jersey Mike's locations across the state.  It's also a nationwide event.  On March 27th, the entire days’ proceeds from Jersey Mike's locations will be given to Make A Wish New Jersey.  They are proud and honored to be the recipients for the last three years.  This enables Make A Wish to continue to grant the wishes of hundreds of children.  For more information, visit nj.wish.org.

This is Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson and her guests today are Joann Burney (founder of Allaire Community Farm) and Allison Monte, staff volunteer.  Allaire Community Farm is now 501C3 non-profit organization.   What began as a small venture soon became a sanctuary for abused and neglected animals.   The Burneys eventually bought a larger piece of land in Wall and began constructing several barns and buildings in order to accommodate the animals and groups of disabled, at risk and veterans with PTSD.  Today, there are hundreds of volunteers that are helped through various programs.  Therapeutic horseback riding for Veterans with PTSD,  autistic children, children with Down Syndrome and at risk teens is offered.

You’re listening to Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson and Joann Burney and Allison Monte from Alliaire Community Farm.  What began as a small venture is now a sanctuary for abused and neglected animals.  Pre-employment education programs such as gardening, soil conservation, and more is taught to older individuals who have graduated school and are looking for employment.  Children who are victims of bullying, self harm and depression are also involved in programs with the animals and the farm.   The goal of Allaire Community Farm is  people who help people with animals and nature. Please visit Allairecommunityfarm.org for information on how to volunteer or become a part of this family of incredible people.

This week features an interview with Michael Owen, Chief Human Resources Officer and General Council for Easter Seals of New Jersey.  What began as a small organization to help the under served in 1907 by a physician named Edgar Allen, has grown into a nationwide organization with over 60 chapters across the country. Before  the Americans with Disabilities Act Law was passed in 1990, people with disabilities of all kinds faced discrimination in such areas as employment, transportation, public services, and access to information.  This piece of legislation helped reverse the difficulties they faced each day. Easter Seals NJ strives to continue to provide a plethora of services for those who face both physical and developmental disabilities.

Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson continues with Michael Owen, Chief Human Resources Officer and General Council for Easter Seals of New Jersey.  They are also very instrumental in helping children and young adults with autism, as well as  Veterans, Seniors, Businesses and Caregivers. For more information on how you can help Easter Seals NJ by volunteering and/or fundraising, please visit eastersealsnj.org.

This is Around Ocean County with Lisa Anderson.  This week, Lisa is speaking with Joan Acevedo from the American Heart Association.  February is GO Red for Women, and Joan, a heart attack survivor and board member, offers  healthy heart tips and suggestions for living a heart healthy life. For more information on tips, how you can become involved with the AHA, please visit GoRedforwomen.org.