Last Month's Highlights
Thank you to the following organizations for hosting donation drives for 180!
Bayshore Medical Center
GlobalLogic
GFWC Woman's Club of Matawan
Hope Presbyterian Church (Tinton Falls)
On May 1, 180 board members and staff attended the “Women Making a Difference” luncheon hosted by the Junior League of Monmouth County. We were proud to nominate Survivor Board Member and dedicated 180 volunteer, Ashley Reid. Ashley plays an integral role at 180, spearheading awareness campaigns such as Paint the Town Purple, partnering with the Mental Health Association to educate participants on supporting individuals in crisis, and serving on both the Development and Gala Committees. She is also Co-Chair of the Survivor Board. Ashley was among fierce competition. The winner, selected from 15 deserving women, was Robin Klein, a longtime supporter and friend of 180. Congratulations to all of the inspiring women nominated!
On May 6, 180 hosted our annual Mother’s Day Boutique, welcoming over 60 survivors and their children for an evening filled with care, joy, connection, and unforgettable moments. Thanks to a generously donated space at Bell Works from the Holmdel Township Police Department, families enjoyed a variety of activities, including: therapy dog visit from Your Wellness and Healing LLC, tarot card readings with The Shy Empress, chair massages by Mama Yogi LLC, permanent jewelry from Forever Golden, flower bouquet making, delicious dinner from 26 West on the Navesink, and a Nespresso coffee bar supported by Williams Sonoma of Shrewsbury. A special thank you to board members Carol Stillwell and Melissa Lowry for their sponsorships and to every volunteer, donor, and supporter who brought so much magic to the evening. We'd especially like to recognize the tremendous volunteer efforts of Atrium Staffing, Guardian Life, and Monmouth County Daughters of Ireland.
On May 6, Brooks Chandler, dedicated 180 volunteer and junior at Ranney School, received a special resolution from Assemblywoman Margie Donlon in recognition of his outstanding volunteer leadership and inspiring creation of "Hope in Dark Light." Piloted in March, "Hope in Dark Light" is a movie night created for survivors and their loved ones, with plans for it to become an ongoing program at 180. What began as Brooks' lifelong passion for film has grown into a meaningful source of healing and connection for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families. Thank you to Brooks, the Chandler family, and Assemblywoman Donlon for their continued support of 180.
On May 12, 180 proudly participated in JBJ Soul Kitchen’s 8th Annual Day of Hope Walk. Each year, this inspiring event brings together local organizations with a shared mission of creating positive, lasting change throughout the community. We were honored to join fellow partners, advocates, and supporters in raising awareness, fostering connection, and celebrating the power of hope and collaboration. Events like the Day of Hope Walk remind us that meaningful change happens when communities come together in support of one another.
On May 14, 180’s Harbour Light program welcomed volunteers from Keller Williams for "Red Day," their annual Day of Service. A dedicated team of 50 Ocean Living agents and 10 vendors helped enhance and beautify the community for all residents. In addition to donating their time and expertise, the group completed many projects around the property, including power washing, painting, cleaning, replacing lights, landscaping, planting flowers, building vegetable gardens, building a paver walkway, and adding rubber mulch to the playground. The team also generously provided backpacks filled with essential items, bathing suits and towels, and a new basketball hoop with basketballs. Thanks to their kindness and support, Harbour Light residents are looking forward to a fun and memorable summer ahead.
On May 15, 180 welcomed 10 volunteers from Trinity Hall across two of our sites. At the Family Justice Center in Freehold, volunteers assisted in creating a warm and welcoming waiting area for the survivors we serve. This thoughtful effort supports our ongoing mission of providing a safe, calming environment where clients can feel more at ease while navigating difficult and unfamiliar circumstances. By fostering a space centered on comfort and compassion, the Family Justice Center continues working to ensure survivors feel supported throughout their healing journey. At the main office in Hazlet, volunteers helped to sort and organize donated items for our Care Corridor, a pantry area providing non-perishable food, hygiene and personal care products, clothing, diapers and baby formula, and other necessities for our clients. By ensuring these essential resources are organized and readily accessible, the Care Corridor continues to provide critical support that helps clients meet their immediate needs while building stability on their path toward safety and healing. Thank you, Trinity Hall, for all your hard work.
Needless to say, May was an incredibly busy and impactful month at 180! We are deeply grateful for the engagement, generosity, and support of our community, which allows us to go above and beyond in serving survivors and their families with care, compassion, and dignity. Thank you for standing alongside us and helping make this important work possible.
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