TOMS RIVER, N.J. - s4story -- This winter, The HOPE Center opened its doors to a new kind of partnership, connecting students, creativity, and community service. The local nonprofit, which provides for Ocean County individuals and families' basic needs when in crisis, is participating in Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) and Design 446's pilot program. The partnership allows students to gain valuable professional experience by applying their creative skills to real nonprofit needs.

Through the initiative, students from the Design and Visual Communications program on the Brick campus of OCVTS are paired with one of over 20 nonprofits from across New Jersey for a marking period-long project. Representatives from each nonprofit, the Design 446 team, and the instructors serve as mentors and clients to the students, providing guidance and feedback through the marking period.

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"We see this as a meaningful opportunity for both students and nonprofits," said Ann Marie Baker, Vice President of Design 446. "The students get real-world design experience, and the nonprofits get to see their mission and marketing through a fresh creative lens."

For The HOPE Center, this program provides both creative support and a chance to serve the Ocean County community in a new way. The organization is collaborating with a student designer to develop new branded icons, supporting the organization's mission and services.

"Our student partner brought interesting new ideas to the table," said Amy VanBezooijen, Executive Director of The HOPE Center. "He took the time to research and understand our mission and the people we serve, and it shows in the work he's creating."

At the conclusion of the marking period, students will showcase their completed work, and OCVTS and Design 446 hope to continue this partnership into the future. For participating nonprofits like The HOPE Center, the experience shows the strength of local collaboration and the impact of a community coming together.

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To learn more about The HOPE Center, visit houseofhopeocean.org, call at 732-341-4447, or send an email to info@houseofhopeocean.org.

About The HOPE Center

The HOPE Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization initiated by the Clergy Association of Greater Toms River. Within a place of hope and faith, the mission of The HOPE Center is to serve families in crisis with dignity and compassion, providing for their basic human needs, and striving to empower each person to achieve his or her greatest level of self-sufficiency. Current hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM. To reach The HOPE Center, call 732-341-4447. After 4 PM, for emergency services, please call 211.