LONG BRANCH, N.J. - s4story -- Shore House has partnered with local student designers through a new pilot program created by marketing agency Design 446 and Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). The initiative connects students with nonprofit organizations, offering hands-on experience to design students while supporting missions that strengthen the community and uplift others.

This marking period, two students from the Design and Visual Communications program on the OCVTS Brick campus were paired with Shore House to develop branded icons and brand elements reflecting the organization's mission of empowering individuals living with mental illness through social, educational and employment opportunities. Throughout the project, the students worked closely with Shore House leadership, Design 446 mentors and OCVTS instructors.

"This program gives students the chance to work in a professional setting, learning design technique and understanding client feedback and direction, while helping nonprofit organizations do meaningful work in their own community," said Ann Marie Baker, Vice President of Design 446. "At the same time, nonprofits like Shore House benefit from fresh creative perspectives that thoughtfully reflect who they are and who they serve."

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"Our mission is about empowerment and opportunity, especially in education and in our members' careers, and this program reflects that," said Rich Ambrosino, Executive Director of Shore House. "Our students approached the project with care and respect for our members and our mission."

At the end of the marking period, students will present their completed work. Design 446 and OCVTS hope to continue the program in future semesters, creating more opportunities for students to learn while supporting local mental health organizations like Shore House.

To learn more about Shore House, visit https://shorehousenj.org/.

About Shore House

Founded by a mental health advocate and parent of a child diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Shore House is a community resource and a safe, welcoming gathering space for adults living with a mental illness. Shore House aims to empower and restore hope, independence and self-worth for people living with a mental illness by providing access to social, education and employment opportunities. Shore House is New Jersey's only accredited Clubhouse and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.