New Bedford Ocean Cluster Introduces Logo Redesign Aligned With Its Mission

Nov 9, 2023 | Books, Business

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Nov. 8, 2023 – PRLog — The New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) announces the launch of our new logo, marking a significant moment in our ongoing organizational development. The newly unveiled logo reflects the organization’s goal to establish New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the surrounding region as the foremost ocean economy on the East Coast.

The motivation behind the logo redesign stems from a comprehensive marketing and communications planning process the NBOC has undertaken. While the NBOC just launched in late 2021, our journey began back in 2017 when we signed a partnership agreement with the Iceland Ocean Cluster, making us part of the global ocean cluster network. The Iceland Ocean Cluster and other cluster organizations worldwide are making their fisheries and ports more profitable and sustainable through the clustering concept. The NBOC’s Founders knew that New Bedford was fertile ground to do the same, and that vision drove the organization to where it is today.

In the words of the NBOC’s Executive Director Jennifer Downing, “Until now, we’ve shared a logo with the Iceland Ocean Cluster. Iceland has been a huge pioneer to the ocean cluster movement, so it has made a lot of sense to visually align with their brand. We continue to gain a lot of value from being a part of the network, and this will not change. However, the Port of New Bedford and our maritime economy is unique. We’ve also come a long way as an organization in just two years. It is time for the NBOC to have a distinct brand identity that captures our mission, values, and four pillars while also honoring the global ocean cluster network we proudly are part of.”

The New Bedford Ocean Cluster is a non-profit marine industry association that facilitates connections between maritime companies in greater New Bedford and strengthening their markets across the world. Our efforts are strategically focused on four interrelated marine industry pillars: Aquaculture, Commercial Fishing & Processing, Innovation & Technology, and Offshore Renewable Energy. According to Downing, “We have four industry pillars at the NBOC; while we want to see each prosper, we also seek to facilitate their intersection whenever possible. The convergence of industries will create a true ocean economy in the Port of New Bedford. It’s ambitious but incredibly exciting.”

The new logo now encapsulates these aspects, offering a holistic representation of the organization. This redesign symbolizes the New Bedford Ocean Cluster’s dedication to our mission, its uniqueness in the marine industry, and our commitment to growth and development.

“The ocean has always been a source of opportunity for the people who have come to New Bedford to build our city while building better lives for themselves,” said NBOC Board President John Bullard. “The Ocean Cluster is showing how related sectors of our ocean economy can thrive together through mutual respect and understanding.”

The New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to leverage New Bedford’s strategic coastal position and extensive ocean economy and knowledge base to attract investment, support the formation and growth of maritime businesses, and foster initiatives that can create economic and community impact from the sustainable use of ocean resources. The NBOC works collaboratively with the private sector, public sector, and academic institutions to establish New Bedford and the region as a leading ocean economy through the advancement of Aquaculture, Commercial Fishing & Processing, Innovation & Technology, and Offshore Renewable Energy. Visit us at https://nboc.org/

Ocean Partnership for Children issues Request for Proposals for 2024

Nov 8, 2023 | Books, Business

Ocean County based nonprofit celebrates 2023 Community Resource Development Fund Recipient and issues Request for Proposals for 2024.

OPC and HSL leadership at Ribbon Cutting Event.

OPC and HSL leadership at Ribbon Cutting Event.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Nov. 6, 2023 – PRLog — Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) had the honor of attending 2023 Community Resource Development (CRD) Fund awardee, HOPE Sheds Light’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the HOPE Sheds Light Youth Recovery Center on Wednesday, October 24, 2023, at 253 Chestnut Street, Toms River, NJ.

“Our goal is to bring together a variety of services for young people under one roof,” stated Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light. “The Youth Recovery Center offers a safe space with peer led recovery services, a GED lab as well as other opportunities for youth through our partnerships with the service providers. Young people need other young people that are interested in a similar lifestyle. They need to build a new peer group that has a social norm not focused on drug use, a new peer group that understands that a situation does not define you, but how you navigate your way through the situation builds character. Being led by an organization that is peer to peer, we bring our experiences, stories, voices and hope.”

HOPE Sheds Light (HSL) was awarded $67,788 through the CRD Fund to enhance HSL’s Recovery Center program options and offer a comprehensive continuum of recovery support services to adolescents impacted by personal and/or familial substance use disorder. The program will offer a variety of weekly youth recovery support groups as well as monthly sober social recreational activities. Certified peer recovery specialists will work with participants to help them identify their renewed values, beliefs and interests and to create a vision for their future that will serve as an incentive to sustain long term recovery. Each participant will develop their own recovery success plan that identifies their personal recovery goals.

“OPC is so pleased to award the 2023 CRD funds to HOPE Sheds Light. Their work is amazing, and the development of a sober peer community is essential for our youth,” said Mary Jo Buchanan, Executive Director of OPC. OPC provides care management services to children and youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, developmental, intellectual, and substance use needs, and their families. “As part of our contract with the New Jersey Children’s System of Care (CSOC), OPC has access to limited community resource development (CRD) funds designated for one-time use by community organizations to develop new, additional, and/or unique resources that address unmet or under-served needs in Ocean County. HOPE Sheds Light absolutely provides a unique and needed resource,” explained Buchanan.

With the success of the 2023 CRD Funds, OPC announced the next round of funding. The 2024 CRD Funds Request for Proposals was announced on October 30, 2023. Information can be found at: https://www.oceanpartnership.org/providers/community-resource-development-funds/ A maximum total of $67,788.07 is available to fund one or more projects for the 2024 CRD Fund. “Funding is to be used for expansion or creation of programs that serve Ocean County youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, developmental, intellectual, substance use needs, and their families,” said Buchanan.

Based on specific needs identified in Ocean County, projects that address the following areas will be given particular consideration:

  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)/neurodiverse social and therapeutic groups
  • IDD/neurodiverse mentoring and/or respite programs
  • Behavioral health services for young children 3-10 years old – i.e. play therapy, sand tray, Al’s Pals (therapeutic, psychoeducation, socialization)
  • Acute mental health needs
    • First Episode Psychosis Program
    • Suicide – therapeutic groups, support groups
  • Social determinants of health – housing, early education, childcare, food, minority status (i.e Spanish speaking, Orthodox Jewish, LGBTQIA)
  • Integrated Health programs
  • Services that support parenting needs
  • Specialized Childcare for youth with behavioral health needs
  • Specific Spanish speaking services and/or groups.
  • Services to address (Adverse Childhood Experiences) ACEs in children.
  • Prevention services for youth that have parents/guardians suffering from or deceased due to addiction.
  • Services to address youth that suffering from eating disorders.
  • Evidence-based behavior parent training treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders that places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns.

“As Ocean County’s Care Management Organization, we are part of the New Jersey Children’s System of Care and are responsible for linking youth in crisis to resources to help them heal and succeed,” Buchanan added.

To learn more about Ocean Partnership for Children, visit OceanPartnership.org.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.
Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org or www.oceanresourcenet.org.

Ocean Partnership for Children Celebrates Acceptance, Empowerment and Inclusion

Jun 21, 2023 | Books, Business

Members of the OPC Team at Toms River Pride

Members of the OPC Team at Toms River Pride

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – June 20, 2023 – PRLog — In honor of Pride and Immigrant Heritage Month, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) actively participated in community events celebrating diversity and fostering unity. “OPC is committed to helping foster a society that embraces every individual, regardless of their background, orientation, or origin,” stated Mary Jo Buchanan, LCSW, MPA, Executive Director of OPC.

On June 4, OPC proudly marched in the Asbury Park Pride parade alongside mental health agencies, healthcare agencies, supportive businesses, community groups and members and LGBTQ+ entertainers. Additionally, OPC participated in and sponsored Toms River Pride with a resource table on June 10. Both events provided robust resources to attendees and opportunities for organizations and groups to collaborate with one another to best serve and support the community.

“Pride events like Toms River Pride and Asbury Park Pride are so important to the LGBTQ+ community. They are a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and instill hope and acceptance for queer members of the community. Additionally, these events increase awareness for the LGBTQ+ community and the issues they face,” stated Kaitlin Lord, OPC Community Resource and Social Media Specialist and YAS Coordinator/Facilitator. “Pride is an amazing opportunity for LGBTQ+ members of the community to learn more about supportive organizations and services that are available. For youth and families, Pride reinforces acceptance and empowerment within the community,” continued Liz Menges, MA, LPC, ACS, OPC Assistant Director of Clinical Operations and YAS Coordinator/Facilitator.

Menges and Lord proudly represented OPC at a roundtable community discussion led by Congressman Gottheimer on LBGTQ+ youth and the barriers that impact them. OPC is an active and strong advocate on all levels for youth and families to ensure our community is an accepting and equitable place for all.

OPC also had a presence at the 2023 Immigrant Heritage Celebration, facilitated by Community Ambassadors of Ocean County on June 3 at the Church of Grace and Peace. Families from around the world came together to share in a day of food, fun and information on health and wellness. OPC was represented with a resource table, providing families with a deeper understanding of care management services and information on accessing this help for their youth. “As families visited the OPC table, they exchanged smiles, stories about their journey to the United States and took part in craft activities, painting garden stones with an image or words that bring them happiness,” explained Rosbel Aguilar, MA, LPC, NCC, OPC Care Manager Supervisor and Ocean County Latino Engagement Group Member representing OPC. “Often families will share that they walk away from these events with gratitude and a greater sense of connection and inclusion,” continued Aguilar. “Attending and participating in these events guides us in our mission of enhancing the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports.”

OPC’s commitment to acceptance, empowerment and inclusion does not end in June. OPC strives to educate and foster equal opportunities that promote growth for all while ensuring every individual is included and has a voice. OPC is a member of the recently formed Ocean County Latino Engagement Group, which addresses the more recent increase of new immigrants to Ocean County, many being Latino. The group is a coalition of Ocean County agencies including: Ocean County Youth Services Commission, Ocean County Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council, Ocean County Human Services, Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Lakewood High School, Community Ambassadors, OPC, Ocean County PIC, RWJ Barnabas Institute for Prevention and Ocean County Family Support Organization, among other agencies. Through support groups, OPC is constant resource and advocate for the youth and families of Ocean County. OPC partners with PFLAG Jersey Shore offering Your Authentic Self (YAS) LGTBQ+ youth support groups in conjunction with PFLAG’s adult support groups. These groups are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm.

OPC is committed to developing an agency and community where all individuals feel safe being present as their authentic, whole selves and to challenging those systems, institution, and practices that do not support this goal. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the definitive principles that guide how OPC serves youth and families, cultivates community relationships and creates an agency where everyone, regardless of gender, race, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or other dimension of diversity, feels welcome, valued and respected.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.
Founded in 2005, OPC is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org.

4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. Renew Global Ocean-Positive Sustainability Partnership Goal to Remove 150,000 Pounds of Trash from World’s Oceans

May 19, 2023 | Business

4ocean, a purpose-driven B Corp with a mission to end the ocean plastic crisis, in partnership with U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), are pleased to announce the extension of their partnership. The two entities have committed to removing 150,000 pounds of trash from the world’s oceans through the 4ocean Pound+ Services, now through 2024.
4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn.’s partnership began in early 2021 and successfully led to the removal of 60,000 pounds of plastic from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines. The two organizations worked together during that time towards ocean-positive sustainability with the help of 88 crew members and seven ocean vessels, with most of the waste being pulled in Indonesia across six specific beaches. This year’s goal more than doubles the previous year’s accomplishment.

“I’m stoked about the extension of our partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. and their commitment to increasing the amount of trash and plastic they pull,” said Alex Schulze, co-founder of 4ocean. “It’s inspiring to see a company take such a proactive approach to sustainability that will have a measurable impact on the ocean. U.S. Polo Assn. committing to 2.5 times the amount of trash and plastic they pulled last year is a bold move, and I’m excited to see the results of this initiative.”

Schulze added, “We are proud to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn. and other partners to make a positive impact on our ocean.”

This meaningful partnership is a component of U.S. Polo Assn.’s overarching sustainability initiative USPA Life, which works towards improving the impact of our business on the environment. The USPA Life initiative also offers a global and growing selection of apparel, footwear, and accessories with sustainable attributes.

“U.S. Polo Assn. has been taking a global and holistic approach to our long-term sustainability journey with initiatives like our 4ocean partnership and USPA Life,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing Inc., which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We have been working diligently to improve our global footprint through products that are better for the environment and through partnerships with organizations like 4ocean that share our mission and vision for a sustainable future.”

4ocean was the Official Sustainability Partner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final, collecting plastic and trash from the prestigious and sold-out event in April at the USPA National Polo Center. 4ocean also had a series of commercial spots run during the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final on multiple ESPN platforms, bringing awareness to millions of consumers and sports fans. Click here for more information.

To learn more about the partnership, please visit uspoloassnglobal.com/4ocean.

About 4ocean

4ocean is an ocean cleanup company based in Boca Raton, Florida, that’s dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, 4ocean harnesses the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation that recovers millions of pounds of plastic and other debris from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines each year.

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named one of the top five sports licensors in 2022, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

Contact Information:
Stacey Kovalsky
Senior Director, Global Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Jonathan Marshall
4ocean PR Specialist
jonathan.marshall@4ocean.com


Topic: Press release summary

Ocean Partnership for Children collaborates with Community Organizations for Autism Awareness

Apr 13, 2023 | Books, Business

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – April 11, 2023 – PRLog — Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is celebrating Autism Awareness throughout the month of April with a variety of internal and community events.

Internally, the OPC team is increasing awareness while raising funds for POAC Autism Services, providing a variety of services to youth, parents and families. Melinda Santiago-Owens, MA, IDD Certified, one of OPC’s Care Manager Supervisors worked closely with her team to design and develop several t-shirts and hoodies celebrating Autism Awareness. OPC staff purchase the shirts, with the proceeds going to POAC Autism Services. “I am so passionate about Autism Awareness and Acceptance, that I can’t wait until every April when we at OPC call attention to issues facing youth with autism, their parents and caregivers, and their families. I’m excited that we also get to raise funds for other community partners doing this work,” stated Santiago. OPC staff wear their t-shirts and hoodies every Tuesday in April for POSITIVI-TEE Tuesdays.

OPC will be participating in the Ocean County Library Autism Resources Fair taking place on April 15 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Toms River Branch (101 Washington St, Toms River). This event is open to the public. Members of the OPC team will be providing resources and information while making connections with other partners in the field. “We are so grateful to the Toms River Library for holding this event to celebrate April as Autism month and to not only increase awareness, but to provide needed resources and help”, stated Mary Jo Buchanan, LCSW, MPA, Executive Director of OPC.

“Events held during Autism Awareness month are critical to getting the word out to parents, caregivers and families with autistic youth or young adults,” stated Buchanan. “Often parents feel overwhelmed and do not know where to turn when they receive the diagnosis for their child. These types of events provide information, resources and connection not only with professionals, but with other parents and families experiencing similar challenges,” Buchanan continued.

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national rate for children identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 36 children. This statistic is based on their evaluation of health and educational records of 8-year-old children in 2020 in 11 states, including New Jersey. New Jersey now has the third highest rate of autism in the nation: 1 in 34 children, or 2.9% of 8-year-old children.

Over 25% of the youth that OPC provides care coordination for are on the autism spectrum. “Because of the prevalence of youth that OPC services on the autism spectrum, the agency is committed to not only providing care coordination, but also serving as a resource for parents, caregivers and families,” Buchanan noted. The agency has several care manager teams specializing in working with these youth and families, a regular roundtable is provided for consultation and training for the OPC care managers, and OPC staff participate in state roundtables to discuss specific youth needs and potential resources.

In addition to organizations like POAC and the Toms River Library, OPC actively participates with a variety of community agencies serving youth with autism. OPC staff participate in the I/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) Subcommittee of the Ocean County Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC), which brings together all agencies serving youth with these challenges on a regular basis to discuss trends, needs and share resources. Additional resources provided by OPC include a full-time I/DD Specialist who assist families with applying for services through the Children’s System of Care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Connections program, a program for youth and young adults to help them make friends and focus on wellness.

“Each individual, family member, caregiver and friend experience autism differently. Today and every day, the OPC team works to celebrate the achievements of neurodiverse people and provide connections, education and resources to the community,” stated Buchanan.

For additional information about autism, please consider the following resources:

POAC Autism Services
poac.net/about-foundation

AUTISM NEW JERSEY
Information, education, and policy initiatives related to ASD
800-4-AUTISM
www.autismnj.org

NJ EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM
Services for children under the age of 3 years with developmental delays or disabilities
www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/

AUTISM FAMILY SERVICES OF NEW JERSEY
Support services for families living with ASD
877-237-4477
www.autismfamilyservicesnj.org

NJ DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Special education services for school-aged children with disabilities
www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

MOM2MOM
24/7 peer-support for parents of children with special needs
877-914-6662
www.mom2mom.us.com

STATEWIDE PARENT ADVOCACY NETWORK
Support for parents, including parents of children with special needs
800-654-7726
www.spannj.org

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.

Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

Ocean Partnership for Children is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org or oceanresourcenet.org.