In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, the OceanFirst Foundation partnered with The Arc, Ocean County Chapter's North Bay Adult Training Center (ATC) in Toms River to create over 40 beautiful vases of vibrant flowers co-designed by people with disabilities and volunteers from the bank.
Participants at North Bay shopped for the flowers and supplies with a grant from the Foundation and created small, medium, and large arrangements of sunflowers, hydrangeas, carnations, baby's breathe, greenery, and beautiful organza bows with the OceanFirst WaveMakers.
Once the floral designs were completed by late morning, The Arc visited the Hooper Ave branch and sold all of the vases to their generous clients and employees with proceeds supporting the craft to continue floral design at program throughout the summer season.
"Teaching creative job skills like floral design to people with disabilities opens new doors for competitive employment in the community. With the support of the OceanFirst WaveMakers, participants will gain hands-on experience designing and selling floral arrangements, building confidence, workplace skills, and meaningful connections with the community," said Laura Williams, Executive Director.
We are always very grateful for our partnership with the OceanFirst Foundation and OceanFirst Bank, and especially their employees dedication to supporting the local community, and people with disabilities.
