Astro Bug

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - AstroBug -- Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is proud to announce that it has been named the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year by the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce (GTRCC). The award was presented on November 5^th at Argos Farms during the Chamber's annual awards reception, recognizing OPC's dedication to strengthening the community and enhancing the lives of young people and families throughout Ocean County.

During the acceptance speech, Liz Menges, Chief Operating Officer, accompanied by OPC's leadership team members, expressed her gratitude to the Chamber for recognizing OPC's commitment to Ocean County. "This recognition belongs to the entire OPC team, our community partners, supporters, the youth and families we serve, and the many individuals who believe in the potential of every young person," says Menges.

For more than two decades, OPC has served as Ocean County's Care Management Organization, connecting youth and families with the resources, services, and support they need to thrive. Since receiving its first referral in 2005, OPC has served more than 10,000 young people, providing individualized care management at no cost to families, regardless of income or insurance status.

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OPC's relationship with the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce reflects the very foundation of its mission: that natural and community support foster stronger outcomes. Through networking, community engagement, advocacy, and shared initiatives, the Chamber and its members have helped strengthen the network of support surrounding Ocean County families.

"They say it takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes a village to fuel the mission of a nonprofit," says Jessica Pepe, OPC's Development Coordinator and GTRCC Board member. "GTRCC and its members consistently show up to make meaningful change in our community, and OPC is so grateful for the support it has received over the years."

Ocean Partnership for Children is honored to receive this recognition and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and its members in building a stronger, more supportive Ocean County for youth and families.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.

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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 to the age of 21 who face mental health, substance use, and intellectual or developmental challenges. OPC aims 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. To learn more, visit OceanPartnership.org (https://www.oceanpartnership.org/) or OceanResourceNet.org (http://www.oceanresourcenet.org/).