Over 1,000 Served

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLCL Foundation's Community Threads Store Surpasses 1,000 Shoppers in Just Four Months

Community-Based Resource Provides Essential Items and Support to More Than 1,000 Individuals and Families

TOMS RIVER, N.J., July 9, 2026 — CLCL Foundation is proud to announce that its Community Threads Store (CTS) has served more than 1,000 shoppers between February 21 and June 30, marking a significant milestone in the registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization's mission to support individuals and families throughout the community.

Since opening its doors, Community Threads has become a trusted resource for residents seeking necessities such as clothing, linens, accessories, shoes, toys, books, baby supplies (including formula and diapers), small furniture, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, mobility items, and more. The store provides these resources in a welcoming environment that promotes dignity, accessibility, and community connection. Reaching more than 1,000 shoppers in just over four months demonstrates both the growing need for community-based support services and the positive impact of the Foundation's efforts.

"This milestone is about more than numbers—it's about people," said Tiffany deSousa, Founder and Board Chair of CLCL Foundation. "Every shopper who walks through our doors represents a family finding relief, a parent stretching their budget, or an individual being met with kindness and respect. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, donors, supporters, and community partners who made this achievement possible."

In addition to earning the trust of shoppers, the CLCL Foundation has received tremendous support from the community.

"As I said during the public comment process for use of the property, the Jersey Shore is a remarkably generous community," deSousa said. "We rise up and help our neighbors more than we often give ourselves credit for. We value the trust our donors place in us with every contribution and remain fully committed to providing those in need with free access to donated items."

The Community Threads Store represents the second phase of the Foundation's three-phase Community Cares Program Pilot. The first phase, the Community Care Connection (CCC) Warm Line, launched in Spring 2025. The second phase, Community Threads Store, is currently collecting and analyzing program data as part of a feasibility study to measure outcomes and inform future expansion. The third phase, anticipated to be launched in 2027, will introduce a referral system connected to the CCC Warm Line, coupled with delivery services for essential items needed by referred individuals and families.

CLCL Foundation is committed to empowering youth and families by providing vital resources and bridging gaps to critical services. Through genuine partnerships and community collaboration, the organization works to foster growth, resilience, and belonging in a safe and nurturing environment for all.

Community Threads helps bridge the gap for families and individuals facing financial challenges while promoting sustainability through the reuse and redistribution of quality clothing and essential household goods. Beneficiaries include families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, unhoused individuals, kinship and foster families, survivors of violence, former foster youth, veterans, students, and others facing hardship.

By providing free access to essential items, the store helps reduce financial strain, parental stress, and social isolation while empowering community members to meet every day needs and maintain stability.

In just over 130 days of operation, the store welcomed more than 1,000 shoppers, reflecting the strong community response to the Foundation's innovative, prevention-focused approach.

"Community Threads was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to basic necessities and the opportunity to thrive," deSousa added. "By providing these items, we are better able to prevent hardship, family crises, child maltreatment, youth homelessness, and other negative outcomes. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding our impact and continuing to serve our community with compassion and purpose."

As demand for services continues to grow, CLCL Foundation is actively seeking additional volunteers, donations, and community partnerships to support the continued success and future expansion of Community Threads.

About CLCL Foundation

The CLCL Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through programs and services that promote dignity, opportunity, and support for youth, individuals, and families. Through initiatives such as the Community Threads Store and Community Care Connection, the Foundation works to prevent crises by increasing access to essential resources, strengthening protective factors, and connecting community members to the support they need to thrive.

Media Contact

Tiffany deSousa
Founder & Board Chair
CLCL Foundation
Choose love. Celebrate life.
A Foundation for Youth & Families, Inc.
tdesousa@clclfoundation.org