Bulletin Board Magazine [Volume 2 - 2025]

Barbara Schoor and her family have been involved with Collier Youth Services (Collier) since the time her father founded and began hosting its annual fundraising celebration back in the 1980’s. For the past 15+ years she has been serving the organization on its Board of Directors.Collier is a Monmouth County non-profit agency serving over 400 at-risk youth per year. Giving the youth a chance to grow toward their potential in an environment that promotes belonging, dignity and hope through the school programs, the residential programs, and summer camp. Collier’s residential programs provide vulnerable youth and young adults a safe environment where they are provided with opportunities that lead to growth, lasting change, and fulfillment. The homes provide nurturing and therapeutic environments where adolescents and young adults can achieve their personal and professional goals while working toward self-sufficiency and independence. In 2016, shortly after Professional Women in Building Council of the Garden State (PWB) was founded, charter member Barbara, with the help and support of Rebecca Raffa, introduced Collier Youth Services as the first recipient of their community outreach initiatives. The council quickly accepted a role in supporting the organization and a relationship blossomed. Building Futures for Local Youths Longtime SBACNJ Members Found & Continue to Serve Local Youth Service Group

Barbara initially identified that there was a need at the Collier Group Home in Red Bank for some renovation and remodeling that could potentially be met by PWB and supporting members of SBACNJ. That resulted in a “Spa Bath”, which was the renovation of a large bathroom that badly needed improvements and updates. This was something that gave the resident youth something meaningful that reflected the value we place on them so they could transfer that care to feeling loved and worthy. The relationship then took on a mentoring program, the Fireside chats, resulting in valuable and rewarding experiences for the youth and the PWB members, a deepening of the partnership. Members of the PWB, as well as the Association, continue to support the efforts of Collier to this day. PWB’s longtime support has further included holiday and event gift drives and fundraising. This ongoing support provides the youth at Collier Group Home and Collier House who would otherwise not have the opportunity for thriving and promising futures. For more information on the Collier Youth Services visit this site, or to learn more about joining PWBGS contact Gina@shorebuilders.org.

Article Provided by Barbara Schoor

Bulletin Board | 73 | www.shorebuilders.org