Meet Our Partners
As a community-based program, we highly value our partnerships and appreciate our neighbors embracing us with open arms. These partnerships help fulfill our mission to promote socially-equitable opportunities & accepting environments for all.
Asbury Park Book Cooperative
ABC is a community-run bookstore that "promotes literacy, culture, cooperative economics, racial and social justice, supports local artists, and provides ways for people to connect to each other through events, clubs, and activities." ABC is a volunteer & community run bookstore, as well as the welcoming home-base for Blue Dot. We have our home office located here and host unique social groups open to the general public including, but not limited to topic areas such as: brain health, podcasting, volunteer group, social health, and more
Monmouth University Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
The Monmouth University OTD program has supported the Blue Dot mission from the start! Their fieldwork students will be providing meaningful & functional programming & naturally expanding our peer network to increase opportunity for positive social interactions
PORTA
"Porta is a stand for going after what you want in life with velocity, gratitude, and lightness." They absolutely live up to their word as they've embraced the blue dot community with open arms. On a weekly basis, Porta offers access to space for us to use for group activities, really helping us to achieve our goals of community inclusion. They also chose us as the recipients for their "Cocktail for a Cause" initiative in July 2023, helping to support our program and spread awareness to the greater community. We are so appreciative of their generosity and look forward to a prosperous friendship with the Porta community. Not to mention, both their food and atmosphere make it so we never want to leave!
Pat’s 30 Acres
Pat's 30 Acres is a beautiful, outdoor venue located in Wall, NJ. "Hard work and dedication from its members is what keeps Pats 30 Acres still operating." Pat's 30 Acres shares their space with our community on a weekly basis, allowing us the opportunity to host social gatherings in a unique and special setting. We hope to help contribute to the sanctity of this property with our dedication to community service.
Ocean Avenue Stompers
The Ocean Avenue Stompers are local brass band filled with spirit and soul, providing their audiences with "a truly unique experience at every performance." They've shown the blue dot community unconditional support from the start and are gracious in coming up with creative ways to welcome and include us in the Asbury Park community.
Virginia A. Cory Community Garden
The Virginia A. Cory Community Garden is run by "group of citizens who work together to create a successful garden and improve their community. The garden provides the opportunity for participants to grow their own produce, following organic practices, and donate produce to local organizations for individuals in need." We are so grateful to be part of the "group of citizens" who help with this mission. This connection allows our community to both connect with nature and one another.
The Center
The Center in Asbury Park, Inc., is not-for-profit service organization, located in Asbury Park, NJ, providing support services for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as their caregivers. This organizations offers a safe haven, instilling community and stability as well as permanent, supportive housing for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The Blue Dot community helps deliver fresh produce, that we harvest at the Monmouth University Community Garden, to The Center and we look forward to supporting this organization and their mission in other ways as well.
The Blue Dot Fashion Show at Destination Asbury
A group session at our first home, Asbury Book Cooperative
A Tiki Boat Celebration Ride courtesy of our friends at IA Wealth
A day trip to volunteer and learn at Liberty Haven Farm, Howell
One of our many weekly evening nights at Pat’s 30 Acres
Visiting our friends at Nourished by Nature to enjoy our collab Blue Dot smoothie!
Custom Blue Dot jackets designed by the one and only Christian Benner
Mary’s Place by the Sea
Mary's Place by the Sea is an organization in Ocean Grove, NJ dedicated to "supporting women with cancer through integrative services which complement their medical treatment and empower, educate and support their healing: mind, body and soul." Spreading joy is one of our priorities, so we have connected with local brides, grooms, and florists to sustainably repurpose floral arrangements and deliver them to organizations such as Mary's Place by the Sea. We hope that delivering a little bit of color + a lot of love, joy, and kindness can help brighten a moment or day.
Destination Asbury Boutique
Destination Asbury Boutique is a mother-daughter owned local shop that feels like a warm hug. Greeted by the charming duo and their lovely team, you immediately feel welcome. Their clothing and accessories are the best mix of high quality, funky, and on-trend. They are on Cookman Ave, directly next door to us at the Asbury Book Cooperative. We've held our first annual collaborative and inclusive fashion show, where our community members got to wear the newest styles, strut down the runway with confidence, and be celebrated by the community that gathered in support. We are so happy to have such supportive neighbors and are excited to be on this journey of small, women-owned business with our friends at Destination Asbury!
Cookman Creamery
If you haven't tried Cookman Creamery in Asbury Park yet, you need to get over there! The lines out the door are not only worth the short wait, but also a testament to their delicious ice cream offerings and the staple they are in the community. In our first summer as Asbury locals, Cookman Creamery developed an ice cream flavor for us: "Blue Butterfly for Blue Dot" in order to help spread awareness about our services and offerings. Delicious ice cream, and an even sweeter team.
Jewish Family & Children's Services
Blue Dot volunteers at JFCS Food Pantry weekly where we help pack over 300 food bags for families in Asbury Park. Together, each week they provide enough food for 6-8 meals for a family of four. Their goal is to provide the healthiest and most sustainable food possible for the less fortunate in the community, emphasizing, “Quality for ALL.” Blue Dot was honored as “volunteers of the year” in 2023 and we are so grateful for this valuable partnership.
Kula Farm
Kula Farm provides on-site job training, educational programs, workshops, farm to table dinners and free, fresh produce to neighbors in need. They also transform vacant lots into community gardens and manage a hydroponic greenhouse. Produce is sold to the public as well as to local restaurants such as White Chapel Projects, Cardinal, Watermark, Barrio Costero, Reyla, The Grand Tavern, Pulp, Medusa, and Pasta Volo. Blue dot volunteers at Kula Farm weekly to help promote their mission of nutrition, community gardening, wellness and education, while learning valuable, functional job skills.
Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar
Natural gemstones, woods, and crystals have always lifted Shayna’s spirits. She realized early on that when you do what you love, when you envision, create, and share your work with people, the energy is contagious. Just like blue dot, bringing happiness to others has always been so important. People are used to mass produced products, but when you create something with your hands it's made with love and care and it is just special! Blue dot and Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar have teamed up for the Holidays to create bracelets and spread joy to the local community with messages of encouragement, love and kindness.
KASED Clothing
Kristina is the owner and founder of KASED Clothing. KASED stands for K-reative, A-thletic – S-uccessful E-mpowered D-auntless, and that is how she wants every woman to feel when they put on these clothes. She always had a love for fashion and online shopping, but she first came up with the idea for KASED after having three knee surgeries. Feeling frustrated with no longer being able to wear heels all the time, she wanted to design clothes that were fashionable yet comfortable. Blue dot and Kased recently teamed up for a photo shoot as we modeled her beautiful clothing and accessories promoting our mission to bridge the gap and celebrate all of our uniqueness!
Liberty Haven Farm, Howell
The mission of Liberty Haven Farm is to cultivate and empower individuals to embody kindness, compassion, and stewardship towards themselves, each other, animals, and our planet. Through inclusive programs and initiatives, they inspire action, foster empathy, and strive for a world where every being is valued and respected. Blue Dot volunteers regularly at the animal rescue farm, contributing to farm tasks, fostering connections with nature and the animals, and learning important lessons about how volunteering benefits our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
St. Michaels’ Episcopal Church, Wall
Saint Michael's Episcopal Church is a welcoming and faithful community, working to bring Christ to the community and the world. Saint Michael's is a diverse congregation that enjoys gathering for worship, socializing, and supporting each other in growing in Christ. They kindly share their space with our community on a weekly basis, allowing us the opportunity to host dinner and social gatherings in a unique and special setting.
Jenni’s Toys
Jenni’s toys mission is giving to those who are less fortunate during the holiday season with toys, clothes, medical needs and food. Their annual toy drive brings joy to so many during the Holiday Season! Each year, our community members shop for individuals on Jenni’s list with dedication utilizing their executive functioning skills, financial literacy and of course compassion and love.
MOGO, Asbury Park
A casual Korean fusion eatery bringing traditional Korean flavors to the masses one taco at a time. Their simple yet diverse menu blends high quality meats, fish or tofu, and fish produce seasoned in their special homemade Korean marinades. Located on Cookman Avenue, MOGO, the Korean translation for EAT, aims to provide a healthier yet savory alternative to typical fares. MOGO has opened their hearts and doors and has joined blue dot in promoting a more inclusive workforce as they utilize our supported employment model to offer employment to our community members who are ready to join the labor force.
Nourished by Nature, Belmar
Nourished by Nature founded by Cassandra Quarantello is committed to connecting health to the food we eat and the products we use. During her healthful eating journey she ventured into focusing on a plant-based diet in college, which included juicing and opening her own business. Nourished by Nature is dedicated to showing the next generation how to live a healthy lifestyle. Blue Dot and Nourished by Nature not only share an address in Belmar, but also the mission of wellness and how important it is to be educated on what we put into our bodies and how it impacts our overall wellness.
Lead U
Engage. Educate. Empower. Founded by former educators JD Wilson and Kelly Coulson, Lead U customizes empowerment experiences for learners of all ages. The Lead U team is a crew of passionate teaching artists who deliver high energy, impactful programs. Lead U was acquired by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) in 2021. Lead U and Blue Dot share the same philosophy and importance of mental health. With Lead U we engage in team building activities and collaborate together and created social content spreading the message and power of feeling a sense of belonging, building resilience, and the positive effects on our mental health.
Two River Mushrooms, Millstone
Two River Gourmet Mushrooms is a small-scale mushroom farm situated on a farmland preserve in historic Millstone, N.J. They grow high quality USDA Organic mushrooms for the passionate, knowledgeable, and creative chef or home cook who desires only the finest ingredients. They currently provide our Gourmet Organic Mushrooms to 40 of New Jersey's finest restaurants. They also supply 16 retail locations, several local farmers’ markets and CSAs. Two River Mushroom varieties include Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, Pioppino, Lion’s Mane, Chestnut, and many others. Blue Dot’s Market proudly sells Two River Mushroom Lion’s Mane Broth.
St. Andrews, Spring Lake
Jenni’s toys mission is giving to those who are less fortunate during the holiday season with toys, clothes, medical needs and food. Their annual toy drive brings joy to so many during the Holiday Season! Each year, our community members shop for individuals on Jenni’s list with dedication utilizing their executive functioning skills, financial literacy and of course compassion and love.
Oshin Oil
As an awarded chef, entrepreneur, author, and community activist, Marilyn Schlossbach spent 30+ years developing her brand of New American cuisine. Marilyn is now bringing her commitment to a sustainable coastal lifestyle to the beauty industry with the launch of Oshin Oil: a blend of fast absorbing, non-pore clogging essential oils powered by moringa seed oil. Blue Dot proudly carries oshin oil in our Market. We enjoyed learning how Oshin oil with moringa is full of nutrients, high in palmitic and linoleic acids, and contains vitamins A and C, omega unsaturated fats and antioxidants. It has almost every nutrient that you need for healthy skin without adding any harmful chemicals!
Christian Benner
Christian Benner is a New York-based fashion designer known for his custom distressed leather jackets and band tees. Benner’s designs have been worn by countless celebrities, artists and musicians. His designs have been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Vogue, W Magazine and Billboard Magazine, among many other publications. When Christian Benner and Abby Rarig contacted us for a visit to the studio in Asbury Park and surprised us with a custom made blue dot jacket we truly felt the love. Their art and creativity is such an inspiration to all of us!
Investment Advisors Wealth Management
At IA-Wealth uses their deep financial knowledge and life experience to develop a plan, implement financial strategies and work together with their clients. We formed an instant friendship with Jim and Erin, our neighbors in Belmar. Their kindness and compassion led to a tiki boat ride where we came together to celebrate our successes. They help remind us how important financial literacy is in our lives whether it be planning for our future or our day to day money management and budgeting.
Henry’s Haven
Henry’s Haven is a non-profit animal sanctuary that believes all animals have the right to be treated with care, love, and respect. The happiness, security, and comfort of every animal that lives at Henry’s Haven is their priority. Henry’s Haven has created opportunities for new relationships to form between our blue dot community members and animals in a safe and comfortable setting. We have learned the mutual sharing of love and peace can be a powerful source of healing and connection especially for more vulnerable populations, like people with developmental disabilities or memory loss disorders and we love visiting, volunteering and learning about farm animals.
