Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Hulse, a man on a mission. His mission is to give back to the community in many ways. Paul is the CEO and one of the founders of Just Believe Inc.
Just Believe is a 501 C3 non-profit organization whose mission is to help the homeless and disenfranchised in Ocean County advance from homelessness to go on to become contributing members of society; through outreach advocacy, Code Blue Warming centers and affordable housing, working with non-profits and for-profit organizations to help people lead self-sustaining lives.
Paul and his crew held their Annual Craft Vendor Fair at the Lakehurst Community Center on Center Street in Lakehurst this past weekend. I was there with The RAT crew on Saturday afternoon to help host the event and raise awareness for this worthy organization.
I met some great folks that day, and I spoke with some of the vendors including Christal Aberle, a skincare specialist who focuses on organic products. This lady with the beautiful butterflies tattooed on the side of her neck really knows her stuff. Plus I purchased a few things including a couple of nazar keychains from Kelly’s Creations. A nazar is an eye-shaped amulet believed to protect against the evil eye. I’m sure you’ve seen them before. Jimmy Steal advised me to hang one of the keychains in the RAT air studio.
The Just Believe staff and volunteers sold raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets, and held a silent auction where the proceeds will help build a transitional housing center.
Did you know that Ocean County is the only county of the state’s 21 counties that doesn’t have a transitional housing center?
Transition centers provide a variety of resources to help the homeless and disenfranchised get back on their feet. Everything from social services and counseling, to assistance with job applications, help with finances, drug and alcohol counseling and assistance with finding permanent housing.
They also have a boutique thrift store at 734 Route 37W in Toms River, right across the parking lot from the Aldi grocery store that sells clothing, household items, and goods to fund their efforts. 100% of the money they take in funds the organization.
For more info about Just Believe Inc, please log on to: https://justbelieveinc.org/
Just Believe Inc’s Annual Craft Fair
