LEARNING CENTER OPENS AT COUNTY JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER
TOMS RIVER - Citing education as a key component to a productive life and a successful future, Ocean County
officials joined with staff and members of the law enforcement community to officially open a new Learning Center at the
Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, here.
"The Ocean County Juvenile Services Department is here to help at risk youth develop into more secure individuals, to
promote positive changes in their personal development and remain productive and socially adjusted members of the
community," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly, who also serves as Director of Law and Public Safety. "This new center
will help to further that mission."
Joining with Kelly in cutting a ribbon signifying the completion of work and the grand opening of the facility was Robert
Coughlin, Director of the Ocean County Department of Juvenile Services, William P. Hoey Jr., Superintendent of the Ocean
County Vocational Technical Schools. Freeholder Gerry P. Little and members of the center staff.
"Gone are the trailers that were located here for some time, replaced with a new education center that houses classrooms,
a multipurpose room, upgraded security and a host of amenities that will benefit those using it," Kelly said. "We are
very pleased to see this project completed and now in use as we begin a new school year."
The $2.4 million addition at the Sunset Avenue facility is 8,900-square-feet of new space that houses the
education center including four classrooms, a library, multipurpose room and other amenities.
"Education needs a proper and appropriate setting," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who is a former educator.
"This new center creates the right environment for these students, setting the proper tone and making learning a
beneficial experience."
Coughlin noted that one of the benefits of the new addition is the youths now go directly into the new education
center from the juvenile detention center.
"They no longer leave the building to get to the trailers that once housed the classrooms," Coughlin said.
Work on the new education center began in June 2006 and was completed on schedule coinciding with the beginning of
a new school year.
Schooling at the detention center runs year-round and is supported by the Ocean County Vocational-Technical School
system.
"The vo-tech school district has done an outstanding job in providing these youths with a quality education while
they are housed at the center," Coughlin said. "Education plays an integral role in getting these youngsters back into
the community and helping them to adjust."
The new center provides space for additional programs that are required by the state and others that will help in
the rehabilitation of the youths attending class here.
"The changes we have made here will allow for an atmosphere more conducive to education then what we had," Kelly
said. "The education center will provide needed learning experiences; help with anger management and assistance for the
substance abuser.
"This education center will help provide the proper atmosphere, the solid foundation and the right tools that can help
make a difference in the lives of those youths who pass through it," he said.
The contractor for the project is Patterson Mechanical Contracting, Ocean Township. The construction manager is the
McCloud Group, Hoboken and the architect is Yezzi Associates of Toms River.
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