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Knee Pain Treatment & Specialist

In Asbury Park, NJ

Avoid Surgery and Reduce Pain with

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment in Asbury Park, NJ

Are you experiencing knee pain symptoms such as popping, clicking, bone-on-bone grinding, achiness, or sharp stabs? You're not alone in this journey. Knee pain affects nearly 25% of adults in the United States, causing discomfort, swelling, and chronic pain that can hinder everyday activities like childcare, walking, and exercise. Shockingly, recent statistics from The American Academy of Family Physicians indicate a 65% increase in diagnosed knee pain cases.

In a world where invasive surgeries and prescription painkillers are often the default solutions, it's crucial to explore the effective non-invasive options that are available. These alternative treatments provide relief without the associated risks of surgery.

Today, many doctors still recommend invasive surgeries and prescription painkillers rather than exploring non-invasive options. While those treatments are needed in some circumstances, there are alternative treatments available that can help you overcome knee pain without needing to go under the knife.

NJ Sports Spine and Wellness' advanced knee pain treatment in Asbury Park, NJ gives men and women suffering from knee pain hope. Instead of relying on surgery, our team of doctors and physical therapists use non-invasive, highly effective treatments to help heal prevalent conditions such as:

Arthritis

Soft tissue injury

ACL tears

MCL tears

Patella dislocation

Misalignment of the kneecap

Patella tendonitis

Jumper's knee

Osgood Schlatter's Disease

Knee

With the right treatment,

many people can reduce their pain and improve their function, allowing them to return to normal daily activities. Plus, by taking preventative measures and seeking prompt care from our team, it's possible to reduce your risk of developing chronic knee pain and other painful knee conditions. If you've been searching for a non-invasive way to eliminate knee pain and get back to an active life, your journey to recovery starts here.

Let's take a closer look at some of the knee pain treatments available at NJ Sports Spine and Wellness, which all serve as great alternatives to knee replacement surgery.

Physical Therapy:

Optimizing Musculoskeletal Health with Conservative Care

The field of Physical Therapy (PT) aims to rehabilitate individuals who have experienced injury, illness, or disability by restoring their mobility and function. Physical therapists cater to patients of various ages and capabilities, ranging from young athletes to senior citizens, in order to help them surpass physical limitations and improve their standard of living with advanced knee pain treatment in Asbury Park, NJ.

At NJ Sports Spine and Wellness, our physical therapy program was founded on a patient-centric philosophy, where physical therapists work closely with patients to get a deep understanding of their goals, preferences, and capabilities. In doing so, they can create a tailor-made treatment strategy to address their unique knee pain with the goal of avoiding a knee replacement. Treatment may involve exercises that are therapeutic in nature and can include:

  • Joint mobilizations
  • Soft tissue mobilization using cupping
  • Graston technique
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Stretching of associated muscle groups

Joint Mobilization for Knee Pain

This unique knee pain solution involves physical therapists using skilled manual therapy techniques to help improve your joint range of motion while simultaneously reducing your knee pain.

During joint mobilization, a physical therapist applies targeted pressures or forces to a joint in specific directions to improve its mobility. The intensity of the force applied can vary, and it is adjusted based on the patient's comfort level. Joint mobilization is generally pain-free.

STM

Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)

Soft Tissue Mobilization is a manual therapy technique that involves stretching and applying deep pressure to rigid muscle tissue. This helps to relax muscle tension and move fluids that are trapped in the tissues that cause pain and inflammation. This effective form of physical therapy is often used as an advanced knee pain treatment in Asbury Park, NJ for treating knee strains, knee sprains, knee pain, and more.

Graston

The Graston Technique

The Graston Technique involves the use of handheld instruments to identify and break up scar tissue through specialized massage. During a Graston Technique session, physical therapists use convex and concave tools for cross-friction massage, which involves rubbing or brushing against the grain of the scar tissue. This process re-introduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. In some cases, this process temporarily causes inflammation, which can actually boost the amount and rate of blood flow in the knee. This process helps initiate and promote the healing process so you can get back to a normal life.

Massage

Soft Tissue Massage

Soft tissue massage is a less intense form of massage than it's deep-tissue relative. Instead of focusing on slow and firm strokes to reach the deep layers of muscles and tissues, this massage technique uses a variety of pressures, depths, and durations. Soft tissue massage is helpful in alleviating different types of knee aches, pains, and injuries. Soft tissue massages can also help reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

Advanced Mechanics and Technology:

The Future of Knee Pain Therapy

While knee pain is a common symptom that affects millions of Americans every year, no two cases of knee pain are ever exactly alike. Some types of knee injuries require non-traditional solutions. At New Jersey Sports Spine and Wellness, we offer a range of treatments that leverage mechanics and technology to help patients recover from injuries while treating inflammation and pain as well as resolve the root cause of the pain.

Alter® Anti-Gravity Treadmill

The Alter® Anti-Gravity Treadmill is equipped with NASA Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, which is a precise air calibration system that uses the user's actual body weight to enhance rehabilitation and training. By utilizing a pressurized air chamber, the AlterG allows patients and athletes to move without any pain or restrictions.

This advanced knee pain treatment in Asbury Park, NJ uniformly reduces gravitational load and body weight up to 80% in precise 1% increments. The results can be incredible, with patients reporting benefits such as:

  • Restoring and building of knee strength
  • Restored range of motion in the knee
  • Better balance
  • Improved knee function
  • More

What Makes the Alter® Anti-Gravity Treadmill So Effective?

The Alter® Anti-Gravity Treadmill can monitor various metrics such as speed, gait pattern, stride length, and weight distribution. With real-time feedback and video monitoring, your rehabilitation team can promptly and accurately identify issues and pain points or monitor your progress throughout your knee pain rehabilitation journey.

One of the key benefits of this cutting-edge equipment is that it replicates natural walking and movement patterns without the artificial feel that hydrotherapy or harnesses create. This makes it an excellent choice for faster recovery after knee injuries or surgeries, as it allows for early mobilization while also preserving strength. Furthermore, it is ideal for sports recovery as athletes can use it for physical conditioning maintenance.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ
Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Our advanced treatment modalities for knee pain include laser therapy, which harnesses the revolutionary power of light through photobiomodulation (PBM). LiteCure™ low-level laser therapy is available for acute and chronic types of knee pain and can be hugely beneficial when coupled with physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and sports recovery care.

Understanding Photobiomodulation (PBM)

PBM is a medical treatment that harnesses the power of light to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. The photons from the light penetrate deep into the tissue and interact with mitochondria, which results in a boost in energy production. This interaction sets off a biological chain reaction that increases cellular metabolism. Utilizing low-level light therapy has been shown to:

  • Alleviate knee pain
  • Speed up tissue healing
  • Promote overall health and wellness
  • Expedite knee pain injury recovery
Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

Exclusive Access to

Pain Management Professionals

At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we know that every patient requires a personalized approach to chronic knee pain and condition management. Sometimes, our patients need access to pain management professionals, who can offer relief in conjunction with physical therapy and other solutions like low-level laser therapy.

Two of the most common services we offer for pain management includes acupuncture which can assist in avoiding knee replacement surgery.

Acupuncture is a common treatment for knee pain that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in your knee. This ancient Chinese medicine has gained popularity in Western culture due to its effectiveness in treating various conditions with minimal side effects.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system to release various biochemicals, including endorphins and other neurotransmitters. The release of these chemicals helps to reduce inflammation, decrease pain perception, and improve overall blood circulation.

Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating knee pain caused by a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis and injuries related to physical activity like running. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation, improve muscle function, and decrease pain perception, making it a viable treatment on its own or as an addition to traditional treatment methods like physical therapy.

When undergoing acupuncture, a professional acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific acupoints on the skin. These needles are left in place for roughly 20 to 30 minutes and may be gently stimulated for an enhanced effect. Patients might experience a slight tingle or warmth at the needle insertion site, but overall, acupuncture is considered a painless procedure.

Acupuncture has been a trusted and effective treatment option for thousands of years. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a legitimate form of healthcare, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has even funded research studies to explore its efficacy for a range of medical conditions. To learn more about acupuncture for knee pain, contact NJSSW today.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common treatment for knee pain that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in your knee. This ancient Chinese medicine has gained popularity in Western culture due to its effectiveness in treating various conditions with minimal side effects.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system to release various biochemicals, including endorphins and other neurotransmitters. The release of these chemicals helps to reduce inflammation, decrease pain perception, and improve overall blood circulation.

Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating knee pain caused by a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis and injuries related to physical activity like running. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation, improve muscle function, and decrease pain perception, making it a viable treatment on its own or as an addition to traditional treatment methods like physical therapy.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

What Happens During Acupuncture Therapy for Knee Pain?

When undergoing acupuncture, a professional acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific acupoints on the skin. These needles are left in place for roughly 20 to 30 minutes and may be gently stimulated for an enhanced effect. Patients might experience a slight tingle or warmth at the needle insertion site, but overall, acupuncture is considered a painless procedure.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

Is Acupuncture Actually Effective for Knee Pain?

Acupuncture has been a trusted and effective treatment option for thousands of years. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a legitimate form of healthcare, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has even funded research studies to explore its efficacy for a range of medical conditions. To learn more about acupuncture for knee pain, contact NJSSW today.

What Client Say About Us

Avoid Knee Replacements with Advanced Knee Pain Treatment in Asbury Park, NJ

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

When it comes to knee pain therapies and treatments, getting a knee replacement should be last on your list. Why put your body through such trauma if you haven't tried other non-invasive treatment options? Whether you're an athlete trying to work through a knee injury or you're over 65 and are dealing with osteoarthritis, NJ Sports Spine and Wellness can help.

It all starts with an introductory consultation at our office in Matawan or Marlboro. During your first visit, we'll talk to you about your knee pain symptoms, the goals you have in mind, and the advanced knee pain treatments available to you at our practice. From there, it's only a matter of time before you get back to a healthy, active lifestyle.

Every day you wait can worsen your knee condition. Contact us today and let our team help get you on the road to recovery and life with painful knees.

Latest News in Asbury Park, NJ

See construction of Bruce Springsteen Archives at Monmouth University

LONG BRANCH -- The steel frame is up and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music is starting to take shape.The eventual two-story archives, which will pay homage to the music icon who was born in the city in 1949, is expected to open in spring 2026, according to a Monmouth University spokesperson and what the archive's staff has posted on its social media platforms.However, curious members of the public can view its progress daily via a new ...

LONG BRANCH -- The steel frame is up and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music is starting to take shape.

The eventual two-story archives, which will pay homage to the music icon who was born in the city in 1949, is expected to open in spring 2026, according to a Monmouth University spokesperson and what the archive's staff has posted on its social media platforms.

However, curious members of the public can view its progress daily via a new live webcam planted at the construction site. The archive's website is also up and is where the public can tune in to a monthly webcast hosted by curator Melissa Ziobro. The next broadcast is 7 p.m. March 19, titled "Making the Scene in the Garden State."

When completed, the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music building will be 36 feet tall, 74 feet wide, 206 feet long and boast multiple exhibit spaces, state-of-the-art archives, a 250-seat Dolby soundstage and gift shop. It will be similar to the museums dedicated to folk singers Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Monmouth University estimates the museum will attract 40,000 to 50,000 visitors annually. The visitors are expected to be researchers, school tours and fans in general.

The archives will house collected papers, oral histories, journals and music that help tell the story and the creative process of not just Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band but other American music greats as well.

The building was designed by Rick Cook of CookFox Architects based in New York City. Cook designed the building with weathered steel and heavy timber to give it a Jersey Shore boardwalk look and feel. It will be surrounded by a wildflower meadow that will make to appear as if it is floating above the meadow. The building will have several large glass windows to let in the natural light.

It will be built at the corner of Cedar and Norwood avenues, across the street from Monmouth University's Great Hall at Shadow Lawn and the Guggenheim Mansion, the university's two marquee historic pieces. While most of Monmouth University's campus sits in West Long Branch, the archives are in Long Branch.

Springsteen was born at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, but he was raised in Freehold. He did return to Long Branch in the mid-1970s and rented a cottage in the city's West End, where he wrote his breakthrough album "Born to Run." The cottage at 7½ West End Court still stands.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him: dradel@gannettnj.com.

Sea.Hear.Now 2025 to Be Headlined by Blink-182 & Hozier in Asbury Park, NJ

It’s one of the biggest festivals of the entire year in New Jersey (if not the acual largest), and as of just moments ago the 2025 edition of the Sea.Hear.Now Festival was announced.From today’s announcement we learned that the festival will take place September 13 and 14, 2025 on the beach in Asbury Park, NJ.Get our free mobile appSo here is what we know about the lineup and details of this year’s festival (so far):Following the 2024 festival which was headlined by Bruce Springsteen and Noah Kah...

It’s one of the biggest festivals of the entire year in New Jersey (if not the acual largest), and as of just moments ago the 2025 edition of the Sea.Hear.Now Festival was announced.

From today’s announcement we learned that the festival will take place September 13 and 14, 2025 on the beach in Asbury Park, NJ.

Get our free mobile app

So here is what we know about the lineup and details of this year’s festival (so far):

Following the 2024 festival which was headlined by Bruce Springsteen and Noah Kahan, there was high anticipation for this year’s event.

This year’s event will be headlined by Hozier and Blink 182.

Saturday’s programming will be lead by Hozier. Other performers that day include LCD Soundsystem, Albama Shakes, ZZ Top, Remi Wolf, De La Soul, UB40, Gigi Perez and more.

Sunday’s programming will be headlined by Blink-182. Other performers that day include Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, TV on the Radio, Spoon, 4 Non Blondes and more.

Here's a full list of performers. In the meantime, keep scrolling for ticket info:

Last year’s festival basically instantly sold out, so if you’re planning on attending: keep in mind that this event is ALWAYS super popular.

READ MORE: LUMA Light Show to Dazzle Asbury Park This Weekend

A presale is slated to start on Friday (March 21) at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can sign up on the festival’s website via phone or email for access to that pre-sale.

A public on-sale will follow that only IF tickets remain.

The pricing structure for the festival has been revealed as well.

2-day general admission passes start at $290 (with VIP passes starting at $810).

Meanwhile, single day tickets are available at the general admission level (starting at $170).

You can view more info by clicking here.

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The New Jersey real estate market continues to chug along.

Below is a county-by-county breakdown of median home prices and how they much they jumped in 2024. Many counties saw double-digit increases in home values, according to the data from New Jersey Realtors from November 2023 to November 2024.

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Popular Sea Hear Now festival returns to Asbury Park beach with Blink-182, Hozier, more

ASBURY PARK — After building suspense over whether year seven was in the cards, the organizers behind the popular Sea Hear Now festival have announced the dates and lineup for this year.Hozier, LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes and ZZ Top are among first-day headliners, as this year's festivities unfold Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14.Blink-182, Lenny Kravitz and iconic surf punk band Sublime — now playing with Jakob Nowell, son of late founding frontman, Bradley Nowell — will take to the sand for the se...

ASBURY PARK — After building suspense over whether year seven was in the cards, the organizers behind the popular Sea Hear Now festival have announced the dates and lineup for this year.

Hozier, LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes and ZZ Top are among first-day headliners, as this year's festivities unfold Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14.

Blink-182, Lenny Kravitz and iconic surf punk band Sublime — now playing with Jakob Nowell, son of late founding frontman, Bradley Nowell — will take to the sand for the second day of the festival during "local summer."

Each day, an estimated 35,000 ticket holders take to the Sea Hear Now grounds to enjoy live music, art and surfing competitions or demonstrations.

It is produced by C3 Presents — the same all-star team behind such long-running successful events as Austin City Limits Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music Festival and Lollapalooza.

Two New Jersey locals, Danny Clinch and Tim Donnelly, are key team members.

The festival debuted north of Convention Hall in September 2018.

It has returned each year — save a one-year delay during the COVID pandemic, when Pearl Jam and (most of) the rest of the 2020 lineup instead played in 2021.

Last year, the dream addition of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band saw ticketing reach a breaking point, as many music fans near and far voiced complaints over a jammed system.

New for 2025, the festival is offering an in-person presale specifically limited to Asbury Park residents.

A government ID or utility bill can be used as proof of residence, within the host city only, to purchase up to a pair of weekend concert passes on Thursday.

Earlier this month, fans noticed that a full year had passed since the 2024 lineup had been announced — and the dates for 2025 had not yet been confirmed.

Buzz grew about the uncertainty over this year's SeaHearNow. That quickly turned to anticipation over another year of music on the beach.

Then, SeaHearNow launches a first general presale online on Friday.

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Hozier, Blink-182, Lenny Kravitz, Sublime headline Sea Hear Now 2025

Pop-punk and Irish soul are coming to the Asbury Park beach with Blink-182 and Hozier headlining the 2025 Sea Hear Now festival.Hozier, the Irish native whose hits include “Too Sweet” to “Take Me to Church,” headlines on Saturday, Sept. 13, and pop-punk legends Blink-182 from Southern California top the bill on Sunday, Sept. 14. Blink's hits include “All the Small Things,” “What's My Age Again” and “I Miss You.”LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, ZZ Top, Remi Wolf, Royel ...

Pop-punk and Irish soul are coming to the Asbury Park beach with Blink-182 and Hozier headlining the 2025 Sea Hear Now festival.

Hozier, the Irish native whose hits include “Too Sweet” to “Take Me to Church,” headlines on Saturday, Sept. 13, and pop-punk legends Blink-182 from Southern California top the bill on Sunday, Sept. 14. Blink's hits include “All the Small Things,” “What's My Age Again” and “I Miss You.”

LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, ZZ Top, Remi Wolf, Royel Otis, De La Soul, UB40, Gigi Perez, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Inhaler, Mondo Cozmo, and locals Bumpin Uglies and Not Yer Baby also play on Saturday with Hozier.

Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Public Enemy, TV On The Radio, Phantogram, 4 Non Blondes, Hot Mullligan, Mannequin Pussy, Grace Bowers, Landon McNamara, Neal Francis and locals Surfing for Daisy and the Tide Bends take the fest's stages on Sunday with Blink-182.

Tickets, including General Admission for one and two days, GA+, VIP and Platinum tickets will be available for pre-sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 21. The general on-sale will follow at 11 a.m. Friday if tickets remain.

Ticket prices begin at $170 for one day General Admission and range up to $10,900 for Ultimate tickets, which includes three nights at the city's Asbury Ocean Club Resort and on-stage viewing.

Visit seahearnowfestival.com to sign up for the presale code and also shop at the fest's Core Essentials merch collection. Hotel and festival experience packages are also available for two-day tickets.

An in person only on-sale for Asbury Park residents is set for 10 am. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Grand Arcade inside Convention Hall at 1300 Ocean Ave.

Residents must show a valid, government-issued ID with an Asbury Park address. No other city near or around Asbury Park will be accepted, and zip codes will not be taken into consideration.

If your ID does not currently reflect residency in Asbury Park, you can bring a utility bill (power, cable, internet, water, etc.) showing a current Asbury Park address as proof of residency, and a valid, government-issued ID with a matching name.

Only two tickets will be available to purchase per Asbury Park household, and only single day and two-day general admission tickets will be available.

This year's “North Beach Sessions” pro surfer contest at the festival will include Landon McNamara, Cam Richards, Balaram Stack, Sam Hammer, Rob Kelly, Cassidy McClain, Pat Schmidt, Mike Gleason, Tommy Ihnken, Logan Kamen, Jamie DeWitt, Cole Deveney, Audrey Iglay, Paul Francisco and Mia Gallagher.

Asbury Park visual artist Pork Chop returns with his iconic jellyfish installation and surfboard arch to serve “as the festival’s visual compass.”

Asbury Park music history will be highlighted by local artists on the sand, and the work of surf photographer Ben Currie will also be featured.

The Transparent Clinch Gallery pop-up will return to Bradley Park to feature artwork from the fest's musicians. Proceeds from sales are given to Asbury Park charities.

The fest is produced by C3 Presents, the team behind Lollapalooza, and locals Danny Clinch and Tim Donnelly. Clinch is a Toms River native who has photographed the greats of music, from Springsteen to Tupac Shakur.

His Transparent Clinch Gallery, which showcases live performances and Clinch’s photos, is adjacent to the Asbury Hotel on the city's waterfront.

The Sea Hear Now festival began in 2018 in Asbury Park, had has been held yearly except for 2020 when the pandemic forced its cancellation. It draws 35,000 to the waterfront each year.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Noah Kahan headlined last year.

Sea Hear Now: Previous headliners

2018: Incubus and Jack Johnson

2019: Dave Matthews Band and The Lumineers

2021: Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins

2022: Stevie Nicks and Green Day

2023: Foo Fighters and The Killers

2024: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Noah Kahan

More information is at seahearnowfestival.com.

Subscribe to app.com for the latest on the New Jersey music scene.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@app.com

Mercy Center Welcomes Tom Hayes to Lead Expansion Efforts

Tom Hayes joins Mercy Center to lead a capital campaign for a new facility.Photo Credit: Mercy Center By Matt DohertyPublished March 18, 2025 at 11:00 PMASBURY PARK, NJ (March 13, 2025) – Mercy Center, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating poverty in Asbury Park, has appointed longtime community advocate and former New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) executive Tom Hayes to lead its expansion efforts. Hayes officially joined the organi...

Tom Hayes joins Mercy Center to lead a capital campaign for a new facility.Photo Credit: Mercy Center

By Matt Doherty

Published March 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM

ASBURY PARK, NJ (March 13, 2025) – Mercy Center, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating poverty in Asbury Park, has appointed longtime community advocate and former New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) executive Tom Hayes to lead its expansion efforts. Hayes officially joined the organization on March 10 as capital campaign director, where he will spearhead a comprehensive fundraising initiative to build a new facility aimed at broadening Mercy Center’s essential services.

"Tom has been a driving force for community development and advocacy for decades," said Mercy Center Executive Director and former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. "His passion, experience, and deep-rooted connections make him the ideal leader to guide our capital campaign. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team as we work to expand our services and better support individuals and families in need."

In his new role, Hayes will oversee efforts to design and execute a capital campaign supporting the construction of a larger facility. The planned expansion will house an enhanced food pantry, Family Resource Center social services, and additional staff offices to meet the growing demand for assistance in the Asbury Park community.

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Hayes, who recently retired as director of Customer and Community Relations at NJNG, brings over 35 years of experience in corporate philanthropy, economic development, and nonprofit collaboration. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in initiatives focused on affordable homeownership, energy assistance, and volunteer engagement. His extensive nonprofit leadership includes serving on more than 35 boards and contributing to approximately 50 committees.

"The capital campaign represents a bold vision to create a central hub for vital services in Asbury Park and beyond," Hayes said. "I look forward to collaborating with many incredible community partners and supporters to make this vision a reality."

A trained architect with a degree from the Catholic University of America, Hayes initially worked in facilities management before pioneering NJNG’s Economic Development Department in 1995. Over the past two decades, he has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility, working alongside nonprofit and community organizations to drive meaningful impact across Monmouth, Ocean, and Morris counties.

For Hayes, this new role is also a personal one. In the early 1990s, he and his wife Regina purchased and restored the childhood home of *The Red Badge of Courage* author Stephen Crane in Asbury Park, transforming it into a museum and community space. Their experience in nonprofit management, grant writing, and event planning deepened their commitment to community service.

Guadagno emphasized that the capital campaign will be crucial in strengthening Mercy Center’s ability to meet increasing community needs. In 2024 alone, the organization’s food pantry provided nourishment for over 109,000 people, marking a staggering 7,000 percent increase over four years. Mercy Center also operates Sisters Academy of New Jersey, a tuition-free middle school for girls on Springwood Avenue, as part of its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education.

For more information on Mercy Center and its programs, visit [www.MercyCenterNJ.org](http://www.MercyCenterNJ.org).

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