MANAHAWKIN – When Kristin Santorelli moved to Southern Ocean County 20 years ago, she quickly noticed a troubling reality – many families in the area were struggling. She and her then-husband decided they couldn’t just stand by.
“I’ve been knocking on doors for years and years,” Santorelli said. “We started with the Barnegat Hotel once we realized there were families staying there.”
That small effort grew into something much bigger. Seeing the need in Barnegat’s Lexington neighborhood, she partnered with local hairstylists to offer free haircuts. More than just a service, it was a gesture of kindness, a way to show people they weren’t alone.
But one realization hit her harder than any other: too many local children were at risk. They needed learning and enrichment programs to build a better future. That’s when she founded Hearts of Mercy, a nonprofit youth development organization now based at 364 North Main Street in Manahawkin.
A Place For Learning And Growth
Today, Hearts of Mercy provides a welcoming, brightly lit space where students – primarily from Barnegat and Stafford – can find support.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, children receive tutoring from dedicated teachers who not only help with schoolwork but also serve as caring mentors. The nonprofit also runs a music program, introducing kids to instruments like piano and violin, and is working on expanding its mentorship offerings.
“We want children to experience music,” Santorelli said. “And after tutoring, we keep the learning going. One child learned how to play chess, another learned how to crochet. It’s about more than academics – it’s about life skills.”
For families who qualify for government assistance, all of these services are provided free of charge through a scholarship program.
Recently, the Ocean County Vocational Technical School donated 20 sewing machines to Hearts of Mercy. Now, Santorelli hopes to find a volunteer to teach sewing classes. Other volunteers are also needed, including a retired bookkeeper to help with financial tracking.
Long-Term Mentorship
One of the most exciting upcoming programs is a 12-month mentorship course for students ages 13-17, designed by Tariq Grace, a retired military veteran with 22 years of service.
Grace, who has a background in leadership, athletics, and education, suggests there are flaws in short-term mentorship programs. Many young people are matched with mentors for just three months – then leave without further guidance. He wanted something more sustainable and hopes to expand the program to students who attend Pinelands Regional High School.
“Why not have a course with a curriculum?” Grace said. “We’ll help kids make life decisions, teach them about career paths, and prepare them for adulthood.”
The program will include:
- Weekly classes on career options, life skills, and decision-making
- Monthly fitness activities in partnership with local gyms and community organizations
- Educational field trips to museums, historical sites, and even emergency response centers like New Jersey’s Regional Operations & Intelligence Center
“We’re not just talking at these kids,” Grace emphasized. “We’re showing them the possibilities, taking them places, and giving them real experiences.”
Supporting The Cause
Like many nonprofits, Hearts of Mercy relies on donations and fundraising to keep its programs running.
On February 22, supporters can enjoy an evening of entertainment at Barnegat’s American Legion, featuring Sean Hanlon performing ‘The Voice of Sinatra’ alongside a spaghetti dinner and cash bar. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with all proceeds benefiting Hearts of Mercy. More details can be found at heartsofmercy.org.
