Tiffany deSousa, Neighbor

A Journey of Transformation:
From Adversity to Triumph

“Choose love. Celebrate life.” These mantras guided Andrea C. Viggiano, a Toms River public-school teacher, and one of our founding board members, Tiffany deSousa. Their connection began when Andrea was Tiffany’s journalism teacher at Toms River High School South.

During a challenging time, Andrea helped Tiffany find the support she needed. When Tiffany ran away one cold December night, it was Andrea who connected her to a local youth shelter. A few weeks later, Andrea secured guardianship for Tiffany, right before Christmas 2001—an act Tiffany credits with saving her life.

This pivotal moment inspired Tiffany’s mission. When Tiffany learned that the shelter closed in July 2023, she quickly rallied a team of former counselors and volunteers. Their goal is clear: restore emergency shelter access and offer preventative services to youth and families in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, providing innovative solutions to local challenges.