New Mural Brings Beauty and Meaning to HABcore Residence

Monmouth Arts
3 days ago
4 min read

By Eileen DeLuca

Monmouth Arts unveiled its latest community art mural on June 26th at the Coffey Residence, a congregate living home in Red Bank owned and operated by HABcore Inc.

The mural project is part of Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions Arts and Wellness Program, a countywide initiative that uses the arts to address the rise in mental health issues in youth, seniors, and other adult populations in need. Through the program, teams of teaching artists and mental health professionals deliver free art activities directly to schools, senior centers, and locations such as HABcore’s two congregate living homes, located in Red Bank and Asbury Park.

HABcore provides permanent, supportive housing to approximately 400 families, veterans, and individuals with special needs. The organization has two boarding homes, Coffey Residence in Red Bank, which houses 21 formerly homeless individuals with disabilities, and Laurel House in Asbury Park, which houses 30.

The mural was inspired by more than a year and a half of regular Creative Expressions workshops with those who live at the Coffey Residence. Jude Harzer, an accomplished muralist, fine artist, and educator, was brought in by Monmouth Arts to spend time with the residents to create art and gather the ideas and imagery for the beautiful mural that she painted in the dining room, which serves as the heart of the home. The large mural, titled "Safe Haven of Belonging and Beauty,” greets those who enter the room and gives viewers the feeling of being immersed in the setting.

"Creating this mural was a project of the heart, inspired by the stories and hopes of the residents,” said Harzer. “With a whimsical landscape, protective tree, and a rainbow symbolizing hope, I wanted to offer not just a safe space but a beautiful one. Art is meant to be shared, and I’m grateful to have used my skills to bring comfort and joy through color and care,” Harzer pointed out.

Cathy Pugliese-Sivo is Chair of the HABcore Board of Trustees and a member of the Monmouth Arts Board of Trustees. She said HABcore is incredibly grateful for its partnership with Monmouth Arts. “The Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions Arts and Wellness Program has become a cherished and vital part of our residents’ lives,” Pugliese-Sivo said. “Seeing the joy it sparks and hearing how much our residents look forward to it is simply wonderful. This mural serves as a permanent tribute to what a truly amazing community partnership can achieve.”

Harzer collaborated on the mural planning with Devan Brash, Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions Manager, and Hannah Jaffe, a mental health professional with the program who has conducted regular art sessions with residents since early 2024. An exhibit showcasing the participants’ work was held in July 2024 at Monmouth Arts’ gallery and community space in Red Bank.

The mural is already bringing joy to those who live, work, and volunteer at the home. Coffey Residence site manager Michelle Moore noted that residents have been spending more time in the dining hall, and has even spotted some residents smiling at the mural. Moore believes the mural has given residents “a sense of peace.” Susie, Larry, Nancy, and Will, residents who have been regular participants of the Creative Expressions workshops, attended the unveiling of “Safe Haven of Belonging and Beauty.” Red Bank Council members Ben Forest, Laura Jannone, and Nancy Facey-Blackwood also joined the celebration.

Harzer thanked the residents for the role they played in the mural, providing the details and concepts that drove the design: nature, flowers, rainbow, the ocean, and the heart-adorned tree, which was essential to the story. “I was able to witness the group’s collaboration and respect for one another,” she said, “and they became family to me. “We’re all entitled to the arts, despite our socioeconomic status,” she continued.

Harzer plans to stay connected with HABcore by having her students at Brick Memorial High School, where she is an art teacher, create art for the residence. One of her students, Samamtha Sei, joined Harzer to present the residents with her painting of peonies, one of the flowers featured in the mural. Another nature-inspired piece was created by student Sofia Kriso.

“Monmouth Arts is proud to support HABcore through the creation of this mural, providing residents with a vibrant and inspiring work of art to enjoy in their home,” said Monmouth Arts Executive Director Teresa Staub. “We believe art has the power to uplift and bring comfort, and we hope this mural adds beauty, joy, and a sense of pride to the residents' daily lives.”

Since 2021, Monmouth Arts' Creative Expressions Program has been supported by funding from Impact 100 Jersey Coast, the Mary Owen Borden Foundation, Monmouth Park Charity Fund, New Jersey Natural Gas, and others. A Monmouth County Community Block Grant funded the mural and other aspects of the program in 2025. A second mural is scheduled to be created in the fall at HABcore’s Laurel House in Asbury Park. Monmouth Arts has created murals for both the Red Bank and Asbury Park units of the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County.