Santa Visits Little Sprouts

Santa -- also known as Sussex County Freeholder Richard Vohden -- paid a visit to the preschool classroom at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center.  He read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and declared that all of the children had been "good" before heading back to the North Pole.  Thank you, Freeholder Vohden!

Free Seminar about Expungement of Criminal Records

Carmen Liuzza, Esquire, will discuss the process of erasing prior criminal records at a free Expungement Seminar, Wednesday, January 11th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Season of Hope Reaches Goal of 10,000 Toys!

Project Self-Sufficiency, Pass it Along, the New Jersey Herald, Mugs Media, Intercar Mercedes Benz and Sussex Honda are thrilled to announce that the Season of Hope Toy Drive succeeded in collecting 10,000 gifts for children of all ages this year. Sincere thanks to all who made contributions, hosted toy drives, and helped to raise awareness of the need right here in our community. Happy Holidays!

Make a New Year's Resolution to Brush Up on Your Computer Skills!

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in January, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an introductory class in Microsoft Excel, an advanced course in Microsoft Word, as well as a course in Power Point and Outlook.   The agency also offers a course designed specifically for men.  All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.   The fee for each class is $10, with the exception of the free Careering 102 courses.   Computer class students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants; members of the public are welcome to use the agency’s computer labs for job searches, and receive assistance with career and financial management skills, through the agency’s Universal Access program.

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 10^th – 26th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This introductory course is designed for first-time computer users or people with limited computer experience.  Students will learn computer basics, including the different components of the computer and the performance of simple procedures.  Fundamental keyboarding skills and a brief overview of popular software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Access will also be discussed.  

An advanced course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, January 9^th – 30th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 10^th – 26th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Students will learn word-processing techniques, including the creation of professional-looking letters, faxes, newsletters and other documents, as well as the use of mail merge features used to print address labels and address letters to multiple recipients.  Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required prior to registration in the advanced class.

Those interested in learning about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an introductory class on Mondays and Wednesdays, January 9^th – 30th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 10^th – 26th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Instruction will center on the creation of spreadsheets, databases and workbooks for use in tracking inventory, sorting data and creating mailing lists.  Students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide rows and columns using formulas and become adept at storing, managing and interpreting data.  Students must complete the introductory level Microsoft Excel class before registration in the advanced course.

A class in Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook will be offered on Thursdays and Fridays, January 12^th – 27th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Participants will learn to manage email, set up calendars, schedule tasks, and create custom slide shows.

Microsoft Employment Lab for Men, a special class which introduces basic keyboarding skills and touches on Microsoft applications, will be held on Wednesdays, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., January 11^th – 25th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

Members of the public are invited to use the state-of-the-art computer lab at Project Self-Sufficiency to take advantage of the agency’s Work Connections “Universal Access” program.  These sessions offer full use of the computer lab to conduct job searches, refine networking techniques, create cover letters and resumes, update interview skills, and address salary negotiations.  Limited staff assistance is available.  An information session about the Work Connections Universal Access program will be held on Wednesday, January 11^th, at 10:00 a.m.

Department of Children & Families Commissioner Allison Blake Volunteers at the Season of Hope Toy Shop

As part of the Christie Administration’s “Season of Service” initiative, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Allison Blake volunteered at the Season of Hope Toy Shop at Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton, Sussex County on Friday, to assist in the agency’s efforts to distribute gifts to thousands of local families in need.

The “Season of Service” was announced by Governor and First Lady Christie on Thanksgiving Eve. The initiative builds on the same commitment to community the Governor emphasized in his 2010 inaugural address with members of the cabinet volunteering their time in a variety of ways over the next month. 

The Season of Hope Toy Shop is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Project Self-Sufficiency with the assistance of Pass it Along, the New Jersey Herald, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, Mugs Media and hundreds of volunteers.  The toy drive helps local parents who cannot afford to purchase holiday gifts for their children.  Families are referred to the toy drive by social service agencies, such as the Division of Youth and Family Services, churches and other non-profit organizations.

“It is so wonderful to see people using their hearts and their talents to help better the lives of New Jersey’s children and families,” DCF Commissioner Blake said. “We are very thankful for the generosity of each person who has been a part of the project spearheaded by Project Self-Sufficiency, and we hope that their efforts will serve as an example for others who may find it in their hearts to support children and families in their communities.”

“The Season of Hope toy drive is unique because it is run by Sussex County agencies on behalf of Sussex County families.  Donors can be assured that the gifts they contribute will stay right here in our area,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The toy shop offers gifts for children of all ages, but it also offers the gift of hope and dignity to parents as they search for presents for their loved ones.  We are thankful for the assistance of our partners in this effort, and we are especially grateful for the hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life who have made the Season of Hope toy drive possible for our participants.”

The continued economic downturn has caused many families to turn to the Season of Hope toy drive for assistance this year.  As a result, the toy drive set a goal of 10,000 items for distribution to children of all ages.  Individuals, Girl Scout troops, churches, schools, civic groups and numerous other organizations rallied to conduct toy drives on behalf of the Season of Hope toy drive this year.

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey.  The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 18,000 families, including over 30,000 children.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF), New Jersey’s state child welfare agency, was created in July 2006 as the state’s first Cabinet agency devoted exclusively to serving and safeguarding the most vulnerable children and families in New Jersey. DCF includes the Division of Youth and Family Services, Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships and Division of Child Behavioral Health Services, and is focused on strengthening families and achieving safety, well-being and permanency for New Jersey's children.

For information about the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, or any of the other programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Season of Hope Receives 9,300 Toys

The Season of Hope Toy Drive has gathered 9,300 toys for children of all ages during the past few weeks. Thanks to all of the individuals, schools, organizations, businesses and churches who have banded together to make a difference for Sussex County families. Toys will be gratefully accepted through December 21st.

Season of Hope Gathers 8,920 Gifts Towards Goal of 10,000

As of today, the Season of Hope Toy Drive has gathered 8,920 gifts for Sussex County children from infancy through adolescence.  We are still hoping to reach our goal of 10,000 toys.  Items will be gratefully received through December 21st.  Thanks to all who have made contributions so far.  It is not too late to make a difference in the life of a child this Christmas!

Sussex County Freeholder Phil Crabb visits the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center

Phil Crabb, Sussex County Freeholder, recently stopped by the pre-school classroom at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center to share a few favorite story books as part of Project Self-Sufficiency’s Celebrity Reader program.  "Reading to the children brings back memories of how much I enjoyed the days leading up to the holiday season," remarked Phil.

The Celebrity Reader program is a component of Project Self-Sufficiency’s Family Literacy Program, which exists primarily to assist parents with obtaining their GED or with passing the college placement exam.  While in the program, parents also engage in a variety of activities designed to promote literacy within the entire family.  

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey.  The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,000 families, including over 30,000 children. 

To appear as a Celebrity Reader, or to find out more information about participating in the Family Literacy Program or any of the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call the agency at 973-940-3500.

Free Legal Advice in Sussex County

Free one-on-one meetings with an attorney are offered to income-eligible Sussex County residents at 45- minute intervals between the hours of 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays, January 5th - 26th.  By appointment only; call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Season of Hope Toy Drive about to Close

More than 8,000 items have been gathered for children of all ages by the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive.  We are getting very close to reaching our goal of 10,000 toys.  Items will be accepted through December 15th.  Drop contributions by the Project Self-Sufficiency office, or call 973-940-3500 to find out the location of a drop off site near you.

Season of Hope Adds Toy Drop Off Sites

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Our Lady of Peace, Selective Insurance, FMI, Sussex County Community College, First Presbyterian Church of Newton, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, Cardiology Associates, Scissor Joint, Salon de Panache, Salon Fig, Merriam Avenue School, Kittatinny Regional, Yellow Frame Church, Fredon School, Trailworks, St. Jude's church, The Paint Spot, Stillwater Elementary, Hardyston School, Salon 360, Rumours I & II Salons, Sparta Medical, First Hope Bank, Pope John, Reverend Brown, Alpine School, Andover Police Station, Hilltop Country Day School, Service Electric, Snap Fitness, George Inn, Sussex Inn, Vernon schools, and Sussex Christian School.

The toy drive has gathered 5,139 items towards our goal of 10,000. Thanks to all who have participated!

Free Health Care Career Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency

A free Health Care Industry Career & Employment Fair will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency on Tuesday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Discuss job openings with area employers; learn about training opportunities at schools, colleges and health care organizations.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Season of Hope Toy Drive Reaches 1,736 Items

Donors to the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive have dropped off 1,736 new and unwrapped gifts as of today.  Our goal is to collect 10,000 items for toddlers through teens by December 12th.  Thanks to all who have made a contribution so far!

Season of Hope Toy Drive Gathers 857 Items

The Season of Hope Toy Drive has received 857 items for children ages 0 - 18 as of November 23rd.  Our goal is to collect 10,000 toys by December 12th.  New and unwrapped toys for kids of all ages will be gratefully received at Project Self-Sufficiency; call 973-940-3500 for a list of drop off sites.

Morning Door to Perform at "Treasures & Tastings"

Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and the music of Morning Door at "Treasures & Tastings" on Wednesday, November 30th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at George's Wine & Gourmet Gallery, located at 7 Main Street in Branchville. Co-sponsored by Ward's Flowers & Gifts. Holiday gifts, wines, decor, crystal and other items for sale. Proceeds benefit Project Self-Sufficiency. Bring a toy for the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive and be entered into a special drawing.  Call 973-948-9950 for more information.

Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive Launched

The Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive aims to gather 10,000 toys for local low-income families by December 12^th, announced toy drive coordinators Project Self-Sufficiency, Pass it Along, the New Jersey Herald, Intercar Mercedes Benz and Mugs Media.  The organizations have joined forces once again to gather the toys from area businesses, civic groups, and individuals.  Toys and other gift items can be dropped off at Project Self-Sufficiency, or at various drop-off sites scattered throughout Sussex County.   Parents and guardians will be able to select a limited number of items for their children in mid-December. 

“With the economy still stagnating and unemployment hovering at 9%, many families are wondering how they will provide food and shelter for their loved ones this winter, let alone purchase gifts for the holidays,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “Now more than ever, residents of Sussex County are in need of our help.”

The Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive involves hundreds of volunteers, donors and staff members of the participating organizations, noted Berry-Toon.  “The Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive offers local businesses, civic organizations, churches, and individuals the opportunity to organize toy drives and directly assist families in need.  This community has a tradition of being extremely supportive of the low-income families in our area, and we are confident that this year’s Season of Hope Toy Drive will be a success.”

The staggering number of gifts needed this year is a challenge.  A wish list has been assembled a wish list for those who want to contribute, but may be unsure of what to donate.  Items needed for teens include electronics, such as iPods, MP3 players, calculators, watches, computer games and software, popular CD’s; make-up, perfume, scented lotions, hair dryers, curling irons; jewelry and accessories; sports equipment and team gear, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats; popular books; clothing and pajamas; backpacks. 

Items sought for younger children include books; legos, blocks and k’nex toys; action figures; DVD’s and CD’s; Leap Pad learning games; infant toys; multicultural dolls and toys; Play Doh; trading and collectible cards; matchbox cars; trendy toys. 

In addition, donation of wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes and stocking stuffers are always appreciated.

Gift items can be dropped off at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Additional drop-off sites will be added in the coming weeks.  Donations are requested by December 12th in order to allow ample time for the items to be distributed to needy families. 

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey.  The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 18,000 families, including over 30,000 children. 

For information about donating gifts to the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.