Work Connections Launched at Project Self-Sufficiency

Representatives from the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce development recently joined Project Self-Sufficiency board and staff members to unveil the agency's new "Work Connections" program.  The new initiative will assist single parents and displaced homemakers with training, job placement and support services.  Commissioner Harold J. Wirths, was joined by Sussex County Freeholders Richard Vohden and Parker Space, and Newton Town Councilwoman Kristi Becker at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.  For information about the new program, call 973-940-3500.

Celebration of Literacy Honors Successful Men and Women

The 9th annual Celebration of Literacy was recently held at Project Self-Sufficiency to honor agency participants who had impressive academic achievements, as well as those who had completed significant steps towards economic self-sufficiency, during the past school year.  Those accomplishments ranged from achieving a GED at Project Self-Sufficiency to obtaining a Master's Degree.  Participants were lauded by a panel of speakers including Dr. Paul Mazur, President of Sussex County Community College, Executive County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rosalie Lamonte, and Newton Town Councilwoman Kristi Becker.  Agency participants Dawn Sanford and Diane Oksienik gave heartfelt speeches about their success.

Congratulations to all!

Project Self-Sufficiency Team Races for the Cure for Breast Cancer

A team made up of agency participants, staff members and friends recently joined 7,400 other individuals to raise funds for breast cancer research and education at the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure.  The agency team contributed $2,000 to the event.  Thanks to all who supported our efforts!

Registration Underway for Becoming You Summer Camp

Girls entering grades 6 - 8 are invited to participate in the "Becoming You Summer Camp", Monday - Friday, July 25th - 29th, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Group exercises, hands-on projects and guest speakers will introduce participants to the fields of animal care, health care, law and law enforcement, education, journalism and communications, and non-traditional professions.  Lunch provided.  $10 fee per child; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Slots still available at Project Vacation

Children ages 4 - 8 are invited to participate in "Project Vacation:  The Great American Road Trip," Monday - Friday, July 18th - 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Participants will learn about the history, geography and culture along historic Route 66.  Fun fitness activities, music, crafts, and more.  $10 per child; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Fresh, Low-Cost Food Available to those in Need

Fresh food is available at bargain prices through the Angel Food Ministries program at Project Self-Sufficiency.  The boxes of food offered by the Angel Food Ministries program are priced at $28.95 and are designed to feed a family of four for about a week, or a single person for nearly a month.  The menu changes each month, and special meals are available for senior citizens and those with food allergies.  A typical weekly menu features beef, chicken, ham, fish sticks, pasta, marinara sauce, frozen vegetables, milk, eggs and more.  There is no limit to the number of boxes an individual or family can purchase.  The organization even takes food stamps.   To place an order, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or order online with a credit card at www.angelfoodministries.com.   Payment is made when the order is placed.  The next deadline for placing orders is Sunday, July 24^th; boxes will be delivered and available for pick up at Project Self-Sufficiency between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30^th.  Orders will be processed at that time for the pick-up date the following month.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

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 19,000 families, including over 30,000 children.

To find out more about the monthly food deliveries by Angel Food Ministries or any of the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

July Computer Classes offer Something for Everyone

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in July, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, introductory classes in Microsoft Excel, advanced classes in Microsoft Word, as well as courses in Quickbooks, Power Point, and Outlook.  The agency also offers courses designed specifically for seniors and for men.  All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.   With the exception of the free Careering 101 class, the fee for each course is $10; students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants.

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 11^th – 27th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5^h – 21st, 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 how to perform 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, July 11^th – 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5^th – 21st, 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, July 11^th – 27^th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m, or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5^th – 21st, 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 Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5^th – 21st, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Participants will learn to manage email, set up calendars, schedule tasks, and create custom slide shows.

A course in Quickbooks Accounting Software will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 11^th – August 10^th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Students will learn how to organize personal or business finances, track orders and payments, generate invoices, monitor and manage expenses and produce sophisticated reports and sales forecasts. 

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., July 7th – 28th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

Seniors are invited to check out Better with Technology on Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., July 5^th – 19^th.  Participants will learn how to set up an email account and safely navigate the internet.

The agency will also offer “Careering 101,” a free three-hour seminar about interview skills, salary negotiation, cover letters, resumes, workplace literacy, job search, and networking techniques.  Careering 101 is offered every Tuesday, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers assistance with career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services.  With the exception of the Careering 101 course, the fee for each class is $10.  Careering 101 is free.  All computer classes at the agency are open to registered Family Success Center and Project Self-Sufficiency participants.  To inquire about eligibility, or to find out more about the computer courses offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Free Seminar about Family Law to be offered in July

Project Self-Sufficiency will sponsor a free seminar about issues related to Family Law on Wednesday, July 13th, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the agency’s campus, located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.   The program will address child support, grounds for divorce, court procedures, custody, alimony, parenting time, equitable distribution of assets, and other topics related to divorce.  The presentation, which will be facilitated by Paris Eliades, Esquire, is free and open to the public but registration is required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Free Legal Consultations Available this Summer

Free one-on-one meetings with an attorney are available between the hours of 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on alternate Thursday evenings during July and August at Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton.   Legal education is provided by attorneys affiliated with the Sussex County Bar Association.  Consultations are scheduled at 45-minute intervals.  The sessions are free and open to Sussex County residents who meet income eligibility guidelines; consultations are available by appointment only. Interested participants are encouraged to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to schedule an appointment.

Free Expungement Seminar

Project Self-Sufficiency will sponsor a free seminar about the expungement of prior criminal records on Thursday, July 7th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.   The forum will discuss the steps necessary for officially erasing a defendant’s criminal record, as well as the procedure for initiating the process.  The presentation, which will be facilitated by Carmen Liuzza, Esquire, is free and open to the public but advance registration is required.  To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Having Trouble with Your Teen? Try these Free Parenting Classes!

Parents of teens are invited to attend free parenting skills classes on Wednesdays, July 13th - August 24th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Learn the different stages of emotional and physical development during adolescence, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  Snacks and childcare provided.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register or to discuss your parenting needs.

Free Parenting Classes for Parents of Children Ages 0 - 10

Parents of children ages 0 - 10 are invited to attend free parenting skills classes on Tuesdays, July 12th - August 23rd, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Learn the different stages of emotional and physical development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  Snacks and childcare provided.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register or to discuss your parenting needs.

Free Parenting Skills Classes for Parents of Young Children

Parents of children ages 0 - 6 are invited to attend free parenting skills classes on Wednesdays, July 13th - August 24th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Learn the different stages of emotional and physical development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  Snacks and childcare provided.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register or to discuss your parenting needs.

Parenting Classes for Expectant Parents offered this Summer

Expectant parents are invited to attend free parenting skills classes on Tuesdays, July 12th - August 23rd, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Learn the different stages of emotional and physical development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  Snacks and childcare provided.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register or to discuss your parenting needs.

Project Self-Sufficiency Salutes Breast Cancer Survivor Ethel Moricette

Project Self-Sufficiency thanks breast cancer survivor Ethel Moricette for sharing her story as part of the Mammograms Save Lives campaign.  Look for Ethel's profile in the June 26th edition of the New Jersey Herald.http://njherald.com

Career & Employment Fair is a Success!

Thanks to the more than 30 area businesses and organizations who took part in today's Career & Employment Fair.  Job seekers took part in break-out sessions designed to assist them with their job search, and many were able to distribute their resumes to potential employers.  See you at the next Career Fair!

Free Family Story Time this Summer

Families with children of all ages are welcome to Family Story Time at Little Sprouts on Thursday evenings, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., July 7th - August 11th.  Separate readings will be offered to children ages 3 - 6 and ages 7 - 10.  Children are invited to listen to a favorite story, create a craft and enjoy pizza with their family.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Free Family Movie Nights this Summer

The whole family is invited to free Family Movie Night at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Classic family films will be screened from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. every Friday, July 8th - August 12th.  Refreshments provided.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Summer Office Skills Program Offered

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer an 8-week training program, including lessons in computer skills, job search methods, and interview techniques, along with on-the-job training at a community work site on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., from July 12^th – September 1^st.  All classes will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Work sites will be located throughout the county and hours will be dependent upon the employer’s needs.

The comprehensive Summer Office Skills program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions.  In addition to 40 hours of computer skills training, participants will receive 20 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of work experience at a community employment site, which will further prepare participants for success in the job market.  The time in the classroom is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies.  Over the years, Project Self Sufficiency has partnered with a variety of local businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities to provide participants with externship opportunities.  Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the agency’s training programs. 

The Summer Office Skills program is free and open to Project Self-Sufficiency participants.  To become a participant, or to register for the free Summer Office Skills program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Free Forum for Grandparents Offered in June

Grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren are invited to learn all about the services available to them throughout the community at a free forum on Wednesday, June 22^nd, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Participants will hear about the services available through social service agencies, health organizations and the local school system which will help to lighten the burden of caring for their grandchildren.  Childcare will be offered and a light dinner will be provided.  The event is sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.  The forum, which will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency’s campus at 127 Mill Street in Newton, is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Take Your Kids on Route 66!

Children ages 4 – 8 are invited to participate in Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual Project Vacation program, offered July 18th – 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This year’s Project Vacation, “The Great American Road Trip”, will combine lessons about history, art and geography in regions along the famous U.S. Route 66, with arts and crafts, fun fitness activities, and music. The program will take place at Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton. Camp fee is $10 per child. Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Summer Activities for Young Children Offered at Little Sprouts

Children from infancy through the age of 6 are invited to participate in summer programs at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which is located on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Some of the activities planned for the summer months include the creation of a sustainable flower and vegetable garden, hosting a farmer’s market, participation in Project Self-Sufficiency’s Project Vacation and Back-to-School Fair, and a chaperoned trip to the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show.




The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center features separate classrooms for each age group, from infants through those entering pre-school. A certified teacher is available in each classroom and the teacher-child ratio adheres to or exceeds state standards. In addition to the sparkling classrooms, there is an all-purpose room for active indoor play and parent presentations, as well as a sick room for those children who may fall ill during the day. The center is equipped with two separate playgrounds, one for younger tots and one for older children. Each room has new equipment, as well as learning centers for dramatic play, computers, science, housekeeping, sand and water play, reading, and music.



The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which has been named after Elizabeth Houskeeper Gordon and Benjamin Gordon, uses “Creative Curriculum” in all of its programs. “Creative Curriculum guides learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology while supporting children’s social and emotional development,” noted Claire Willetts, Program Director at Project Self-Sufficiency.



Over the summer, children will learn all about nutrition, composting, recycling and more as they care for their sustainable flower and vegetable garden. Funding for the garden was provided by a generous donor; labor was donated by friends of Project Self-Sufficiency.



“We are delighted to be able to offer quality childcare services to the community in a state-of-the-art building,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “Our staff is excellent, our site is beautiful, and the curriculum we offer will ensure that all of the children placed in our care learn the social and academic skills they need to succeed.”



The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Little Sprouts offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The facility accepts all types of subsidized daycare assistance, and slots for new students are still available. For information about enrollment call Program Coordinator Claire Willetts at 973-940-3500.

Free Career & Employment Fair

Area residents are invited to a unique Career & Employment Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Wednesday, June 15th, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Job seekers, those who need assistance with job search techniques, and people who need help navigating their current workplace are encouraged to attend. Workshops will highlight job search strategies and other topics, and representatives from local businesses will be on hand to promote job openings. The Career & Employment Fair is free and open to the public. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street. Call 973-940-3500 for more information.