Low-Income Teens Find Work at Unique Summer Program

A group of teens from low-income families in northern New Jersey spent 6 weeks learning new skills, and getting valuable on-the-job experience courtesy of the Project Self-Sufficiency Summer Youth Employment Program.  The intensive curriculum combined classroom instruction with hands-on work experience at several area non-profit organizations.   The 24 youths ranged in age from 14 to17, and for many, the program was their first experience with paid employment.

Each work day brought an hour of job skills training at Project Self-Sufficiency followed by work at an area employer.  Teens were employed at the Sussex County YMCA, Blue Mountain Day Camp, Peters Valley Craft Center, Board of Social Services, Birth Haven, the First Presbyterian Church of Newton, Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sussex County Community College.  Responsibilities included clerical work, data entry, research, camp counseling, animal care and other tasks.  Transportation was provided to all participants as part of the program.

“Project Self-Sufficiency was delighted to be able to offer these youths the opportunity to gain work experience and learn valuable skills this summer,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We are grateful to the area employers who took these teens under their wings, and we are indebted to the funders who made this program possible.”

After the students tumbled off the bus each morning, they learned about a variety of workplace topics, including the importance of first impressions, desired characteristics in an employee, interviewing tips, time management strategies, conflict resolution and other subjects.  Students were then transported to their individual work sites.  “This program was a success because it opened up a whole new world for these kids,” commented Terri Glinbizzi, Summer Youth Employment Program Coordinator on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency.   The teens were recruited for the program based on the level of their household income, access to transportation, and other factors.

Three teens were employed at the Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary in Frelinghuysen over the summer.  Their tasks included the daily preparation of formula and feed for 140 animals, including squirrels, possums, fawns and skunks.  The team also created walking trails and observation points throughout the farm, and developed a virtual tour of the property to help with fundraising and outreach.  “The girls helped us tremendously,” commented Kelly Simonetti, Director and Owner of Antler Ridge.  “This year we experienced more animal intakes than we have ever had which really stressed our volunteer pool.  Having 6 extra hands was a huge asset in ensuring that each animal received the proper care.”

The Sussex County Board of Social Services employed 5 teens this summer, handling  basic clerical tasks like manning the reception desk, filing, data entry and helping in the county food pantry.  Director Carol Novrit, noted, “The kids were terrific.  They were productive and they brought a renewed energy and excitement into the office that only a 15 or 16-year-old can bring.”

The program had a huge impact on the outlook of each teen as well.  “I saw a big change in every child because this was their first work experience, so they had to learn basic employment skills like what it means to work,” added Carol. “By the end of their time here, many were able to work independently and they had a new appreciation for work.  They also learned what they did and did not like, which will help them when it is time to select a career.”

Kelly Simonetti agrees, saying, “I hope that they do this program again next year, because by the end of the 6 weeks, these girls were transformed.  They were able to understand and appreciate what we do, and they established camaraderie with all of our volunteers, who range from women in their 50’s to retirees.  The girls were able to show initiative, and they fit right in and worked as a team.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program was funded by the Hudson Farm Foundation of The Community Foundation of New Jersey, along with a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. 

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.   For information about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Photo Caption:

Project Self-Sufficiency Summer Youth Employment Program Coordinator Terri Glinbizzi assists a teen with a writing project.

Free Elder Law Seminar at Project Self-Sufficiency

Janice Pasculli, Esquire, will discuss general estate planning, wills, advance directives for health care, Medicare and Medicaid, caring for aging parents, and other issues related to the elderly at a free Elder Law Seminar, Thursday, September 15th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Free Employment Skills Training Available to Area Women

Women seeking to enhance their employability skills and earning potential are are invited to attend an Open House for Project Self-Sufficiency’s popular training program, “Higher Opportunities for Women”.  The 16-week program will kick off with a series of Open Houses in early September; classes are slated to begin on Tuesday, September 20^th.  The intensive, pre-employment skills-development program is designed to assist women who have been out of the work force or who have been underemployed for a number of years.  All instruction will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

Open Houses for the “Higher Opportunities for Women” program will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6^th, and Thursday, September 15^th.    Evening Open Houses will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8^th, Monday, September 12^th and Tuesday, September 13^th.  Interested participants are encouraged to stop by and learn more about the program.

The comprehensive HOW program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions.  In addition to 80 hours of computer skills training, the HOW Program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours at an unpaid externship at a community employment site, which further prepares 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 HOW participants with externship opportunities.  Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the HOW training program.  Since the HOW program’s inception, more than 600 women have learned marketable skills leading to economic self-sufficiency. 

“Project Self-Sufficiency externs have been a valuable addition to our office staff at Rutgers Cooperative Extension,” commented Brian Olesak, Agricultural Program Associate at Rutgers Cooperative Extension.  “The externs are well-trained, professional and ready to assist us in our outreach and research efforts.  We have been very satisfied in our partnerships with Project Self-Sufficiency.”

Linda Barry, a recent HOW participant who is now employed at the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, credits the program for her success in landing a job.  “I didn’t have a computer when I left the working world 18 years ago to get married and start a family, so trying to figure all of that out was a little challenging,” noted Linda recently.  “I also didn’t think I had the skills necessary to find a good job.”  Through the HOW program, Linda brushed up on her computer skills, practiced interviewing, and received on-the-job experience by working at Sussex County Community College during her externship.  “I would not have had the same opportunities if I did not go through the HOW program,” remarked Linda.  “It was a great success for me.”

The fall session of the HOW program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning September 20th.  For further information about the HOW program call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Free Parenting Classes offered at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a series of free parenting workshops for parents with children of all ages this fall.  Parents are invited to learn about the different stages of physical and emotional development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  The sessions are free and open to the public.  Snacks and childcare will be provided.   All classes will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.  The agency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

Parenting classes for families expecting a child will be offered on Tuesdays, from September 20^th – November 15th.

Families with infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children are invited to attend classes on Thursdays, September 22^nd – December 15^th.

Parenting classes for families with school-aged children will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency on Tuesdays, September 20^th – December 13^th. 

Families with teens are invited to attend classes on Wednesdays, September 21^st – December 14^th.

Special courses for families in recovery from substance abuse will be offered from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays, September 22^nd – January 12^th.

Spanish-speaking families are welcome at classes on Thursdays, September 22^nd – December 15^th.

Parenting workshops for fathers will be offered on Tuesdays, September 27^th – December 20^th.

Families with children from birth through the age of 10 are invited to classes on Wednesdays, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., September 28^th – November 2^nd.

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 achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and to improve their lives and the lives of their children.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,000 families, including more than 30,000 children. 

To register for any of the parenting workshops, to discuss your parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Free Bankruptcy Seminar in September

Dean Sutton, Esquire, will discuss the process for filing for bankruptcy, as well as the options available to those facing overwhelming credit card debt, foreclosure, or asset repossession at a free Bankruptcy Seminar, Thursday, September 8th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Free Legal Advice in Sussex County

Free legal advice is available to income-eligible Sussex County residents on Thursdays at Project Self-Sufficiency, September 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.  Meet with an attorney to discuss family law, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant disputes, or other issues.  By appointment only.  Call 973-940-3500.

Project Self-Sufficiency Hosts 9th Annual Back-to-School Fair

More than 300 children and their families turned out for the 9^th annual Back-to-School Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday.  Parents learned how to help their children avoid being targeted by bullies, picked up tips about the dangers of lead poisoning and received pointers on keeping their children healthy.  Meanwhile, children got free haircuts, played games and received back packs brimming with free school supplies.  Representatives from local social service organizations were on hand to discuss topics ranging from household safety to first aid.  Agency staff members and volunteers handed out school supplies, played games, organized crafts, and provided dinner and snacks.

“Project Self-Sufficiency is proud to offer the Back-to-School Fair to our participants again this year,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The helpful information and services available to families at this event prepare both children and their parents for a successful school year.  We are grateful to all of the social service agencies, businesses and volunteers who took time to lend a helping hand to local families in need.”

Participating social service organizations included the American Red Cross, Caring Partners of Morris/Sussex Counties, the Center for Family Life Education, the Division of Youth & Family Services, Domestic Abuse Services, Inc., Family Support Organization, Ginnie's House, Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey, Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County, Maternal & Child Health Consortium, Newton Police, NORWESCAP, Parent  Interactions with Schools/Teachers, Samaritan Inn, Sussex County Health Clinic, Sussex County Division of Social Services, Sussex County YMCA, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Children's Mobile Response/ Family Intervention Services, NJ Family Care, Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern New Jersey, and the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network.

Stylists from several area salons volunteered their time to offer free haircuts to students including Village Mane, Salon Fig, Becky’s, Total Image, and His & Hair.

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 has served more than 19,000 families, including more than 30,000 children, since its inception in 1986.  Project Self-Sufficiency’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 achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and to improve their lives and the lives of their children.  The agency offers a supportive family-centered environment where life issues are addressed through a combination of individual counseling, peer support groups, case management services, parenting skills training, life skills management training, home visits, childcare and early childhood education, family activities and health education.  For information about any of the services provided at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.