Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive Kicks off Tomorrow

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.  Enter The Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, a consortium of local social service agencies and businesses who have banded together to collect toys and other items for low-income families in the area.  Led by Project Self-Sufficiency, the group includes Pass it Along, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, The New Jersey Herald and Mugs Media.  Last year the same group collected more than 7,500 items worth more than $30,000 for distribution to Sussex County families in need.  Toys were gathered at drop-off sites throughout the county and distributed to low-income families in mid-December.  The process involved hundreds of volunteers, donors, and staff members.   The effort will be even greater this year.

The staggering number of gifts needed this year is a challenge, noted 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 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.”

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.

Author Wendy Mass to Headline Free Seminar about Writing Careers

Young adult book author Wendy Mass will be one of five professionals appearing at a free seminar about writing careers which will be offered to teens and adults on Thursday, November 17th, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Wendy will be joined by author Lisa Dale, blogger and journalist Vicki Johnson, freelance writer Lori Parks, and Karen Kellaher, an editor and writer for Scholastic and the New York Times.  The speakers will discuss their background, education and the tasks that accompany their profession, as well as answer questions posed by the audience.  “Becoming You:  Writing Careers” will focus on positions like author, reporter, editor, blogger, and others.  The forum is part of the series, “Becoming You:  Career Explorations for Teens and Adults”, which is offered at Project Self-Sufficiency throughout the year.  Future topics will address careers in Culinary Arts, Health Care and Non-Traditional Professions.  The seminar is free and open to any teen or adult in the area, but registration is required.

Wendy Mass is the award-winning author of ten novels, including A Mango-Shaped Space, Leap Day and Candy Makers.  Lisa Dale has published three novels, most notably Slow Dancing on Price’s Pier.  Freelance writer Lori Parks specializes in writing for financial publications and newsletters, while Karen Kellaher is an editor and writer for Scholastic, Inc. and the New York Times.  Along with publishing several books, Karen works on publications like The New York Times Upfront.  Vicki Johnson reports on gardening topics for the New Jersey Herald, and is a blogger for athomeinsussexcounty.com.

 “Teens and adults who are interested in writing careers, considering further education, or weighing their options for a career change, will benefit from the ‘Becoming You’ series,” notes Deborah Berry-Toon, Project Self-Sufficiency’s Executive Director.  “We are particularly grateful to the professionals in the area who have taken time out of their busy schedules to offer hope, inspiration and direction to the teens and adults in attendance.”

“Becoming You:  Writing Careers” will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton, on Thursday, October 27th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to teens and adults in the area, but registration is required.  To register for “Becoming You: Writing Careers,” call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

"Becoming You: Education Careers" Garners Applause

Project Self-Sufficiency thanks Keith Smith, Dean of Liberal Arts at the County College of Morris, Karen Perez, Principal at the Merriam Avenue Elementary School, Learning Consultant Leslie Dell and Speech Therapist Lisa Hanna for sharing their expertise at the "Becoming You: Education Careers" forum on Thursday evening.

Unique Fundraiser Benefits Project Self-Sufficiency

Men and women recently gathered on the grounds of the Hudson Farm Club, a 3,000 acre hunting preserve in Andover, to participate in a clay shoot and enjoy a gourmet meal, with the aim of raising funds for Project Self-Sufficiency, a non-profit agency specializing in services for low-income families.  Participants of all skill levels were invited to shoot at an assortment of over 100 clay targets at 20 different locations throughout the sprawling grounds.  The day was capped with a 5-course, gourmet dinner prepared by renowned chefs Kirk Avondoglio, Bradley Boyle, Andre de Waal, and Tim Harder.

The Harvest Shoot & Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering is one of the cornerstone events of Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual campaign, noted Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “The services provided to low-income families by Project Self-Sufficiency are more important than ever, given the current state of our economy.  Raising funds necessary to operate these programs is crucial to our success.  We are extremely grateful to the four chefs who have shared their time and talent with all of us, and to the Hudson Farm Club for hosting this event for the ninth consecutive year.”

Patrons at the Harvest Shoot & Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering had the option of participating in the all-day event, or just the dinner alone.  This year, a special shooting clinic for women was added to the beginning part of the course, so that novices could learn to safely use a hunting rifle.   Afterwards, participants gathered in the club’s richly-appointed dining room for the evening meal, which included hors d’oeuvres, salad and soup, fish, meat, and dessert.  Each course was paired with a wine chosen specifically to complement the food.  

The four chefs who provided the food for the Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering enjoy helping the community, and seem to get a kick out of working together.  All four chefs collaborated on the hors d’oeuvres, which ranged from duck tacos to sweet potato empanadas.  The soup and salad course was prepared by Bradley Boyle, owner of Salt Gastro Pub and Salt Studio, and included sweet potato soup with salmon bacon and toasted pecans, along with an apple salad.  “We’ve been involved with Project Self-Sufficiency for years, and when they do a benefit, they are always well organized and well put together.  They’re fun to work with.  We’re always interested in helping out Project Self-Sufficiency, because they do a lot of great things for the community.  We also love the people that they attract to their events, because they are not just there to support a great organization, they are also truly interested in what we, the restaurants, come up with for them each year.  They are just always classy events."

Kirk Avondoglio, owner of Perona Farms, was responsible for the fish course.   “We try to do anything we can to help the community, and Project Self-Sufficiency definitely helps the community,” noted Kirk as he offered Moroccan spiced salmon with melted leeks and apricots to the enthusiastic patrons.

Tim Harder, owner of the Dining Room in Sparta, prepared the meat course for the affair, which included cinnamon braised short ribs with gorgonzola cheese and brandy-soaked cherries.  “I was honored to be asked to participate in this event three years ago.  It’s a wonderful night.  It’s all about helping out and that’s what I try to do.  I look forward to working with the other chefs every year.  They are very helpful, and they give great ideas.”

The dessert course was provided by Andre de Waal, owner of Andre’s Wine & Gourmet Gallery in Newton.  “I like to give back to the people and the organizations who give so much to us,” noted Andre as he served bittersweet chocolate pate with pistachio cream.  “I really appreciate all of the people that I know who are involved with Project Self-Sufficiency on so many different levels.  It’s a nice time with the other chefs, and it’s fun to get together with them, share war stories, and share their company.” 

Sponsors of the event included Beverly and Bruce Gordon; Courter, Kobert & Cohen, PC; East Coast Alternative Energy; Josten’s; Morgan, Stanley, Smith, Barney; Nisivoccia, LLP; Aimen and Mary Carol Cannon; Pamela Alberto, DMD, LLC; Eastern Propane and the Nicholson Family; Hope Hartman; Gregory and Susan Murphy; and Jody and John Ursin.

All proceeds from the Harvest Shoot & Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering benefit Project Self-Sufficiency, a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,000 families, including over 30,000 children. 

To make a donation, or to find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Possibilities are Illuminated at Project 250 Celebration

Hundreds of illuminated Chinese lanterns floated into the night sky at Thursday’s Project 250 gathering on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency.  Celebrants toasted the success of Project Self-Sufficiency and pledged to continue to support the agency’s programs for low-income families in the coming year.  Author and entertainment reporter Jancee Dunn kept the crowd in stitches as she related stories from her life in the spotlight, and thanked attendees for their support of the agency.  The event was held at the Sussex County home of Kathy and Lou Esposito, and it served as the kick off of the agency’s year-long celebration of its 25^th anniversary.  Several current participants were also on hand to highlight the impact Project Self-Sufficiency has had on their lives.

Jancee Dunn has written for many different publications, including Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Vogue, GQ, Jane, and O: The Oprah Magazine.  From 2001-2002 she was an entertainment correspondent for Good Morning America.  She also served as a veejay for MTV2, and has published three books, "But Enough about Me", "Don't You Forget about Me" and “Why is my Mother Getting a Tattoo?  And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had to Ask”.  “I'm so happy to help celebrate 25 years of Project Self-Sufficiency's important work in Sussex County. When I was asked to be a part of Project 250, I jumped on board.  My folks have volunteered there for many years, and I see firsthand the impact that this organization has had on low-income families—nearly 20,000 of them since the organization started.”

The continued down turn in the economy continues to offer challenges to Project Self-Sufficiency.  The agency must aggressively seek funding in order to keep its doors open, and because of the bleak job market in New Jersey, participants keep streaming through those doors in search of help.  “As we celebrate our 25^th anniversary serving low-income families from this area, we are thankful for the generosity demonstrated by the community towards our participants, who have struggled to find work and hold their families together during the current recession,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The funds raised by Project 250 go directly to the children of the families served by Project Self-Sufficiency.  We are extremely grateful to the Esposito family for hosting this event at their beautiful home, and for the hard work by the Project 250 Steering Committee in organizing this memorable affair.  We are excited to be celebrating the successes of the past 25 years, and we are confident that the community will continue to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.”

Some of the services funded by Project 250 include the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which provides day care and preschool services for 83 children, ages 6 weeks through 6 years; childcare and early childhood education; parent-child activities and field trips for agency participants; substance abuse relapse prevention; parenting skills training through  the agency’s parenting center; GED instruction; job and employability skills training; support groups; therapy referral programs; home visitations to families in need; day camps during the summer months; the food pantry; and the emergency basic needs assistance program which responds to families in crisis.

Noted Beverly Gordon, President of Project Self-Sufficiency’s Board of Directors, “Project 250 is one of my favorite events because it combines inspirational stories from current participants with hope for the families who will be crossing over our threshold in the future.  We are grateful to Kathy and Lou Esposito for the use of this spectacular location, and Jancee Dunn who took time out of her busy schedule to spend an evening with us.”

Board member Kathy Esposito, the hostess of this year’s Project 250, added, “My husband, Lou, and I are honored to be hosting Project 250 this year.  Supporting Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission of service to low-income families is very important to us, and we are delighted to be able to help in any way that we can.”

Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission is to provide the services necessary for single parents, teen parents, displaced homemakers and two-parent families to improve the quality of their lives and those of their children through the attainment of economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Project Self-Sufficiency 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.   Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,000 families, including over 30,000 children. 

To make a contribution to Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out about the programs and services available to low-income families at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Grandparent Caregivers Invited to a Free Forum

Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren often live below the federal poverty level; in some southern states, the proportion of grandparent caregivers living in poverty has reached 30%.  According to the AARP, grandmothers as a social group are disproportionately affected and bear the brunt of care-giving in these families.  They often sacrifice jobs, education and health care in order to care for their grandchildren.  These grandparent caregivers face a host of social, economic and legal issues, particularly surrounding custody, medical consent and limited pro bono and legal aid.

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 over 30,000 children. 

The Grandparent Caregiver 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.

Computer Classes offered during November

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in November, 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 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.   The fee for each class is $10, with the exception of the free Careering 101 and Careering 102 courses.   Computer class students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants; members of the public are welcome to utilize the agency’s computer labs for job searches through the agency’s Universal Access program.

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 8^th – 29th, 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, November 7^th – 21st, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 8th –29th, 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, November 7^th – 21st, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays,  November 8th –29th, 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 Mondays and Wednesdays, November 7th – 21st, 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., November 2nd – 30th.  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., November 1st – 15^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-part series covering job search and networking techniques, the development of cover letters and resumes, and a session about interview skills, salary negotiation, and workplace literacy.  The Job Search component is held on Mondays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., and on Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  A discussion of Cover Letters and Resumes will be offered every Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., and on Saturdays 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.  Those who are interested in learning more about interview techniques are invited to attend sessions on Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., or on Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“Careering 102” will allow participants to receive tips on time management, goal-setting, interacting with co-workers, and other workplace techniques.  Careering 102 is offered every Tuesday, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers assistance with career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services.   The agency’s new Work Connections program allows members of the public to take advantage of the computer labs for use in searching for employment.

With the exception of the Careering 101 course, the fee for each class is $10.  Careering 101 and Careering 102 are 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.