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.

Hundreds Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast Courtesy of a Generous Community

Hundreds of Sussex County families will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey with all of the trimmings this year, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals who donated mountains of food for Project Self-Sufficiency participants this November.  Agency staff and volunteers gathered hundreds of frozen turkeys, along with cans of cranberry sauce, vegetables, bags of stuffing mix, dinner rolls, and freshly-baked pies, courtesy of the youth group of the First Presbyterian Church of Newton.

“The generosity of our friends and neighbors towards Project Self-Sufficiency participants is deeply appreciated during the holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We have a lot to be thankful for this year.”

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 19,500 families, including more than 30,000 children.

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

Local Writers Share their Professional Experiences at Free Forum

A panel of professional writers recently shared their insights and experiences with teens and adults at Project Self-Sufficiency’s “Becoming You:  Writing Careers” seminar.  Authors Wendy Mass and Lisa Dale, were joined by freelance editor Karen Kellaher, freelance writer Lori Parks, and photojournalist/blogger Vicki Johnson for a lively discussion which encompassed descriptions of their background, typical day and the challenges each have faced during their careers.

The “Becoming You:  Career Explorations” series consists of monthly forums highlighting career opportunities in a variety of disciplines.  Successful professionals from the area have been invited to speak about their education, background, and current job description, as well as offer answers to questions posed by the audience.   Upcoming subjects will include Healthcare, Non-Traditional Careers, and Culinary Professions.   

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 19,500 families, including over 30,000 children. 

The “Becoming You” events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.  For more information about upcoming “Becoming You” seminars, for information about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Our Little Sprouts Thank Freeholder Parker Space

Sussex County Freeholder Parker Space 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.  "It is important to take the time to read to your kids, for it helps set their path in life," remarked Parker.

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 19,500 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.

Photo Caption:

Sussex County Freeholder Parker Space enjoys reading with the pre-school class at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center.

Enroll in New Jersey Family Care at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency offers open enrollment appointments for New Jersey Family Care, the health insurance plan offered by the state of New Jersey to eligible children and low-income parents, every Wednesday morning, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., and every Thursday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

New Jersey Family Care is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides a wide range of services, including visits to a physician, eye glasses, hospitalization, lab work, x-rays, prescriptions, regular checkups, mental health, and dental coverage.  Medical services are available at Health Maintenance Organizations in each county.  Depending on family income, there may be restrictions on certain services.  Coverage in the health care plan is available for children 18 years of age and younger, as well as parents who meet income eligibility requirements.  Eligibility is based on family size, monthly income and other factors. 

Many individuals who were previously enrolled in the NJ Family Care/Medicaid program were recently switched to a Managed Care plan.  Care for these individuals is now coordinated under one of 4 HMO’s.  There are no longer any medical exemptions of mandatory HMO enrollment in NJ Family Care.  Care for certain childless adults who are not enrolled in the state of New Jersey’s General Assistance Program has been terminated.   Interested applicants are encouraged to call Project Self-Sufficiency or visit the New Jersey Family Care website, www.njfamilycare.org, for more information.  Individual appointments at Project Self-Sufficiency are free and open to the public, but registration is required. 

Guidelines for residency status and income eligibility have recently been revised.  Parents and guardians who have not resided in the United States as Legal Permanent Residents for at least five years are no longer eligible for NJ FamilyCare.  However, any pregnant women, regardless of date of entry can apply and be determined eligible.  NJ FamilyCare is only accepting applications from parents and guardians with work income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.  For example, parents and guardians in a family of four, making up to $2,444 per month, may be eligible.  However, some parents and guardians in a family making up to $2,444 may not be eligible because income such as unemployment, child support and government benefits are counted differently. 

Parents at higher income levels may have the option of purchasing health insurance for their children at reasonable rates through the New Jersey Family Care ADVANTAGE program.  Applicants will be eligible for New Jersey Family Care only if they have been uninsured for a period of three months or more, or if health coverage was lost due to layoffs or other factors.  Depending on income, other exceptions may apply for families privately paying for health insurance or for COBRA benefits.  For many families, New Jersey Family Care will be free.  Other families will pay a monthly premium based on their income and small co-payments for some services.

Immigrant parent/caretakers who are legal permanent residents of the United States must have had that status for at least five years in order to be eligible for NJ FamilyCare.  Children age 18 or younger in "Qualified" immigrant status are able to apply for NJ FamilyCare, regardless of the date that they entered the United States; they do not have to wait five years to be eligible.  "Qualified" status includes a lawful permanent resident, a refugee, an asylee, a Cuban-Haitian entrant, an undocumented resident whose deportation is being withheld by USCIS, an Amerasian immigrant, a child of an honorably discharged United States military veteran, a child of a member of the United States military, an immigrant paroled for over one year, or an applicant under the Violence Against Women Act.  Certain American Indians born in Canada are treated the same as a United States citizen for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility.

Applicants are required to bring proof of income, citizenship information, social security number, and information about existing health coverage to the enrollment appointment.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  To register, or to find out more about enrollment in the New Jersey Family Care program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.