Free Legal Advice offered at Project Self-Sufficiency

Free one-on-one meetings with an attorney are available between the hours of 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings, September 6^th – 27th, 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. Call 973-940-3500 to schedule an appointment.

Teens Gain Useful Skills and Experience at Summer Employment Program

A group of teens from low-income families in northern New Jersey are spending 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 combines classroom instruction with hands-on work experience at several area non-profit organizations as well as at Sussex County Community College.   The 20 youths range in age from 14 to17, and for many, the program is their first experience with paid employment.  The teens were recruited for the program based on the level of their household income, access to transportation, and other factors.

Each day features an hour of job skills training at Project Self-Sufficiency followed by work at an area employer.   This summer teens are employed at Birth Haven, Project Self-Sufficiency, Sussex County Division of Social Services, Sussex County YMCA, Sussex County Community College, Blue Mountain Day Camp, Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary and the First Presbyterian Church.   Responsibilities include clerical work, data entry, research, camp counseling, animal care and other tasks.  Transportation is provided to all participants as part of the program.

“Project Self-Sufficiency is 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 tumble off the bus each morning, they learn 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 are then transported to their individual work sites.  “This program is a success because it provides the students with the tools and confidence needed to become competent and successful in the workplace,” commented Haley Ward, Summer Youth Employment Program Coordinator on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “They are required to take on responsibilities they have never encountered.  They will walk away from this experience with a deeper appreciation of the value of workplace etiquette, the importance of nurturing relationships with colleagues, and the impact meaningful work has on building skills and self-esteem.”

Two teens are employed at the Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary in Frelinghuysen over the summer.  “We are so pleased to be able to participate in the program again this year, and we actually have two of last year’s applicants back with us this year,” commented Kelly Corless Simonetti, Director and Owner of Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary.  “They are so enthusiastic and very helpful in all aspects of the sanctuary.  They provide support for projects that we were not able to get to due to the overwhelming number of animals we are caring for this year.  The teens have helped with animal identification signs for our education programs; they have given the animals we use for education programs special attention, and helped develop our walking trail system.  They even picked over 100 pints of raspberries which were sold through our Facebook page to support the sanctuary animals.  We hope to have them back next year!”

Barbara Wortmann, Executive Director of the Foundation at Sussex County Community College, is hosting a student employee this summer.   The student is involved in a multitude of tasks, from administrative work to filling in for the receptionist.  “She has been working on administrative tasks, sending out thank you notes, building Excel spreadsheets and working on organizing different projects.  We try to make this experience as valuable to them as it is to us,” noted Barbara.

The Sussex County Division of Social Services employed three 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 students were fun to work with and open to learning new things.  They provided much needed help to our Agency.  We wish they could be with us all year. ”

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

Learn how to Erase Prior Criminal Records at a Free Seminar

Gretchen Rafuse, Esquire, will discuss the process of erasing prior criminal records at a free Expungement Seminar on Wednesday, September 12th, 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.

Back-to School Fair Helps Low-Income Families

More than 300 children and their families turned out for the 10^th annual Back-to-School Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday.  Information sessions taught parents to protect themselves and their children from interpersonal violence, and introduced them to scouting programs in the area.  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 literacy.  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 Claire Willetts, Program Coordinator at 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 Caring Partners of Morris/Sussex Counties, the Division of Child Protection & Permanency, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services, Family Support Organization, Foodshed Alliance, Ginnie's House, Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey, Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County, Newton Police, NORWESCAP, Parent  Interactions with Schools/Teachers, Samaritan Inn, Sussex County YMCA, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Children's Mobile Response/ Family Intervention Services, and others.

Stylists from several area salons volunteered their time to offer free haircuts to students including Essence Hair, Mancuso Salon, Salon Fig, and Total Image.

Sculpture Installation Honors Linda Pinto

A large group gathered on the grounds of Project Self-Sufficiency’s campus recently to dedicate a large sculpture to Linda Pinto, a task force member during Project Self-Sufficiency’s early days as a program of the Sussex County Board of Social Services.  The 8’ foot tall, rusted steel piece was commissioned to commemorate Linda Pinto’s years of service as the Executive Director at Knoll Properties, and to recognize her continued support of Project Self-Sufficiency, a non-profit agency which offers services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey.  

“I am the most difficult of people when it comes to being the center of attention,” remarked Linda.  When she learned that the Board of Directors at Knoll Properties intended to honor her for her years of service, she suggested that they donate the funds earmarked for a tribute to her to Project Self-Sufficiency instead.   As one of the Project Self-Sufficiency’s original Board Members during the 1980’s, Linda noted, “There is not another non-profit in all-of-the-world who uses their resources for direct service that truly impacts the lives of their constituency more than Project Self-Sufficiency.  My husband and I served on the original Board of Directors for Project Self-Sufficiency by virtue of the fact that we both worked for the Department of Community Affairs.  I could see immediately that this was a very creative venture which brought the resources of the community together to support the entire person, and to be able to help them to stand on their own two feet.  That’s what Project Self-Sufficiency continues to do today.”

The sculpture, which has been entitled “Lifting Each Other”, depicts a family whose members are perched on each other’s shoulders.  “I am a former Franciscan nun, and when I saw the sculpture I was immediately reminded of the spirit of St. Francis in all of its aspects, because it lifts you up,” commented Linda.  “When the courageous men and women walk through those doors at Project Self-Sufficiency it will give them some sense that there is hope and that a better day is coming.”

Jay Dunn, Board Member at Knoll Properties, noted that the sculpture was perfectly suited for display on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus, “We had seen this sculpture and thought it was representative of Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission, because it was so evocative of Project Self-Sufficiency and its family-oriented approach.”

 “Project Self-Sufficiency is honored to be the recipient of this beautiful piece of artwork,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency’s Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon during the dedication ceremony.  “But more importantly, we are delighted to have been on the receiving end of Linda’s dedication to our mission of promoting family stability and economic self-sufficiency for low-income families for all of these years.  Linda’s presence in this community has been a gift to everyone who has come in contact with her, as a Board member at Project Self-Sufficiency, as Executive Director at Knoll Properties, and through her years as Chairman of the Human Services Advisory Committee in our area.  We are honored to be here to dedicate this statue to her, and we hope that it will serve as a guiding light for our participants as they walk through our doors.”

Fiber Optics Certification Program Open House

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a 40-hour training program to qualified candidates who wish to become Certified Fiber Optics Technicians, September 17^th – 28th, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Interested participants are invited to attend Open Houses about the Fiber Optics Technician Certification Program on Thursday, September 6^th at 6:00 p.m. or Friday, September 7^th at 10:00 a.m.  Students will learn theory and receive hands-on training covering the basics of fiber optics, the different types of fiber and cables, information transmission and fiber optic LAN, sources of light loss in fiber, specifications for fiber optic cable, types of connectors, and more.   Training will be provided by a representative from Educational Resources, Inc., a company which specializes in workplace training in the fields of customer service, sales and various technical fields including fiber optics.

The advent of fiber optic communication in the 1970’s has revolutionized the telecommunications industry.  Optical fibers are used in place of copper wire technology to transmit information with pulses of light.  The light then forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that can be modulated to carry vast amounts of information.   Fiber optic technicians have a broad knowledge of fiber optics which can be applied at almost any stage of the communications process, from creating the signal with the use of a transmitter to the end process of converting that signal into electricity.  Most certified Fiber Optics Technicians work as contractors or installers; although to gain certification, an individual is required to understand the technology, components, installation and testing that is required throughout the process.

“This is a program that introduces people to the world of fiber which is all around us and is an important technology which will continue to grow as the economy recovers,” noted Charles Wortmann, President of Educational Resources, Inc.  “The Department of Labor has recognized this as a growing area for our economy.  More and more fiber is being placed into homes and office buildings, because fiber offers high-speed access to data and telecommunication.  Certification as a fiber optics technician demonstrates that a candidate has value to a company.  When these people do get jobs as fiber optics technicians, they are good-paying jobs.”

Thorlabs, an international corporation with offices in Newton, endorses the Fiber Optics Certification program at Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The Fiber Optics Certification program offered by Project Self-Sufficiency is a great head start to a career in Fiber Optics,” noted Jeanine Di Domenico, a Human Resources Generalist who works closely with the Fiber Business Unit at Thorlabs.  “It covers both the basic theory and hands-on aspects well.  The individuals who have completed this course have been able to hit the ground running when they start with us and have a much shorter learning curve than most new hires.”

Space in the Fiber Optics Network Cabling Certification program at Project Self-Sufficiency is limited, and participants must meet specific eligibility guidelines.  The program is open to single parents and displaced homemakers age 18 or older.  Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and access to transportation, and be willing to commit to the full 40 hours of training.  Income eligibility guidelines and other restrictions may apply.  To attend an Open House or to find out more about the training program to become a Certified Fiber Optics Technician, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Free Job Training Program Gives Hope to Families

A revolution has been quietly taking place in northwestern New Jersey over the past 20 years.  More than 700 women have successfully completed an intensive office skills training program at Project Self-Sufficiency, and landed new jobs at area employers.  Most of the program participants were women who were out of work due to layoffs or other factors.  Many had left the workplace voluntarily to care for their families.  Years later when they wanted to return, many of these women discovered that their job skills were obsolete.  Faced with bleak employment prospects, they turned to the “Higher Opportunities for Women” training program at Project Self-Sufficiency, an intensive 16-week course that combines computer skills training, classroom instruction and on-the-job experience in a one-of-a kind job skills boot camp.  Women graduate from the program armed with the skills and confidence necessary to land a job in the current marketplace.  In fact, several have fared so well during the program that they managed to secure employment before their coursework was even completed.

Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency explains that HOW program is more than just a job-skills program.  “The Higher Opportunities for Women program offers participants the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence to compete in today’s job market, and that in turn, helps put food on the table, pay the rent, and ultimately turn around the prospects for the entire family.  Project Self-Sufficiency is in the business of changing lives.  Giving our participants the tools necessary to become economically self-sufficient makes families stable and helps the entire community.”

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.  Participants are also encouraged to take advantage of the other programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, including counseling, life skills classes and other support services.

Former participant Linda Barry came to the HOW program after 18 years at home raising her children.  “I had no recent experience and I knew I needed to brush up and learn new skills.  I felt as though I was not qualified for any good jobs.  It was a very depressing time and I didn’t know where to begin,” she remembers.  “I attended the classes and ended up doing my externship at Sussex County Community College.  From that, I got an opportunity to interview with the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce where I ultimately landed a job.  The HOW program and the people who work at Project Self-Sufficiency helped me tremendously and showed me that I still had plenty to offer an employer.  It was a positive experience for me and I would recommend that women take advantage of these wonderful opportunities.”

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 to successfully venture into the job market.   Classroom time is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies.    While the Higher Opportunities for Women program runs during the Fall and Spring, Project Self-Sufficiency offers an abbreviated “Summer Office Skills” course during the warmer months.  Both programs incorporate computer skills training with classroom instruction and on-the-job experience.

“I learned a lot from this program.  I am confident in my updated computer skills and continue to practice them.  I am really thankful that Project Self-Sufficiency gave me such a great opportunity to get the education I needed to compete in today’s job market,” noted recent HOW graduate Kristi Rowan who entered the HOW program after being out of work for more than a year.  

Participants in the HOW program are encouraged to take advantage of the other services available at Project Self-Sufficiency such as support groups and life skills classes.  Kristi Rowan valued the support she received from her fellow classmates just as much as the instruction she received.  “My classmates helped in my growth process by sharing their experiences and encouragement.  Their input has made a positive difference in my life which I will always remember.  I gained confidence in myself through activities and discussions in class about self-esteem, goal-setting and time management.  I continue to use those skills both on and off the job.”

Dawn Sanford approached Project Self-Sufficiency in 2006.  “I was coming out of an abusive marriage.  My ex-husband left me, and our two children, who were 8 and 2 years old at the time, and I had no idea what I was going to do.  I was scared, lonely, and afraid, with no self esteem, and very little self worth.”  Dawn registered for the agency’s “Higher Opportunities for Women” program, and gained the confidence to return to college.  “I learned new skills and sharpened some rusty ones in Project Self Sufficiency's ‘HOW’ program.  With the support and encouragement I received from Project Self Sufficiency, I went back to college and sat in classrooms with a bunch of 18-year-olds.  I graduated from Sussex County Community College on the Dean's List and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, with a High Honors Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.  Recently, I started a career within the Superior Court.  My children saw their Mom go from just surviving to thriving.  Without the support and encouragement I received from Project Self Sufficiency, I can assure you, I would have accomplished none of what I have.”

 Participants in the current Summer Office Skills program at Project Self-Sufficiency are busy gearing up for their externships at local job sites.  Externships are offered at government and non-profit agencies in Sussex County, and the workload typically encompasses administrative tasks that participants would encounter at a paid work site.  Bristol Glen’s Volunteer Coordinator Caroline Silva has employed HOW participants at the elder care facility for several years.  “Project Self-Sufficiency does a wonderful job teaching basic computer skills, so I don’t have to spend a lot of time training.  The HOW participants help with the input of data into the volunteer database, create flyers to promote events, handle filing and other clerical work in the wellness center and in the marketing department,” commented Caroline.  “Project Self-Sufficiency also does a great job of matching somebody who would work well with older residents.  They are dependable, and they are kind and outgoing to the elderly.”

The agency is holding Open Houses for the Fall Higher Opportunities for Women program at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4^th, Monday, September 10^th and Thursday, September 13^th, as well as at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6^th and Tuesday, September 11th.  The new program will run from mid-September to mid-January.  To register for an Open House, or to find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit the agency’s website, www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Project Self-Sufficiency Opens Blairstown Office

Project Self-Sufficiency announces the opening of its new location at 35 Main Street in Blairstown, a building which is currently known as the Outreach Center for the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown.  The new facility is the result of a unique partnership between the church and the non-profit agency; the space is provided by the First Presbyterian Church, while the services are courtesy of Project Self-Sufficiency.  Low-income families in the northern part of Warren County will be able to access computer training, parenting skills education, assistance with obtaining a GED, and individual appointments with case managers at the Blairstown location.  The new site will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m., beginning September 4^th.

 “Project Self-Sufficiency is delighted to be partnering with the First Presbyterian Church in Blairstown to offer services to families in the northern part of Warren County,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The Main Street location is ideal for area residents, and we are grateful for the vision and support of the leadership and the congregation of the church.”

Since 1986, Project Self-Sufficiency has offered a wide range of programs to low-income families which are designed to help them to become economically self-sufficient.  Services available at the agency’s Newton location include literacy skills training, GED instruction, childcare, career and interview skills training, job search assistance, legal education, parenting skills workshops, computer courses, assistance with emergency basic needs, counseling and referral, and other programs.  The agency also offers periodic job fairs, parenting fairs, health fairs and other activities which allow participants to access the resources of local social service and healthcare organizations.

“We hope that people who have life skill needs will take advantage of our partnership with Project Self Sufficiency, developing skills and training to improve and ultimately transform their lives, noted the Reverend David Harvey, Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Blairstown.  “The First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown is trying to help people during this ailing and failing economy.  If individuals and families are able to acquire skills and take advantage of the opportunities Project Self Sufficiency and this partnership offers we will be overjoyed knowing that we have helped better human lives – to the glory of God. ”

Project Self-Sufficiency’s Blairstown site contains an Employment Lab for computer and career training, assessment, and access to job search resources.  In addition, the facility is staffed by Warren County Outreach Coordinator Beth Tully, who conducts intake and assessment of interested participants, teaches parenting classes and life skills seminars, and provides referrals to other services available throughout the agency.  “I’m excited about helping to open a new satellite office and reaching out to an underserved population in Warren County,” noted Beth.  “This office is centrally located and it will make it easier for people to access services.”  In anticipation of the opening of the Blairstown site, Beth has been traveling across Warren County introducing the program to local social service agencies, schools and other organizations.

Kaye Evans, a Deacon at the church, has been involved in the coordination of the efforts to bring the agency’s services to the Outreach Center on Main Street.  She notes that the mission of Project Self-Sufficiency and the goals of the church for the Outreach Center are a perfect match.  “We are always looking for ways to be more involved with the community, and this seemed like a great way to utilize the Outreach Center.  The building is accessible for people on Main Street, and it’s easy for people to get to.  It’s great to be offering services that are needed for this community.  I think it will be a good thing.”

To schedule an appointment with a case manager at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Blairstown site, located at 35 Main Street, call 908-362-1777.  Appointments can also be scheduled at the Blairstown location by calling the Newton office at 973-940-3500.

Free Mammograms offered at Project Self-Sufficiency in September

On Thursday, September 6th, a mobile mammography van will be available at Project Self-Sufficiency to offer free mammograms to eligible women.  To receive a free mammogram, women must be uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 40.  Mammograms will be offered by appointment only, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:20 p.m.

Participants will also receive instructions for performing self-examinations, as well as free educational materials on breast health and breast cancer.  In combination with mammograms, breast self-exams and clinical breast exams are recommended for all women after the age of 20.  Combining these three methods gives women the best chance of detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.  Funding for the mobile mammography van is provided in part by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® North Jersey Affiliate.

“Project Self-Sufficiency is proud to be able to offer free mammograms to women in need,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Early detection is the key to preventing breast cancer, and getting a mammogram can often mean the difference between life and death.” 

Sussex County has the highest incidence of incurable breast cancer in the state, primarily because the cancer is not being detected at its earliest, most curable, stage.  In fact, while the mortality rate for breast cancer in the state of New Jersey dropped -8.9% from 1997 to 2005, mortality in Sussex County rose +9.5% during the same period. 

Early detection is essential in the fight against breast cancer; the survival rate for women who detected breast cancer in its earliest stages has reached 98%.  A mammogram is 85% - 90% effective at detecting breast cancer.  Mammograms may detect breast cancer up to two years before they can be felt through clinical or self-examinations.  Recent studies have shown that mammography can reduce the chances of death from breast cancer by 30%.

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Free mammograms will be available between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:20 p.m., and are available by appointment only.  To register for a free mammogram, contact Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

High School Drop Out Turns Her Life Around

Six years ago at the age of 15, Larissa Connors hit a rough patch and dropped out of high school, a decision she says she has regretted ever since.  Severe health problems, coupled with the tragic death of her father, caused her to miss too many days of school.  Rather than try to catch up with her school work, she gave up, and stayed home to help her ailing mother with the other children in the family.  Larissa used the time to volunteer as part of the Beemerville Auxiliary, and she picked up odd jobs during the summer months.  Still, she felt that there was something missing in her life.  Having spent so much time around physicians and hospitals as a result of her childhood heart condition, she yearned for a career in the medical field.  Getting there was the problem.  One day she learned about the Youth Connections Program at Project Self-Sufficiency from an article in a magazine.  She picked up the phone and enrolled.  Project Self-Sufficiency is a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey.  The agency’s Youth Connections program is an outreach effort targeted at young people who have either dropped out of school, or who are high school graduates struggling with literacy issues. 

Like Larissa, approximately 30% of high school students will drop out of school before reaching the 12^th grade, according to the U.S. Department of Education.  Statistically only 55% of the nation's students between the ages of 15 and 19 will successfully complete high school and receive a high school diploma.  Another 15% will receive their GED or high school equivalency before the age of 24, which in total accounts for 70% of students that will graduate annually.  

There are many significant reasons teens drop out of high school before graduating, ranging from peer pressure to lack of parental support to failure to address special needs.  A feeling of boredom or lack of engagement at school is another common problem.  While the reasons for dropping out are varied, it is predictable that those without a high school diploma will fare worse economically than their peers.  Without a diploma, they will have a difficult time finding meaningful work.  High school drop outs will earn less, have poor health, live in poverty and have children at an early age, many of whom will also grow up to be high school drop outs, according to EduGuide, a non-profit organization that works with schools and other non-profit groups.

The free Youth Connections program at Project Self-Sufficiency is designed for youth who are no longer enrolled in school, or those who have graduated from high school but who may be struggling with literacy.  Youth Connections helps guide participants through GED testing, job training, and placement at a work site, in college or the military.  Once a participant is accepted into the program, they can expect to undergo a battery of assessment testing followed by help with attaining their GED, life skills training, pre-employment training, and other remedial education efforts.  Childcare, lunch and limited transportation assistance is available to all participants.  Upon completion of their education, participants will be placed in internships, followed by placement in paid employment, college or the military.  Follow up support will be provided by Project Self-Sufficiency staff to ensure that the newly-minted workers are faring well in their positions.

Larissa has worked diligently towards her GED testing since the day she walked through the doors at Project Self-Sufficiency.   After she takes the test, she will be placed in an internship with a local health care practitioner.  Her goal is to attend Sussex County Community College and obtain a degree in medical office administration.  “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.  Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be in the medical field.  I like helping other people.  Because of my heart condition, I have always been around doctors and hospitals.  I see the way that they help people and I want to do that, too,” comments Larissa.

The Youth Connections program isn’t just about preparing for a test.  Larissa has enjoyed making new friends and has found the classroom instruction rewarding, as well.  “Meeting new people has been the best part, and the life skills classes have taught me how to deal with things in the workplace and even at home.”

Larissa’s home life has improved since she joined the Youth Connections program.  Despite needing her help with Larissa’s siblings, her mother is very supportive of Larissa’s efforts to improve her life.  “I am her left and right hand, but she has been pushing me to do this.”

Eligibility guidelines for the Youth Connections program are strict.  Participants must be local residents between the ages of 16 – 21, who fall below the federal poverty guidelines.  Male participants are required to register with the Selective Service System in order to qualify.   

For assistance in applying for the Youth Connections program, or to find out more about the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.