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 4th.
“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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment