Free Elder Law Seminar at Project Self-Sufficiency

Len Pasculli, Esquire, will discuss general estate planning, development of a will, advance directions for healthcare, dealing with Medicare and Medicaid, tips on caring for aging parents, and other issues related to the elderly at a free Elder Law Seminar.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Child Sexual Assault Prevention Training in October

Learn how to recognize and prevent child sexual assault by attending an Enough Abuse training session, Monday, October 15th, 10;00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or Wednesday, October 17th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Free and open to the public; registration required.   Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Get a Free Mammogram in October

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer free mammograms to underinsured or uninsured women over the age of 40 on Thursday, October 11th, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  By appointment only.  Call 973-940-3500 to schedule an appointment.

Free Family Health Fair in October

Area residents are invited to receive free screenings, and get up-to-date information on a variety of health topics at Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual Family Health Fair on Thursday, October 11th.   The event will feature free mammograms, flu shots, screenings for vision and hearing, cancer screenings, information about tobacco addiction, workshops, children’s activities, and screenings for eligibility for early intervention services.  All services are available free of charge to eligible residents.  The Health Fair will take place at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Community Education Center, located at 127 Mill Street in Newton, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The Health Fair will be staffed by representatives from Sussex County Public Health Nursing, Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services, NJ CEED, Planned Parenthood, Newton Medical Center, Sussex County YMCA, New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Total Hearing Care, Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, Sussex County AIDS Task Force, Sussex County Community College, Sunrise House, American Cancer Society, Delta Dental, America Red Cross Sussex County Chapter, Center for Prevention and Counseling, and Shoprite.

The yearly gathering serves as the kick-off for the agency’s month-long community outreach effort to raise awareness of the importance of early detection for breast cancer survival.  The month of October has been designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by the American Cancer Society. 

A mobile mammography van will be on site from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to offer free mammograms to uninsured or underinsured women over the age of 40.  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.

The Family Health Fair is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  To register for the Family Health Fair, contact Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Free Bankruptcy Seminar in October

Michael Nelms, Esquire, will offer a free Bankruptcy seminar at Project Self-Sufficiency on Wednesday, October 10th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Learn how to file for bankruptcy, and explore the options available to those facing overwhelming credit card debt, foreclosure or asset repossession.  Free and open to the public; registration required. Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Project Self-Sufficiency Opens Office in Blairstown

Project Self-Sufficiency inaugurated its new location at 35 Main Street in Blairstown with a celebratory ribbon-cutting this afternoon.  The grand opening ceremony was attended by local officials, along with business leaders and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown which owns the building housing the new facility.  The effort 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 manager Beth Tully at the Blairstown location.  The new site will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m., and every third Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.   Computer classes will kick off with an introductory course in Microsoft Word beginning Thursday, October 4^th.

 

“Project Self-Sufficiency is delighted to be partnering with the First Presbyterian Church in Blairstown to offer computer training, life skills classes, GED instruction and other services to families in the northern part of Warren County,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The support we have received from the religious, business and educational community in this area has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are looking forward to helping local residents achieve their dreams of economic self-sufficiency and family stability.”

Mayor Frank Anderson lauded the opening of the new center, noting, “Blairstown is the hub of northern Warren County.  It’s a small area, but people here need as much help as anyone else.  We look forward to a great relationship.”

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.

Local business leader Norman Beatty, Board Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of First Hope Bank, commented, “Having been involved with Sussex County’s Project Self Sufficiency for a number of years and intimately familiar with the positive results it achieves in many peoples’ lives momentarily down on their luck, I am bursting with enthusiasm that they have established a satellite office sponsored by the Blairstown Presbyterian Church at 35 Main Street in Blairstown.  I am convinced that this initial entry into Warren County will experience the popular success already enjoyed in other sections of Northwest New Jersey.”

Parishioners at the First Presbyterian Church have been equally supportive.  “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.” 

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.

Child Abuse Prevention Effort Seeks Volunteers

Local residents are invited to help prevent child sexual assault by joining the Enough Abuse Campaign, a joint effort of Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, Project Self-Sufficiency and the Sussex Warren Partnership to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse.  The community-wide education effort aims to mobilize adults and communities to prevent child sexual assault by increasing awareness of the warning signs displayed by predators and as well as victims.  Educators are particularly interested in training middle and high school youth, their parents, teachers, administrators, coaches and other youth-serving professionals on how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.  Training sessions will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency on Monday, September 24^th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Thursday, September 27^th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Participation is free and open to anyone interested in stemming the tide of child sexual assault, but registration is required.  To register, or to find out more about the Enough Abuse campaign, call Melissa Bischoff at Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500.

Affordable Computer Classes offered in October

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in October, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, introductory and advanced classes in Microsoft Word, an advanced Microsoft Excel course, a Quickbooks accounting course, and  classes 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 Microsoft course is $10; the remaining workshops are free.     Students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants. 

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 9^th – 25th, 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 and Outlook will also be discussed.  

Seniors are invited to attend “Better with Technology” on Fridays, October 5^th – 19th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Participants will learn how to set up an email account and safely navigate the internet.

An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, October 15^th – 31st, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 9^th – 25th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Advanced Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, October 15^th – 31^st, from 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 more about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an advanced class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 9^th – 25th, 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.

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 – 8:30 p.m., October 3^rd – 31st.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

A course in Quickbooks Accounting Software will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, October 1^st– 31st, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Students will learn how to organize personal or business finances, track orders and payments, generate invoices, monitor and manage expenses and produce sophisticated reports and sales forecasts. 

The agency will also offer a series of workshops designed to help participants land and succeed at new jobs.  “Job Search & Networking Techniques” will be offered on Mondays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 3^rd, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  “Cover Letters & Resumes” will be held on Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 10^th, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  “Interview Skills, Workplace Literacy & Salary Negotiation” will be offered on Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 17^th, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  “Financial Management” seminars are held on Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 24^th, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.   “Careering 102” will be held on Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 31^st, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers instruction to participants on job search and networking techniques, the preparation of cover letters and resumes, and basic skills for use in interviewing, salary negotiation and the acquisition of workplace etiquette.  Help with obtaining a GED, career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services are also available.  These informational sessions are offered at convenient day and evening times.  Interested participants are encouraged to call 973-940-3500 for a schedule.

The fee for each Microsoft course is $10; all other classes 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 or career fairs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Enroll in NJ Family Care at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency offers open enrollment appointments for New Jersey FamilyCare, 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. 

Parents and guardians who have not resided in the United States as Legal Permanent Residents for at least five years are not eligible for NJ FamilyCare.  However, any pregnant woman, regardless of date of entry can apply and be determined eligible.  NJ FamilyCare only accepts 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.  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.   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, visit the www.projectselfsufficiency.orgor call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.