Learn about Careers in Finance at a free Seminar

Teens and adults are invited to learn about careers in finance at "Becoming You: Financial Careers" on Thursday, November 15th, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.  Hear from Susan Hilyerd, Vice President at First Hope Bank, Sussex County Community College Business & Economics Professor Mary Ellen Donner and Project Self-Sufficiency Business Administrator Sarah Coraggio for a discussion of their education, background and the tasks that make up their  typical day.  Questions welcome.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Agency Closed on Tuesday

Project Self-Sufficiency and the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center will be closed on Tuesday, October 30th.

Free Family Law Seminar in November

Ann Pompelio, Esquire, will discuss grounds for divorce, court procedures, child support, alimony, equitable distribution of assets and other topics related to divorce at a free Family Law Seminar, Thursday, November 15th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Learn how to Erase Prior Criminal Records

Gretchen Rafuse, Esquire, will explain the process of erasing prior criminal records at a free Expungement Seminar, Wednesday, November 14th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Agency Closed on Monday

Project Self-Sufficiency and the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center will be closed on Monday, October 29th, because of the impending storm.

Clergy to Meet to Discuss Needs of Low-Income Families

Project Self-Sufficiency will welcome representatives from local faith-based organizations to an informational gathering on Wednesday, November 14^th at 8:30 a.m.  The clergy and lay leaders from local parishes, synagogues and other houses of worship will be invited to tour the campus, learn about the programs and services available at the non-profit agency, and offer input for future programming.  Participants have been asked to bring along canned goods for distribution to needy families at Thanksgiving.

“We are looking forward to discussing the activities that we currently offer to homeless and low-income families in our area, and we hope to gather input to incorporate into future programs,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “Many of the families served by Project Self-Sufficiency are members of the churches and synagogues here in our community.  Coming together to share insights and offer solutions to the problems faced by these families will only serve to make all of our efforts more cohesive and ultimately more successful.  For example, hunger is an issue faced by many local families.  We have asked participants in this year’s clergy gathering to contribute an item for inclusion in our annual Thanksgiving food basket distribution which serves hundreds of families each year.”

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

For information about the Clergy Summit, or to find out more about the programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Learn how to Detect and Prevent Child Assault

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, November 12^th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, November 14^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 November

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in November, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, classes in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook, a QuickBooks accounting course, and workshops designed specifically 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, November 6^th – 27th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., with the exception of November 22^nd.  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.  

An advanced course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, November 5^th – 21st, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 6^th – 27^th, excluding November 22nd, 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 about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an introductory class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 6^th – 27^th, with the exception of November 22nd, 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 5^th – 19^th, 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 – 8:30 p.m., November 7^th, 14^th and 28th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

A course in QuickBooks Accounting Software will be offered on Fridays, November 2^nd – December 21st, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 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, November 7th, 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, November 14th, 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, November 21st, 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, November 28th, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.   “Careering 102” will be held on Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 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.

Get Free Legal Advice 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, November 1^st – 29^th, with the exception of Thanksgiving on November 22nd, 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.

Tie-a-Ribbon Campaign Launched in Sussex County

Project Self-Sufficiency in conjunction with the Komen for the Cure® North Jersey Affiliate and the Sussex/Warren Regional Chronic Disease Coalition have launched the Tie-a-Ribbon Campaign in Sussex County to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Breast cancer is the single most common life-threatening cancer diagnosed in New Jersey women.  Although the death rate from breast cancer has decreased each year since 1990, Sussex County is the only county in the state of New Jersey where mortality rates from breast cancer have risen in the past few years.

During the month of October the annual Tie-A-Ribbon campaign will line the streets of northwestern New Jersey towns with pink ribbons and placards that contain statistics about breast cancer and underscore the importance of early detection in obtaining a cure.  This year, all 24 Sussex County municipalities will be participating.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month will also be recognized with a Health Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency, complete with free mammograms for eligible women.   Educators trained in discussing breast cancer and the importance of early detection will also visit area middle schools and high schools in Sussex and northern Warren County.  Several local colleges will also host speakers, including Sussex County Community College, Centenary College, Warren County Community College and the County College of Morris.  Health Educators are also planning visits to area nursing homes, social service organizations and local businesses.  Project Self-Sufficiency’s Breast Health Awareness project has received funding from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the past 15 years, reaching over 60,000 residents in northwestern New Jersey.

“Breast cancer is often a curable disease if it is caught in the early stages, yet many women in our area do not seem to be taking the necessary steps to receive an early diagnosis,” pointed out Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Getting a mammogram every year after the age of 40, doing a self-exam every month, and getting regular health screenings will help to save lives.”

Not surprisingly, women are far more likely to develop breast cancer than men.  In fact, all women are at risk for developing breast cancer, and the risk increases with age.  Most women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease.  Rates of breast cancer vary greatly around the world, with developed countries tending to have higher incidences of the disease than countries which are less developed.  There is also a wide disparity of incidence across the United States; the rate of diagnosis in New Jersey is higher than the average rate in the United States, with the incidence and mortality of the later stages of breast cancer in Sussex County at a higher level than the New Jersey average.

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%.  Consequently, yearly mammograms are recommended for all women after the age of forty.  If there is a family history of breast cancer annual mammograms are recommended after that age of 35.  Although knowledge of family history is important, studies show that only 5% - 10% of breast cancers are hereditary.   Obesity after menopause may also contribute to breast cancer risk.  Consequently, the American Cancer Society recommends eating a nutritionally balanced diet, as well as incorporating regular physical activity into one’s daily life.

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.  Therefore, obtaining a mammogram can lead to expanded treatment options if cancer is detected, including conserving the infected breast and a higher survival rate.

To find out more about the Breast Health Awareness program at Project Self-Sufficiency, or to schedule a visit from a Breast Health Educator for a school, business or organization, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.