Career Center offers Computer Classes in January

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in January, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, classes in Microsoft Word and Excel, QuickBooks accounting software, 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 Mondays and Wednesdays, January 7^th – 28^th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 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.  

An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 8^th – 24th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 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, January 8^th – 24^th, 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 course in QuickBooks Accounting Software will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, January 7^th– February 6^th, 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. 

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 – 9:00 p.m., January 9^th – 30th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

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, January 2nd, 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, January 9th, 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, January 16th, 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, January 23^rd, 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, January 30^th, 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.

Computer Classes and Career Seminars offered in Blairstown

Computer classes and employment skills seminars will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Blairstown office in January.  Area residents are invited to learn how to create custom slide shows and presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint on Thursdays, January 10^th, 17^th & 24^th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

Seminars on various job searching techniques will be offered on Wednesdays, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Job Search & Networking Techniques will be explored on January 2^nd; Cover Letters & Resumes will be discussed on January 9^th and 23^rd; Interviewing Skills, Workplace Literacy and Salary Negotiations will be addressed on January 16^th.   The computer lab will be open on Saturday, January 19^th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for individuals to brush up on their computer skills or work on resumes and cover letters.

The agency’s computer lab is located in the First Presbyterian Outreach Center at 35 Main Street in Blairstown. 

A complete roster of computer classes and employability skills course are offered at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton location all year long, including classes in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel;  QuickBooks accounting software; workshops addressing techniques for job search, interviewing, resume development and financial management; and courses designed just for seniors and men. 

For more information, call the Project Self-Sufficiency office in Blairstown at 928-362-1777, or phone the agency’s Newton office at 973-940-3500.  Information about the agency’s services is also available at www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Thank You, Again, Sussex County!

Project Self-Sufficiency and Pass it Along would like to thank all of the members of the community who donated toys, or the funds to purchase toys, for the annual Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive.  Despite the difficult economic situation many residents are facing, our community out did itself to help those who are less fortunate in our area.  Not only did individuals donate new and unwrapped toys, many schools, scouting troops, and civic organizations conducted toy drives on behalf of our low-income neighbors.  Volunteers even baked more than 600 dozen cookies for our patrons so that each parent would have a bag of fresh baked goods to share with their children.  We are fortunate to live in Sussex County, a place which is unique in its sense of community, spirit and generosity towards its neighbors in need.  We are also extremely grateful to Sussex County Freeholder Richard Vohden and his wife, Faith, as well as The New Jersey Herald, Clear Channel Radio, Straus News, Intercar Mercedes Benz and Sussex Honda for their generous support of this endeavor.  We wish everyone Happy Holidays!

Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director, Project Self-Sufficiency

Diane Taylor, Executive Director, Pass it Along

Newton Police Department Lends a Hand at Toy Shop

Volunteering is important to the members of the Newton Police Department, many of whom step up to assist patrons at the Season of Hope toy shop at Project Self-Sufficiency each December.  Officers direct traffic, assist with crowd control and other issues so that participants can have an enjoyable shopping experience.  The Season of Hope toy shop offers free new and unwrapped toys to income-eligible families each year.

“Any time you can give back as a public servant it is important, especially when it involves the youth of our community,” remarked Lieutenant Robert Osborn.  “Project Self-Sufficiency is an unbelievable organization, and we try to do anything we can to help them, especially around the holidays when we have the opportunity to help people who may less fortunate than ourselves.”

The officers work in shifts of several hours in length.  Lieutenant Mark Zappa has volunteered with the effort for four years.  “We assist with security, with crowd control and with parking.  We just make sure that everyone complies with the rules.  We all signed up to volunteer.  The guys do it because it is important to give back and help out the community.”

The officers also give back by donating toys.  The local chapter of the Police Benevolent Association, Sussex County’s largest and oldest law enforcement organization, contributed $600 worth of gifts for infants, pre-teens and teens this year, according to Lieutenant Zappa.  “In the past we have given money, but this year the members went out and bought toys.  It was fun.”  The organization includes officers from police departments in Byram, Newton, Stanhope and Hamburg, as well as representatives from the Sheriff’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office.

“The presence of the officers from the Newton Police Department makes a world of difference at the Season of Hope toy shop each year,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We are so grateful to the entire department for their support of the low-income families served by this toy drive, and we deeply appreciate their willingness to volunteer their time to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience while they are here.”

Donations to the Season of Hope Toy Drive will be accepted through the end of December.  New and unwrapped gifts for infants, children, pre-teens and teens will be stored and used for the toy shop next December.  To make a donation, or to find out more about the Season of Hope Toy Drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Free Bankruptcy and Family Law Consultations

Area residents who are experiencing overwhelming credit card debt, asset repossession or foreclosure are invited to privately discuss issues related to bankruptcy with an attorney on Wednesdays, January 2^nd – 30^th, at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Those who have questions about issues related to divorce, such as issues surrounding court procedures, child support, distribution of assets and other topics, are welcome to meet with an attorney on Thursdays, January 3rd - 31st.  Individual consultations will be offered at 30-minute intervals between the hours of 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The sessions are free and open to Sussex County residents who meet income eligibility requirements; consultations are by appointment only.  To make an appointment, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.