We Give Thanks to You

As we move into 2013, Project Self-Sufficiency would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the community members who came together to make the 2012 Season of Hope a success. We want to especially thank our partners in this endeavor – Pass It Along, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, Clear Channel Radio, and The New Jersey Herald.  Then there are the hundreds of volunteers, donors, and businesses who participated as drop-off sites. Thanks to ALL of these wonderful neighbors, the Season of Hope Toy Shop served 750 families this year, providing gifts to 1,592 children in need. Thanks go out to all of the following. In the hectic pace of the season we may not have captured every individual name, but this message of gratitude is sincerely meant for everyone who came together as a community to spread joy this holiday season.

DONORS

Cindy Armstrong, Augusta Hill Farms, Chet & Beryl Basher – Sparta Trades, Barbara Bayles, Brian & Lisa Beam, Lisa Bingham, Anita Bissonette, Rose Mary Boyer, Bernard Boyle, Ken & Kate Bradley, Jim Brady & Skip Pasciak – Marine Corps League Detachment 747, Virginia Brophy, Stan & Laura Brownlee, Jacqueline Buckalew, Theresa Burn, Alex Cable – Thorlabs, Inc., Kathleen Cafasso, Craig, Heather & Zack Calhoun, Cardiology Associates of Sussex County, William & Martha Carson, Courtney Christie, Judy Carey, Robin Chandler, Teddi Chandler, Marge Clouse, Tricia Coesfield, Linda Collier, Lauren Conklin,  Jeanne Cosh, Walter Cramp, Charles & Carole Dakake, John & Gale Danko, Carol Davenport, Roger Deacon, Dorothy Dedrick, Mike DeFelice – Tab Group, Mark & Patricia Delhauer, Grace Dickson, Pat Dilts – Wards Flowers, Barbara Dimeck, Gail DiPaolo, Sean Donahue, Daniel & Maryann Doolittle, Jeri Dougherty – NAMI Sussex,  Barry Douglas – Mountain Spring Irrigation, Diane Eakman, Judi Edgerly, Bob, Diane, Deb & Rob Edgett, Hulda Engels, Katie Ennis, Constance Fadden – Kappa Delta Gamma, The Falkowski Family, Francesca Fazzolari – James Alexander Corporation, Amy Frapaul, Manuel & Nyalys Galan, Robbin Gibbons, Connie Gibson, Samantha & Susan Geiger, Linda Giffoniello, Catherine Goodwin, Meghan Goodwin, Beverly & Bruce Gordon, Jen Green, Michelina Greenberg, Goan Guerrieri, Meg Guiseppi, Matthew Haight, Carol Harris, Dr. Hope Hartman, Claudine Heim – Helen Morgan PTO, Skylar Hildebrant, Kathy Hodgson, Melissa Hoffman, John & Judith Hornstra, Dick & Kathy Huber, Jan Indoe, Ivy Rehab, Helen Jackson, Nancy Jacobus, Don & Kathy Jameson, Rachel Jameson, Tom & Robin Kaminsky, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Bonnie Kausner, Michael & Myrna King, Mary Ellen Kithcart, Roy & Susan Knutsen, Jean Koszoru, Michelle G. Lander, Marion Lanterman, George & Jean LeBLanc, Teddy LeFebvre, Ronald & Janice Leone, Elsie Lorber, Joseph & Catherine Lorentz, The Lowery Family, Holly Lusardi, Bob Marines, Peggy Marks – Duff & Phelps, Joseph Martin, Jessie Martinez & Eric Grau, Wolfgang & Isabel Mayer, John & Priscilla McAuliffe, John & Patty McGuigan, Joe & Helene McGill, Maureen McHale, John & Nina McKay, Father Kieran McHugh – Pope John XXIII Regional High School, Sharon Merle, George & Linda Miller, Jill Miller, Jeff & Liz Milliken, Kris Minkewiecz, Jess Minnick, Margaret Minter, Lois Mitchell, Susan & Faith Moor, Elaine Morgan, Morris, Downing & Sherred, Barbara Mueller, Gregory & Susan Murphy, Mary Nelson, M.J. Nemeth, Newton Medical Center Emergency Room, Mark Nolan, Patricia Olivo, Daniel Olsen, Kathryn Orr, Martin, Michelle, Erin & Michael O’Shea, Ellen Pawlak, Steve Payson, Sandy Pender, Emily Perez, J. P. Perry, Ken & Jan Pfeifer , Joe Pizzi, Robert Fry & Suzanne Pocsik-Fry, Len Presciera, Gail Pressimone, Carolyn Proulx, Pat Raimondo, June Riehl, Larry Riker, Pat Roberts, Gail Roffe, Sharon Rolon, Sharon Rubeska, Grace Russo, Lynn Sadora – Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sussex County, Claudine Salayko, Joan Salvas, Dawn Sanford, Michael Saunders & J.M. Jackson-Saunders, Norman & Rhoda Seider, Jennifer Shortino, Allison Sidoli, Joseph & Catherine SIlvernail, William & Cathy Sirocky, Peg Soehl, Robert Soldoveri – Whispering Pines Enterprises, Heather Sollers, Girl Scouts Flatbrook Service Unit, Michael & Debra Spangenberg, Trish Springer, Mary Ann Squashic, Sparta Woman’s Club, Kathy Stanko – Rockaway Townsquare Mall, Theresa Steele, Anna Steiger, Liz Stroppa, Sussex County Community College U.M.A.D.D. Club, Sussex County Educational Services Commission – Northern Hills Academy, Lorraine Thomas, Lisa Tirone – Chef It Up Kids, John & Ada Tujak, Scott & Marcy Turkington, Steve & Louise van der  Haeghen, Jean VanDyk, Mary Van Haarlem, Steve Van Niewland – Sussex County PBA Local 138, Frank & Nancy Virtue, Richard & Faith Vohden, Dean & Albina Voris, Al & Donna Watch, June Whitworth, Bette Wieder, Linda Wilbert, Don Williams, Kathleen Williams, Lisa Wincz, Lisa Womfrum – Wells Fargo, Janet Worman, Ivette Wright – Valley View Care Center, Lois Zitone, Michael & Margaret Zvalaren.

DONATION SITES

Amare Consignment Boutique;  Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique; Bogwater Jim’s; Charm; Clear Channel Radio; Coldwell Banker Realty; Curves of Jefferson; Drayer Physical Therapy; Family Vision Care; Fit For Life; Frogmore Country Elegance; First Hope Bank; Highland Flowers & Gifts; Holiday Inn Express; Inspire Fitness ; Intercar Mercedes Benz; GDS Foods; George’s Wine & Gourmet Gallery; Lakeland Bank; Medicine Shoppe; Mill Creek Boutique; Newton Country Club; PB&J Stores; Photographs Cameras & Videos; Prudential Gross & Jansen Highlands Realty; R.B. Painting; RDA Fitness; Rumours II Salon; Salon 360; Salon Fig; Service Electric Cable TV; Simply Dance; Snap Fitness; Sparta Athletic Club; Sparta Books; Sparta Police Department; Sparta Post Office; Sussex County Clerk’s Office; Sussex Honda; Stop N’ Shop; Sweet P.E.A.’s; Traillworks; Vernon Post Office; Weichert Realty.

TOY DRIVES

Alpine Montessori School; Andover Township Police Department; The Bischoff Family; Brownie Troop 670; Bunnies–n-Buddies 4-H Club; The Chatterbox; Don Bosco Columbiettes Aux # 7784; First Presbyterian Church of Newton; Frankford Township Schools; Franklin Mutual Insurance; Girl Scout Troop 5015; Girl Scout Troop 816; Girl Scouts – Kittatinny Service Unit; Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce; Hardyston Township; Hardyston Township Schools; Hilltop Country Day School; Harmony Lodge #8; James Alexander Corporation; Kiddie Academy; Kittatinny Regional High School ; Lakeland Regional High School; Lake Mohawk Golf Club; Lenape Valley Regional High School ; Minisink Reformed Church; The Nauta Family; NJ Monster Trucks; Our Lady Queen of Peace Church; ope John XXII Regional High School; Premiere Health Associates; Reverend Brown School ; Sandyston-Walpack School; The Scissor Joint; Selective Insurance Company of America; St. James & St. Thomas Church; Sparta High School Life Skills Class & Key Club; Sparta Friends & Neighbors; Sparta Athletic Club; Stillwater Elementary School ; Sussex County 4-H Teen Council ; Sussex County Sheriff’s Office; Vernon School District; Walnut Ridge Primary School.

VOLUNTEERS

Hunter Ahanasio, Laura Allread, Dan Becker, Meri Beliveau, Marie Bernegger, Catharine Berry-Toon, Christopher Berry-Toon, Ashley Blanck, Helen Bock, Tina Bowe, Jesse Braun, Cheryl, Aaron, Marie and Nick Brewer, Rachael Brunetti, Aimee Buchanan, Schuyler Caffrey, Rhiannon Campagna, Nicoel Casey, Shelby Catania, Alexis Chlodnicki, Alyssa Ciesla, Dana Conklin, Lauren Conklin, Joey DeFeo, Lois DeLuccio, Kaily Denzer-Weiler, Kennedy Drake, Kristen English, Kathy, Cosmo, Ruby and Mac Esposito, Michael Fedish, Christine Fox, Aidan Garrison, Ian Garrison, Sarah Garrison, Haley Gianettasio, Allison Giovanette, Linda Giuliano, Carli Hadowanetz, Tim Harder – Pizza Bistro, Samantha Havens, Christine Horuzy, Monica Hug, Gauda Jacob, Gloria Jichetti, Maryellen, Peter and Kayla Kahn, Anna Keimel, Dominique Kerr, Drew Klosterhoff, Victoria Kunesch, Jeri Lewandowski, Brian Loizzi, Alfred, Christine, Brad and Brianna Maierle, Natalie Martin, Suzanne Mazur, Dee McDonough, Joe Mitchell, Kathy Molinari, Cathy Motyka, Devon Meyer, Cassie O’Hern, Anah Oozerally, Melissa Paterson, April Peterson, Conner Phillips, Kevin Prendergast, Danielle Price, Elenor Reilly, Devon Richards, Julia Richards, Britttany Rivera, Melinda Roberts, Ryan Roche, Molly Romania, Mary Ann Ryan, Claudia Saavedra, Lauren Scaglione, Kevin Schoenfeld, Donna Schuele, Lindsay Schuele, Kathie and Bob Shankman, Hannah Snitkin, Dan Soltis, Sparta High School Life Skills Class & Key Club, Patricia Steger, Julie Sturm, Ryan Sumski,  Ryan Sunda, Summer Taylor, Trixy Thibodeau, Tyler Thogode, Alexis Thomas, Kerri Wehner, Olivia West, Gary Willetts, Amy Willetts-Barbato.

Training Program is a Success!

Nine women recently graduated from Project Self-Sufficiency’s “Higher Opportunities for Women” training program, a course designed for women who are seeking to re-enter the workforce or those who may have been underemployed for a number of years.  The sixteen-week course combines computer training, assistance with current workplace skills, and on-the-job work experience.  Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level administrative positions.

Patrice Green, Coordinator of the Career Center at Project Self-Sufficiency, remarks, “The HOW program is uniquely packaged to provide eligible women with education, support and guidance.  Participants learn up-to-date computer skills and gain the confidence necessary to compete in today’s job market.”

In addition to computer skills training, the HOW Program includes classroom instruction, and placement at an unpaid externship at a community employment site, which further prepares participants to successfully venture into the job market.  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 the opportunity to hone their new computer skills and gain workplace experience. 

Classroom time is devoted to computer training, careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies.  Since the HOW program’s inception, hundreds of women have learned marketable skills leading to economic self-sufficiency.  Graduates from the most recent HOW program at Project Self-Sufficiency include Marilyn D’Alessio, Melinda Grey, Janice Indoe, Mary Jaeger, Lily Miller, Consuelo Rojas, Karen Springstead, Debbie Vanderhoff, and Anne Louise Waitzman.

Project Self-Sufficiency will be launching the Spring session of the HOW program on February 5^th.  To register, or to find out more about the other programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Sheriff Mike Strada Reads to Kids at Daycare Center

Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada recently paid a visit to the pre-school classroom at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center to read several of his favorite children’s books as part of Project Self-Sufficiency’s Celebrity Reader program.  The Celebrity Reader program is a component of Project Self-Sufficiency’s Family Literacy Program, which exists primarily to assist parents with obtaining their GED or with passing the college placement exam.  While in the program, parents also engage in a variety of activities designed to promote literacy within the entire family.  

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 improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including over 30,000 children. 

To appear as a Celebrity Reader, or to find out more information about participating in the Family Literacy Program or any of the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call the agency at 973-940-3500.

New or Gently-Used Prom Dresses Needed for Prom Shop

Although it is still winter, prom season is just around the corner and many teenage girls are already making plans for their special evening.  However, given the current economic climate, not every family will be able to afford fancy dresses, shoes and accessories for their teens.  For those who are unable to afford a suitable dress for the occasion, Project Self-Sufficiency will be hosting their annual “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop during the months of March and April.  The prom shop offers free new and gently-used formal wear to teens.  Gowns and accessories are displayed in a boutique-like setting, and girls are invited to select shoes, wraps and jewelry to complement their dress.  The agency is currently seeking donations of new and gently-used formal wear, including prom dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, gowns for mothers-of-the-bride, evening bags, jewelry, wraps and shawls, as well as shoes in good condition.  Dresses must be dry cleaned and on a hanger. 

“The prom is a once in a lifetime event for many girls, and we are hopeful that local residents who may have extra prom dresses in their closets will seize this opportunity to donate them to the ‘Sister-to-Sister’ Prom Shop,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “The Prom Shop has been a huge success year after year because of the support we receive from the community.  We are confident that the public will step up once again to help these girls enjoy a memorable evening.”

Donations will be accepted Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Those who are unable to make a donation during these hours are encouraged to call the office to make special arrangements.   Donations are requested by March 1^st, so that the items can be properly arranged for display.  However, formal wear will gladly be accepted through the duration of the Prom Shop, if necessary. 

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  For information about the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop, or to find out more about any of the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Learn how to Prevent 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, February 11^th and Wednesday, February 27th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.,  and on Thursday, February 14^th and Wednesday, February 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.