Get a Free Mammogram at Project Self-Sufficiency

Free mammograms will be offered to uninsured or underinsured women over the age of 40 at Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday, March 28th, between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  By appointment only; call 973-940-3500 to register.

Nurse Home Visiting Program Launched Locally

Project Self-Sufficiency today announced that it is launching the Nurse-Family Partnership in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties.  The Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based community health program that helps transform the lives of vulnerable mothers pregnant with their first child.

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a voluntary prevention program that provides nurse home visitation services to low-income, first-time mothers. Nurses begin home visits early in the mother’s pregnancy and continue visitation until the child’s second birthday. Nurses provide support, education and counseling on health, behavioral and self-sufficiency issues.

NFPis one the most rigorously tested programs of its kind. Randomized controlled trials conducted over the past 30 years demonstrate multi-generational outcomes for families and their communities. Mothers and children who have participated in the program have consistently demonstrated significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased maternal employment, improved child school readiness, reduced involvement in crime, and less child abuse, neglect and injuries.

Independent analyses has shown that communities benefit socially and financially when they invest in NFP; the RAND Corporation calls Nurse-Family Partnership “a wise choice” that has a favorable economic return to communities of up to $5.70 for every public dollar spent on the program.  The Nurse-Family Partnership currently serves families in 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Nurse-Family Partnership seems to be a natural fit for Project Self-Sufficiency, according to Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of the local agency.  “Project Self-Sufficiency is excited to have been selected to provide the Nurse-Family Partnership in northwestern New Jersey.  It perfectly complements our existing home visitation program, but allows us to offer more intensive, health-based services to at-risk pregnant women,” offered Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The transition to motherhood can be particularly difficult for low-income women, and the presence of a nurse in the home gives the participant access to good parenting information, health and wellness education and other life skills support that would otherwise be lacking.  This program changes the life trajectories for both mother and child, benefiting multiple generations.”  

The Nurse-Family Partnership program at Project Self-Sufficiency will be offered to income-eligible women in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties.  Nurses will visit the homes of qualified women during pregnancy and through the child’s second birthday.  If the family is still in need of services beyond that date, they will be referred to one of the other home visiting programs offered by the Project Self-Sufficiency, or transitioned into on-site services.

Project Self-Sufficiency was founded in 1986 with the goal of providing housing assistance to local low-income women. Since then the agency has grown to provide an array of services aimed primarily at low-income families.  Programs include career guidance, computer training, help with obtaining a GED, parenting skills classes, legal assistance and education, financial workshops, health education, childcare and family activities.  The agency offers help around the holidays, formal dresses during prom season, and assistance with emergency basic needs, such as food and clothing to its participants.  Most services are free and many are open to the public, regardless of income-eligibility. 

Those who are interested in learning more about the Nurse-Family Partnership, or any of the other programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, are encouraged to call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Learn about Divorce at a Free Seminar

Dina Mikulka, Esquire, will discuss grounds for divorce, court procedures, child support, parenting time, equitable distribution of assets and other topics related to divorce at a free Family Law Seminar at Project Self-Sufficiency on Wednesday, March 13th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Spring Parenting Classes

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer free parenting workshops for expectant parents, teen parents, fathers, parents of young children and those with school-aged children during the spring.  Parents are invited to learn about the different stages of physical and emotional development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  The sessions are free and open to the public; all classes take place from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.   Snacks and childcare will be provided.   The agency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Pre-registration is required.

Expectant parents are invited to participate in classes on Mondays, March 4^th – May 20th.

Classes for parents of infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children will be offered on Mondays, March 4^th – May 20^th.

Parents of school-aged children are invited to attend workshops on Wednesdays, March 6^th – May 22^nd.

Workshops for teen parents will be offered on Thursdays, March 7^th – May 23^rd.

Classes for women in recovery from substance abuse will be held on Mondays, March 4^th – May 20^th. 

Fathers are invited to attend classes on Tuesdays, March 5^th – May 15^th. 

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 more than 30,000 children. 

To register for the parenting workshop, to discuss your parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Career Fair in March

Area residents are invited to jump start their job search at the Spring Career & Employment Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday, March 21st, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Job seekers, those who need assistance with job search techniques, and people who need help navigating their current workplace are encouraged to attend.  Job search strategies and other topics will be highlighted at a workshop, and representatives from local businesses and schools will be on hand to promote job openings and educational opportunities.  The Career & Employment Fair is free and open to the public; no registration is required.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street.

“The Career Fair will offer those who are currently seeking work the opportunity to network with other job seekers, get leads on employment opportunities and gain the skills and confidence necessary to land their next job,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Career Center Coordinator Patrice Green.  “Spring is a season of new beginnings, and what better way to start then with a new job?”

In addition to information tables hosted by area employers, the Career & Employment Fair will host a workshop designed to assist participants with their job search techniques.  Interested participants are encouraged to bring along their resume.

Employers expected to be on hand to discuss job openings include Capital Care, Compassionate Care, Express Employment, De Vry University, Lakeland Bank, Lowe’s, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, SCARC, TeleSearch Staffing Solutions, ThorLabs, and others.

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. 

For more information about the Career & Employment Fair, or to find out more about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Update your Computer Skills at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in March, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, classes in Microsoft Word and Excel, QuickBooks accounting software, and workshops 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, March 5^th – 21st, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 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, March 5^th – 21st, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.   An advanced Microsoft Word class will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 4^th – 20th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 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, March 5^th – 21^st, 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.

Seniors are invited to familiarize themselves with personal computers, learn how to use email and safely navigate the internet with “Better with Technology,” which will be offered on Fridays, March 8^th – 22^nd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

A course in QuickBooks Accounting Software will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 4th – April 1st, 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., March 6^th – 27th.  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, March 6th, 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, March 13th, 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, March 20th, 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, March 27th, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.   “Careering 102” will be held on Fridays.

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, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.