Get Advice about Bankruptcy

Steve McNally, Esquire, will discuss the process of filing for bankruptcy, as well as the options available to those facing asset repossession, foreclosure or overwhelming credit card debt at a free Bankruptcy Seminar at Project Self-Sufficiency on Wednesday, June 12th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Free and open to the public; registration required.  Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Free Mammograms in June

On Tuesday, June 18th, a mobile mammography van will be available at Project Self-Sufficiency to offer free mammograms to eligible women.  To receive a free mammogram, women must be uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 40.  Mammograms will be offered by appointment only, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.   Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

Interested participants are encouraged to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to schedule an appointment. 

Help for New Mothers Available

Pregnant women and mothers of newborns are invited to receive free parenting tips, baby items, information about childhood health and development, and more from Project Self-Sufficiency’s Healthy Families program.  The program combines home visits by certified professionals with educational outings for mother and child to help parents boost literacy levels and address health issues within their new family.  Women who are pregnant or parenting infants, as well as those with children up to the age of three are eligible.  Services are available to income-eligible residents of Sussex, Northern Morris and Northern Warren Counties.

The agency’s Healthy Families program uses the Parents as Teachers curriculum, which was created to help prepare children for kindergarten and to address developmental delays that might otherwise have been overlooked until the child entered school.  “Meeting with parents and their young children in the comfort of their own home allows us to be more effective as educators, because we can introduce and implement basic literacy tools immediately.  Children and parents are more relaxed in a home environment, so learning together becomes a fun activity that can be shared,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. 

Feeling isolated and overwhelmed are common issues with mothers of young children in the rural areas of northwestern New Jersey.  The Healthy Families program gives mothers have the opportunity to meet regularly with other women in similar circumstances by attending monthly Mommy Parties held at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Participants receive the latest information about household safety, parenting, health and wellness, and other topics, while enjoying lunch and engaging in craft projects with their children.  While on site, mothers can also take advantage of the other programs and services available to families at the agency.  Field trips are offered several times a year to local attractions such as the New Jersey State Fair, the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, local parks and other venues.  Transportation to the monthly gatherings is available to women in need.

The Healthy Families program at Project Self-Sufficiency is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Children & Families.  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 enroll in the Healthy Families program, or to find out more about the other programs and services available to families at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Affordable Computer Classes offered in Newton and Blairstown

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a series of affordable computer classes at both their Newton and Blairstown locations during the month of June.

Blairstown-area residents are invited to learn basic computer skills at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Main Street location on Thursdays, June 6^th– 20th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  “Introduction to Personal Computers” 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.  The computer lab will also be open on Saturday, June 15th, 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. For information, call 908-362-1777.

At the agency's Newton office, a variety of computer classes will be offered, including an Introduction to Personal Computers, classes in Microsoft Word, and workshops designed specifically for seniors.  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, June 3^rd – 19th, 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, June 4^th – 20^th, 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 mailing 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, June 4^th- 20^th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  An advanced level class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 4^th – 20^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.

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, June 7^th – 21^st, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The agency will also offer a series of workshops during the day and evening which are designed to help participants land and succeed at new jobs.  Courses will cover “Resumes & Cover Letters”, “Interviewing Skills”, “Job Search & Networking Techniques”, “Financial Management”, “Workplace Literacy”, “Salary Negotiations”, and “Careering 102.”  Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers help with obtaining a GED, job training for women and young adults, career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services.   Interested participants are encouraged to contact the agency 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.

Free Job Training for Women this Summer

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer an 8-week training program for women, including lessons in computer skills, job search methods, and interview techniques, along with on-the-job training at a community work site on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., from July 9^th – August 29th.  Open Houses about the Summer Office Skills program will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 3rd, Thursday, June 20th and Tuesday, July 2nd; as well as at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 11^thand 25th.  All classes will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Work sites will be located throughout the county and hours will be dependent upon the employer’s needs.

The comprehensive Summer Office Skills program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions.  In addition to 40 hours of computer skills training, participants will receive 20 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of work experience at a community employment site, which will further prepare participants for success in the job market.  The time in the classroom is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies.  Over the years, Project Self Sufficiency has partnered with a variety of local businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities to provide participants with externship opportunities.  Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the agency’s training programs. 

The Summer Office Skills program is free and open to Project Self-Sufficiency participants.  To become a participant, or to register for the free Summer Office Skills program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.