Project Self-Sufficiency is embarking on its 34th anniversary
of helping individuals and families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex,
Warren, Morris and Hunterdon to break the generational cycle of poverty, by
addressing education, employment, parenting skills, legal problems, counseling
and the many other interlocking issues often experienced by those in need. The agency offers a wide range of programs,
from assistance with emergency basic needs, like clothing and food, to a
sophisticated Career Center which houses state-of-the-art computer labs; varied
programs are available in each county served by the agency. The agency offers participants a multi-faceted
approach to success, with Case Managers assigned to each client to help them to
identify and work towards their goals and a host of programs to support parents
as well as children. During the
pandemic, Project Self-Sufficiency staff pivoted swiftly to virtual programming
while maintaining a robust food distribution program to local individuals and
families.
Through its many programs, Project Self-Sufficiency offers services for
children, teens, single parents, teen parents, displaced homemakers, adults,
senior citizens and two-parent households.
Based on their needs and individual situations, some clients are steered
to specific training programs held in the Career Center, such as the New Jersey
Youth Corps for high school drop-outs ages 16 – 25, the Higher Opportunity for
Women program for displaced homemakers, or the home visitation programs for
pregnant women or individuals who are parenting very young children. The agency operates the Campus to Campus
program in conjunction with Sussex County Community College offering resources
to local adults who are interested in pursuing a college education. All Career Center services are geared towards
helping participants to fine-tune their skills and increase their
employability.
Project Self-Sufficiency is the Central Intake provider for Sussex and
Warren Counties. The agency also hosts
three nationally acclaimed, evidence-based home visitation programs for
pregnant women and parents of young children.
The Nurse Family Partnership Program, the Healthy Families Program and the
Parents as Teachers Program offer one-on-one support to participants as they
navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood.
Recent innovations include PSS Journey, a refurbished RV, which travels
throughout the area on a regular schedule, bringing computer workstations,
internet access, job searching services, and supplies to residents in need. The agency is also launching The Food Project:
Nourishing our Neighbors, using a van outfitted with refrigeration to
facilitate the dissemination of food rescued from schools and grocers to those
in need. During the ongoing public
health crisis, Project Self-Sufficiency has welcomed the donation of food and
personal care products, as well as the funds to purchase food; hundreds of bags
of food have been distributed to families in need each week.
Most programs run year-round; the Higher Opportunities for Women and the
New Jersey Youth Corps programs are currently accepting applicants. To make a donation, or for information about
the programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call
973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org. Project Self-Sufficiency is a member of the
Sussex County Council of Service Agencies.
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