PSS Journey Comes to Hackettstown

Project Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey, has added Hackettstown to the roster of municipalities it visits on a rotating basis. Although visits have already begun, a festive grand opening celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 14^th, 10:00 a.m. – noon. The Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main Street, Hackettstown, serves as the hosting site for the RV.

PSS Journey is a retrofitted recreational vehicle with internet access, computer workstations, and counseling and classroom space which allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to locations where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation. In addition to Hackettstown, the schedule includes stops in Franklin, Hopatcong, Netcong, and Vernon. The RV, and its smaller companion, the refrigerated Food Project van, is stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need. PSS Journey, launched nearly five years ago, was the brainchild of longtime Project Self-Sufficiency staff member Patrice Green who identified a need for mobile services in northern New Jersey. Individuals and families are encouraged to check the Project Self-Sufficiency website, or their own municipal websites, for the itinerary. PSS Journey also has its own Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PSSJourney.

“Project Self-Sufficiency has been serving individuals and families in northwestern New Jersey for 35 years. However, not everyone has the ability to travel to our Newton campus, so we are delighted to be able to bring these essential programs to other regions like Hackettstown,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Since its debut five years ago, PSS Journey has offered food, resources, and support to thousands of residents in our area. We are grateful to the municipalities which have embraced our vision for mobile community outreach, and we are looking forward to making new friends in the Hackettstown area.”

To create PSS Journey, funding from Impact 100 Garden State, a New Jersey women’s philanthropic organization, was used to purchase and retrofit a used recreational vehicle with internet access, computer work stations, and counseling and classroom space. Funding for Journey in Hackettstown is provided by the County of Warren through the Department of Human Services Division of Administration.

Comments

Little Sprouts Recognized for Excellence

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recently awarded a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids , the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning throughout New Jersey. The rating is based on a rigorous process which considers documentation, classroom environment, in-person observations, and other factors. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is an expansive childcare and preschool facility which offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and is operated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Jennifer Blohm is a Technical Assistance Specialist from the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium , one of three agencies assigned to provide technical assistance and support to programs participating in Grow NJ Kids. Blohm was so impressed by the quality of the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center environment, that she decided to enroll her own child in the preschool. “...

High School Diploma Program Launches in March

Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway. The sixteen-week program launches in March and is currently being offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military. Interested participants are invited to attend virtual Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application. Virtual Open Houses will be held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., January 19 th , 26 th , February 2 nd , 9 th , and 16th, as well as Thursdays at noon, January 21 st , 28 th , February 4 th , 11 th, and 18 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to t...

Volunteers and Paid Instructors Needed for High School Equivalency Program

Paid instructors and volunteers are needed to work with young adults in the New Jersey Youth Corps high school equivalency and employment skills training program at Project Self-Sufficiency. Program coordinators are searching for help with tutoring in science, math, social studies, and English as well as assistance with community service projects. Tutors will also assist with basic reading comprehension and vocabulary. Opportunities are available Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; a part-time, flexible schedule is offered. "The situation is ideal for college students or educators who might be taking a break from their regular schedule due to the pandemic,” notes Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. Those with experience in business, construction trades, building maintenance and landscaping are particularly welcome. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy ski...

News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Search This Blog