Area Designers Raise Funds for Project Self-Sufficiency

A Taste of Talent will be held at Perona Farms on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency on Monday, May 1^st, beginning at 6:00 p.m. In addition to sampling hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts from more than 30 area restaurants, patrons will be invited to bid on table arrangements created by several local designers. Each table may contain place settings for eight, art objects, and decorative items designed to highlight the event’s 20^th anniversary. The highest bidder will take home the contents of the entire table. Esteemed local designers who will be participating in A Taste of Talent include Patricia Bruterri, Sweet P.E.A.’s; Alicia Shearer, Alicia Shearer Interior Design; Holly George, Holly George Interior Design; and Jacky Murphey, Victory Frame Shop. A Taste of Talent will benefit Project Self-Sufficiency, a local non-profit agency specializing in services for low-income families in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties.

Patti Bruterri, owner of Sweet P.E.A.’s in Lafayette will be designing a table along with award-winning interior designer, Alicia Shearer. Bruterri notes that A Taste of Talent serves as an outlet for her creativity as well as a way for her to give back. “We are inspired by our community to use our creativity to support Project Self-Sufficiency.” “It is an honor to share in this celebration of Project Self-Sufficiency which has been serving families in our community for three decades,” adds Shearer.

Murphey, owner of Victory Frame Shop, adds that raising funds to assist Project Self-Sufficiency is important to her. “I enjoy the process, the event is a lot of fun, and I know where the money is going.”

“Year after year, this group of talented women have selflessly offered their creativity and vision in support of A Taste of Talent,” remarked Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are deeply indebted to them for their continuous support of the families served by Project Self-Sufficiency.”

“I am honored to have a part in making the annual Taste of Talent just a little more special,” comments George. “As a designer, I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of interpreting the year’s theme in a tablescape. I’m always anxious as the auction starts; but it’s a great thrill if my efforts realize more than I can personally afford to give as a straightforward donation. In my opinion, after 30 years of lending a hand up, Project Self-Sufficiency has gone beyond being an effective charitable organization; it is truly an integral part of our community.”

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 while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 25,000 families.

Select donation categories are available for A Taste of Talent, ranging from $500 - $30,000. A limited number of tickets for individual donations are available at a cost of $200. Perona Farms is located at 350 Andover-Sparta Road in Andover. To make a contribution to Project Self-Sufficiency, to obtain tickets to A Taste of Talent, or to find out more information about the programs and services available at the agency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500.

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. “The goal of Grow NJ Kids is t

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 those who refer a young a

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 skills, prepare for the hig

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