Local Bank Donates Used Car to Agency Participant

Project Self-Sufficiency and First Hope Bank recently teamed up to offer a used car to a local woman in need of transportation as part of the non-profit agency’s auto donation program.  After being taken out of service as a corporate vehicle for First Hope Bank, the car was donated to Project Self-Sufficiency, a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon.  The agency selected current agency participant Nakisha Mitchell to receive the car.

“When it came time to part with First Hope Bank’s trusty courier car, we looked towards the community and desire to help an individual or family in need,” explained Jennifer Finer, Senior Vice President, Operations, First Hope Bank.  “Being a community bank we try to give back to our neighbors in any way possible and our long term relationship with Project Self Sufficiency ensured us that they would be the organization that could help us fill this request. First Hope Bank is honored and humbled that Project Self Sufficiency was able to find such a deserving recipient and we hope we have helped make an impact in their lives for the better.”

“It is extremely difficult to function as a family in our area without access to a reliable vehicle,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “This participant was in desperate need of a car, and we are delighted to be able to pass this one along to her.  Project Self-Sufficiency has been fortunate to be the recipient of several vehicles from individuals and area businesses, and we will continue to welcome the donation of good quality, pre-owned vehicles from our neighbors for families in need.” 

Mitchell, a mother of five active young children, had been without a vehicle for two years.  Currently employed as a service coordinator for a local auto dealer, Mitchell had been relying on taxis and the grace of friends for rides to work.  “I am grateful, happy and excited,” said Mitchell.  “This will give me an opportunity to be more self-sufficient, I can go back to school and I can get my babies where they need to be.”  Mitchell will be celebrating her 30^th birthday in a few days.  “This is the best birthday gift ever!”

Non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency is celebrating its 30^th year of service to families 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.  The agency offers a supportive family-centered environment where life issues are addressed through a combination of individual counseling, peer support groups, case management services, parenting skills training, life skills management training, home visits, childcare and early childhood education, family activities and health education.  To donate a car, of for information about any of the services provided at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.