News from Project Self-Sufficiency

The annual Celebration of Literacy was held recently at Project Self-Sufficiency to honor agency participants who had impressive academic achievements, as well as those who had completed significant steps towards economic self-sufficiency during the past year.   Seven participants received honorariums in memory of longtime Project Self-Sufficiency supporters.   Honorees were addressed by Sussex County Freeholder and Sylvia Petillo and Sussex County Community College President Dr. Jon Connelly. The men and women who were acknowledged at the event included community college graduates, medical assistants, nursing students, and students at business colleges.   Several of the evening’s awardees are graduates of the sixteen-week Higher Opportunities for Women or the New Jersey Youth Corps programs.   Others have completed courses at the non-profit agency in QuickBooks or Microsoft applications.   A group of young mothers were congratulated for graduating from one of the agency’

The Sussex County New Jersey Youth Corps recently awarded high school diplomas to students at a celebratory graduation ceremony at Project Self-Sufficiency.   The 16-week program offers education and training in preparation for the high school equivalency exam.   Commemorative photos, along with caps and gowns, were provided by Project Self-Sufficiency Board member Kathy Esposito and Legacy Studios.  Students from the program’s most recent graduating class will continue their education, join the workforce or enter the military. “This innovative program offers young adults who might not have been successful in a traditional high school setting the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, get on-the-job training and receive essential support as they enter the next stage in their life,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “We are proud to have been able to support these individuals as they move on to college, a career or militar