Hundreds Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast Courtesy of Generous Community

More than 350 Sussex County families will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings this year, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, churches and individuals who donated voluminous amounts of food for Project Self-Sufficiency participants this November. Agency staff and volunteers recently bagged hundreds of frozen turkeys, along with fresh produce, cans of cranberry sauce, vegetables, stuffing mix, dinner rolls, and freshly baked pies and distributed them to local families.

Al & Alessandra Kash, Kate & Michael McNamara, and John Mathews

This year, 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables were provided by longtime Project Self-Sufficiency volunteer Michael McNamara and his family in recognition of McNamara’s recent birthday. “My whole family is involved,” noted McNamara, who has supported the organization for more than 30 years. “Not only is it my birthday, not only is it my wedding anniversary, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. All you have to do is be grateful and share what you have. I have been fortunate in my life, so I am sharing this with my whole family. We’re all in it together.”

Colleen Duffy, First Presbyterian Church of Newton

The First Presbyterian Church of Newton Youth Group, along with help from the congregation, donated 200 freshly baked apple and pumpkin pies. The supplies for the pie baking were donated by the congregation and the apples were donated by Race’s Farm in Blairstown. “This is our twelfth year baking pies for Project Self-Sufficiency,” noted Colleen Duffy, Associate for Family Nurture at the First Presbyterian Church. “It has become a beloved tradition and teaches the kids the importance of sharing God’s love with those in need in our community.”

Al & Alessandra Kash, John Mathews

Fresh fruit was supplied by John Mathews, Hinkley Auto Sales, and retired Project Self-Sufficiency staff member and current volunteer, Stephanie Sumpman. Frozen turkeys were donated by the ad hoc group of approximately 20 men and women known loosely as the College of Knowledge; the donation was spearheaded by Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council member Roy Knutsen. The group meets at Kathy’s restaurant in Fredon and has supported everything from baseball teams to the local fire department.

Volunteers from Mars and Selective Insurance

“The generosity of our friends and neighbors towards Project Self-Sufficiency participants is deeply appreciated during the holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We have a lot to be thankful for this year.”

Project Self-Sufficiency has provided services to families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon for more than 30 years. Programs include career guidance, computer training, help with obtaining a high school diploma, parenting skills classes, legal assistance and education, financial workshops, health education, childcare and family activities. The agency offers help around the holidays, formal dresses during prom season, and assistance with emergency basic needs, such as food and clothing to its participants. Most services are free, and many are open to the public.

To donate, or to find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

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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