News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency’s food distribution program, The Food Pantry: Nourishing Our Neighbors, is fully-stocked and ready to provide free food and limited personal care products to Sussex and Warren County residents, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.   Patrons need not be agency participants.     Dee and Jim Fernandez have donated diapers and wipes to The Food Project, Nourishing our Neighbors Project Self-Sufficiency is welcoming monetary donations to purchase food, as well as the donation of non-perishable items such as canned soups and stews; canned fruits and vegetables; fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables; frozen meals; coffee; tuna; pastas and sauces; peanut butter and jelly; toothpaste; shampoos and conditioners; hair care products; skin care products; laundry detergents; diapers and baby wipes; toilet tissue; facial tissue; and feminine hygiene products. “Thanks to outstanding community support, The Food Project: Nourishing Our Neighbors at Pro

Virtual has become the new reality at Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton as the non-profit agency has pivoted to serving clients via video chat platforms and over the telephone due to the ongoing public health crisis. In addition to distributing record amounts of food to local families, the agency is now hosting support groups, career workshops, parenting forums, and other helpful gatherings online. All services are provided under the auspices of the Sussex County Family Success Center , which is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children & Families . All forums are free and open to the public. Interested participants are encouraged to call the agency to obtain log in information.   Noted author, life coach and motivational speaker Diane Lang hosts Motivation Monday, covering topics ranging from stress management to combatting loneliness.   Tuesdays are devoted to playful sessions for parents and children and hosted by staff members from the agency’s Little Sprout

The Project Self-Sufficiency administrators and Board of Directors paid homage to the agency’s hard-working staff by creating a drive-through celebration at the agency’s parking lot on Thursday.   Employees at the non-profit organization were greeted with raucous applause as they arrived in their cars, receiving a container of Cliff’s Ice Cream from longtime Project Self-Sufficiency supporters Pete Freund and Melissa Lewandowski, a beautiful perennial from agency supporters and Cahill’s Farm owners Bob and Eileen Cahill, and a note of gratitude from Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.   The parade of cars was serenaded by violinist Susan Mittelstadt. The timing was serendipitous according to Berry-Toon.   “The Project Self-Sufficiency staff has been incredible during this public health crisis.   Our daycare and preschool teachers, along with our New Jersey Youth Corps staff, have been moving forward with classes online.   Our nurses and home visitors have been keepin