Former Newspaper Executive Launches New Career in the Non-Profit Sector

Former New Jersey Herald Executive Editor Bruce Tomlinson has joined the staff at non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency.  Tomlinson has embraced the opportunity to work in the non-profit sector after a long career in journalism.  After years of serving on the United Way Board of Directors, as well as assisting many agencies in Sussex County with their efforts, the move to the Newton-based agency is a natural transition according to Tomlinson who noted in his parting editorial at for the New Jersey Herald that he was seeking new opportunities.  In his new role at Project Self-Sufficiency, Tomlinson will be assisting with organizational development efforts and helping to grow the agency as it moves towards its 35^th year of service to northwestern New Jersey residents.

While Executive Editor of the New Jersey Herald, Tomlinson sought out chances to give back to the community, serving as Vice President of the United Way of Sussex County, as well as on the board of Main Street Newton and Crimestoppers.  At the Sussex County YMCA, he volunteered on the marketing committee and participated in the Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative.  In addition, Tomlinson used his position at the Herald to support non-profit agencies like Project Self-Sufficiency by providing advertising support and ample coverage of local events.

“In my previous position I understood that the foundation to maintaining relationships is making sure that information is readily available,” noted Tomlinson, who has spent his first week at Project Self-Sufficiency poring over agency materials and meeting with current agency staff.  “A lot of organizations may have resources, but they don’t have the capacity to delve into the particular reasons why a family might need help with food, for example, like a lack of transportation or health issues or underemployment.  All of these things are addressed by the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency.  To hear the passion demonstrated by the supervisors and case managers and counselors is inspiring.  They are committed to serving these families and making sure that they are successful in getting their lives back on track, getting an education and a job.”

“As we move forward in this decade, we are looking to strengthen our place in the community while we embrace the opportunity to serve the evolving needs of our clients,” comments Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “The experience and the breadth of knowledge brought to this endeavor by Bruce is a perfect fit for the needs of our agency at this time.  The Board of Directors and the administrative staff at Project Self-Sufficiency could not be more delighted to welcome Bruce to the Project Self-Sufficiency family.”

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.  Project Self-Sufficiency serves more than 3,500 families annually.   For more information, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500 or 844-805-3500.