News from Project Self-Sufficiency

More than 450 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.     “The public health crisis has plunged many of our participants into a situation where food insecurity has become a deeply troubling issue.   The overwhelming generosity of our friends and neighbors is appreciated now more than ever,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “Despite the pandemic, we still have a lot to be thankful for this year.”   Thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables were provided by longtime Project Self-Suffici

  Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway.   The sixteen-week program launches in December 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 or in-person Open Houses at 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 5:30 p.m., November 10 th and 17 th ; in-person Open Houses will be held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m., November 12 th and 19 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer a young adult, ages 16 – 25

  The annual “Stuff the Boat” toy drive coordinated by Branchville business Off Shore Marine to benefit the Season of Hope Toy Drive has been launched.   Area residents are encouraged to bring gift cards, funds, and new, unwrapped toys to fill a 22’ long 2020 Nautique GS22 sport boat at the business, which is located at 352 Route 206 in Branchville.   Off Shore Marine will also accept Kohl’s Cash certificates which will be redeemed for items appropriate for teens.   Members of the fire departments in Branchville, Frankford, and Sussex, along with the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, the Sussex Fire Department Emergency Medical Service, and the Sussex Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Wanderers Car Club, and the Sussex Kiwanis Club are also gathering items on behalf of Off Shore Marine.   The Stuff the Boat initiative at Off Shore Marine will continue to accept toy donations through Sunday, December 20 th .   “We have been very blessed in our lives and we have the opportunity to share t