Former Middle School Teacher Authors Books for Teens, Donates to Project Self-Sufficiency

Branchville NJ Rotary facilitates book donation to Project Self-Sufficiency

As a middle school science teacher for 25 years, Claude Larson knows a thing or two about working with adolescents. During the latter years of her career, Larson noted that teenagers were finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate in class due to distractions and increased anxiety caused by social media and other sources. Instead of lamenting the challenges she faced as an educator, she created a series of short lessons designed to help teens identify realistic goals, enhance communication skills, and set boundaries. The lessons were such a hit with her students, that she combined them into a book, The Power of Choice: A Teen’s Guide to Finding Personal Success. A recent presentation about the book to the Branchville Rotary was so impactful, the organization decided on the spot to purchase a set of books and donate them to Project Self-Sufficiency for use with their programs for young adults.

“These are timeless skills you need if you want to be successful. Criticism is not meant to crush you it’s meant to help you get better,” explains Larson. “We have got to build resiliency and perseverance in our young people and that is what this book is all about. If you establish your standards and are clear about what you want, you can go anywhere.”

“Claude Larson’s presentation to the Branchville Rotary was thoughtful and informative and the membership was very impressed by her efforts towards this extremely worthwhile and needed program for the teens in our county,” explained Branchville Rotary President Cindy Allen. “It is important to note that these donations were personal donations from members of the club, rather than donations made by the organization. This is just one example of how The Rotary Club of Branchville, New Jersey, lives up to its motto of ‘Service above Self.’”

“Project Self-Sufficiency has two programs targeted to young adults, Bridges to Employing Youth and the New Jersey Youth Corps,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director at Project Self-Sufficiency. “Both programs include a life skills component which perfectly dovetails with the message in this book by Claude Larson which was generously donated by the Branchville Rotary. We are looking forward to sharing these with our students.”

Locally, The Power of Choice: A Teen’s Guide to Finding Personal Success is available at Sparta Books. The book is also available on Amazon.

Project Self-Sufficiency’s New Jersey Youth Corps is a program designed for Sussex and Warren County high school dropouts, aiding with obtaining a high school diploma, literacy and life skills, career guidance and transition to college, employment, or the military. A weekly stipend and free transportation are provided. The Dover-based Bridges to Employing Youth program targets pregnant or parenting Morris County young adults, ages 16 – 24, and offers a range of comprehensive supportive services to students while they work towards educational and employment goals. Program graduates are poised to move on to higher education, unsubsidized employment, occupational training, apprenticeships, or military service. Both 16-week programs are enrolling now; learn more at www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.

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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