PSS Journey and The Food Project Return to the Road

Free food, diapers and essential services for Sussex County NJ on board PSS Journey

Project Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey, has returned to the road after a year-long hiatus due to the public health crisis. This year, the RV will be joined by the agency’s mobile food delivery van, The Food Project, with regularly scheduled visits to Franklin, Hopatcong, Netcong, Sussex, and Vernon. Individuals and families are encouraged to check the Project Self-Sufficiency website, or their own municipal websites, for the itinerary.

PSS Journey is a retrofitted recreational vehicle with internet access, computer workstations, and counseling and classroom space which allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to the more remote regions of Sussex and Northern Morris Counties where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation. The RV, and its smaller companion, The Food Project, is stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need.

Free food available for Sussex NJ on board the Food Project.

The arrival of the coronavirus in northwestern New Jersey was accompanied by job uncertainty, economic hardship, and food insecurity for thousands of local residents. Over the past year, Project Self-Sufficiency responded by rapidly ramping up its already robust food distribution program, The Food Project, Nourishing our Neighbors. The agency offers free food and limited personal care products to Sussex and Warren County residents at its Newton location, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Patrons need not be agency participants.

“This public health crisis has placed an overwhelming burden on some of the most vulnerable members of our community and we are exceptionally thankful for the donations we have received from our Board of Directors and the hundreds of individuals, local businesses, community organizations, and corporate foundations whose tremendous support has enabled us to purchase and distribute food to meet this unprecedented need,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “However, not everyone has access to a vehicle which would allow them to receive services on our Newton campus, so we are delighted to be able to bring these essential programs to them with PSS Journey and The Food Project van.”

The agency is always in need of monetary donations, as well as 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. Funding and food donations have been received from numerous foundations, small and large businesses, and hundreds of individuals.

Project Self-Sufficiency is a community-based non-profit organization which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey. Programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency include family literacy education, computer training and job placement services, assistance with parenting skills, childcare, counseling and advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs.

Interested participants can view the PSS Journey schedule on the Project Self-Sufficiency website, www.projectselfsufficiency.org/pss-journey, and on the program Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PSSJourney. Those who are interested in making a monetary donation or learning more about the programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, are encouraged to 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

News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Search This Blog