News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  Project Self-Sufficiency will continue the workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter”, designed to facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding Positive & Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs ), with a virtual session in English, Wednesday, May 4 th , 5:00 p.m.    A virtual session in Spanish will be offered Wednesday, May 18 th , 2:00 p.m.   P articipants are invited to explore the Connections Matter curriculum, a program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey designed to engage providers, parents, and community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency.   Discussion will focus on understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma and demonstrate how caring connections can serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma.   The training is appropriate for parents and providers raising and teaching school aged children.   The programs are free and open to the

  Project Self-Sufficiency will host a free, virtual Bankruptcy seminar, Thursday, May 12 th , 5:30 p.m.   Attorney Steve McNally will discuss the process of filing for bankruptcy, as well as the options available to those facing overwhelming credit card debt, foreclosure, or asset repossession.   The free legal education seminar is a program of the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.   The presentation is free and open to the public; interested participants must call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to obtain log-in information.

  JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., recently donated 25 apple, pear, peach, and nectarine trees to Project Self-Sufficiency to be planted throughout the agency’s 5-acre campus in Newton.  The fruit harvested from the trees will be distributed to low-income individuals and families through the agency’s food pantry.  On average, The Food Project at Project Self-Sufficiency offers 11,861 nutritious meals to 1,260 individuals each month.  Volunteers also cultivate and maintain nine community vegetable gardens on the agency’s grounds and harvest fresh vegetables for daily distribution to local families during the spring, summer, and fall.   FirstEnergy has donated and planted more than 17,000 trees throughout its  five -state service territory since April 2021.  This initiative is an important part of the company's efforts to reduce FirstEnergy's carbon footprint, promote responsible use of natural resources and further the advancement of sustainable practices.