Community Leader Raises Funds to Send More than 180 Kids to the Fair

Sussex County Farm and Horse Show Association Executive Board member Lois Pellow has spearheaded an initiative to provide free admittance to the New Jersey State Fair to 181 local, low-income children. Pellow teamed up with Project Self-Sufficiency to identify children in need who would enjoy a trip to the annual event hosted by the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey. In addition to the fair gate ticket, kids received a gift bag containing a meal voucher from the Agriculture Food Booth, an ice cream voucher from the 4-H Dairy Barn, and a ticket for a free ride from the carnival provided by Reithoffer Shows. The New Jersey State Fair will be open through Saturday, August 13th, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Pellow, who conceived of the idea as a way to honor her late sister Nancy Baginski, originally hoped to raise funds to allow 50 children to attend the Fair but the overwhelming support allowed that goal to more than triple. “I wanted to do this in honor of my sister who passed away from Covid last year,” explains Pellow. “Part of the mission of the Fairgrounds is to enhance educational experiences for children, but so many kids cannot attend the fair because of financial hardship. I immediately thought of Project Self-Sufficiency, and it has been a great partnership.”

“The Fair is a quintessential Sussex County event, and we were delighted to be able to facilitate such a wonderful experience for these children who otherwise may not have been able to participate in this annual tradition,” comments Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.

Project Self-Sufficiency is celebrating its 35^th year of helping local families to become economically self-sufficient. To find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Comments

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. “...

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 t...

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 ski...

News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Search This Blog