News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  After nearly 20 years, United Way of Northern New Jersey is turning over its annual Chili Open Golf Classic fundraiser to local non-profit Project Self-Sufficiency .   “As we streamline work to maximize our impact, we wanted to make sure this winter tradition would continue in Sussex County,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “We have historically turned over projects such as NJ 211, Dress for Success and Scholar Athlete to local nonprofits who share in our mission and have watched them flourish. We are confident Project Self-Sufficiency will be a good caretaker of this event, and we wish them great success.”   Gaudioso added that United Way will provide planning assistance to Project Self-Sufficiency over the next several months to assure the event’s transition is smooth.   “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue and grow this popular wintertime event to raise funds to help our neighbors in need,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Execu

  Project Self-Sufficiency is currently seeking monetary donations and gift cards to local stores to be distributed to senior citizens as part of the agency’s Earth Angels initiative.   During mid-December, students in the New Jersey Youth Corps high school diploma program at Project Self-Sufficiency will stuff festive bags with the cards and gifts; the items will be delivered by volunteers and Project Self-Sufficiency staff to homebound seniors during the week leading up to Christmas.   Along with monetary contributions, the agency is seeking the donation of gift cards from local retailers, including Kohl’s, Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Wal-Mart, Weis and the hair salons at the Homestead and Liberty Towers senior residences.     Newton attorney Elenora L. Benz, Esquire, originated the Earth Angels program in 1999 by enlisting the support of her staff member Mary Jones, along with clients, business colleagues, and community volunteers.   The initiative was taken over by Project

  Project Self-Sufficiency is soliciting assistance for hundreds of low-income families who need a little extra help this season, by asking area residents and organizations to donate traditional Thanksgiving food, or to donate funds towards the purchase of food.   Donors are invited to sponsor a family for only $50 or to make a contribution of their choosing.   The agency will gratefully receive pumpkin or apple pies; canned vegetables, including yams and cranberry sauce; dinner rolls; gravy; stuffing and mashed potato mixes.   Frozen turkeys will also be accepted; however, donors are asked to alert the agency ahead of time if frozen turkeys will be offered.   The non-profit agency is gearing up to distribute complete Thanksgiving dinners to approximately 500 local families this year, so monetary donations are particularly needed.     “Requests for assistance are pouring in every day and we expect to serve more than 500 families this year,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executi

  Those who need help understanding credit scores, setting up checking accounts, establishing budgets, and setting financial goals are invited to participated in virtual Financial Literacy workshops offered by Project Self-Sufficiency , Thursdays, October 27 th , November 3 rd and November 10 th , 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.   Workshops will address credit scores, credit reports, checking and savings account, credit cards, loans, lines of credit, financial goals, and overcoming debt.   The Financial Literacy workshops are free and open to the public.   Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, to obtain log-in details.   Workshops are a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.   To find out more information about the programs and services available at the agency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.