News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  Parents who are looking for affordable ways to entertain the kids are invited to check out the free Family Fun Nights hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday evenings, November 2 nd , 9 th , and 16 th , 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., 127 Mill Street, Newton.   During November, families are invited to enjoy fun activities, classic family films, games, and crafts with a focus on Thanksgiving.   Dinner will be provided for all participants.   Advance registration is encouraged by calling Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500. Family Fun Nights are a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.   “These weekly Family Fun Nights offer parents and children a place to relax and have a good time together in a safe and supportive environment,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “The focus on Thanksgiving crafts invites children to express themselves creatively while preparing for a fun holiday with their family.”

  In November and December, Project Self-Sufficiency will host a series of three parenting skills workshops for parents, grandparents, educators, and caregivers of young children designed to address behavioral problems, reduce stress, and boost confidence. Those who attend two of the workshops will receive a $25 gift card to assist with holiday shopping; attendees at all three events will receive a $50 gift card.   “The Power of Positive Parenting” will be held Thursday, November 16 th , 6:00 p.m. “Raising Confident, Competent Children” will be offered Thursday, November 30 th , 6:00 p.m.   “Raising Resilient Children” will take place on Thursday, December 7 th , 6:00 p.m. All sessions will take place at Project Self-Sufficiency’s campus, 127 Mill Street, Newton, NJ.   The workshops are part of the Smart Parents, Strong Communities public health initiative launched recently by Project Self-Sufficiency to help participants identify their parenting goals, address behavioral

  The lives of longtime friends Richard “Dick” Kowal and Michael “Mickey” Hunt were recently honored with a Day of Service at varied locations in Sussex County, New Jersey, and Port Jervis, New York.   The pair died tragically in a boating accident in 2021.   Both men lived exemplary lives of service to their community, mentoring students and offering advice to young and old.   Hunt was a self-employed mason contractor who became a general contractor and partnered with Kowal on numerous projects for decades.   Kowal served as construction supervisor in the building of non-profit organization Project Self-Sufficiency’s four-building Newton campus, eventually taking on the role of Facilities Manager.   He oversaw the agency’s building and grounds while mentoring hundreds of teens and young adults through the New Jersey Youth Corps program for high school dropouts.     “We are honored to continue the tradition of an annual Day of Service in honor of Dick Kowal and Mickey Hunt who