Golfers Play in February Fundraiser to Benefit Project Self-Sufficiency

Approximately 100 golfers recently came out to enjoy brisk, sunny weather to play on a makeshift course at the Sussex County Fairgrounds as part of the annual Chili Open Golf Classic. Proceeds benefited Project Give Shelter, a Project Self-Sufficiency initiative to help Sussex County residents who need emergency temporary shelter or stable housing. In addition to golf, participants were treated to music by R.E.N.O. the Band, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a putting contest, souvenir photos, and a vast array of food and beverages hosted by Rotarians from Branchville, Newton, and Wallkill Valley.

The community is currently experiencing an unprecedented need for housing and housing assistance, as well as other forms of emergency basic needs like food. “Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the Chili Open participants, we will be able to provide emergency shelter, security deposits, rent, and utility payments to those who are experiencing housing crises in our community,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “We are grateful for the support of the local businesses which donated food and prizes, as well as the many volunteers who took the time to help coordinate this event.”

The Chili Open is one component of a multi-pronged assistance program at Project Self-Sufficiency, an organization which provides career and job training, among a myriad of other services. Last year, 9,365 families received some type of emergency assistance through Project Self-Sufficiency as well as connections to other community organizations. Proceeds from the 2024 Chili Open are still being tallied; the $53,334 raised during the 2023 event provided emergency assistance to 137 individuals, including the provision of 744 nights of shelter and restoration of utilities for 24 families.

“Attending the Chili Open is an annual tradition for many golfers,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Development Director Bruce Tomlinson whose family has played in the Chili Open for many years. “In some ways, the Chili Open is like a community family reunion.”

Funds to support Project Give Shelter are needed year-round; donations can be made on the Project Self-Sufficiency website, www.projectselfsufficiency.org/chili-open.

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