News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  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 has launched a new series of Baby and Parenting Fairs to help pregnant women and parents of young children to access the resources they need to be successful.   Monthly “Baby Beginnings, Baby & Parenting Fairs” will feature targeted discussions, along with free baby items, prizes and giveaways.   Interested participants are invited to gather on Friday, October 18 th , 10:00 a.m. – noon, to learn about prenatal and postpartum nutrition.   Prenatal fitness, early childhood development, effective bedtime routines, and positive parenting techniques will also be addressed.   Lunch will be provided. Pregnant women and parents of young children are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register.   “We are excited to be offering these innovative and fun monthly gatherings to the community,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “Pregnant women and parents of young children have a great need for accurate information about

  Project Self-Sufficiency will host a free, virtual Family Law seminar on Thursday, October 17 th , 7:00 p.m., with attorney Mariann Murphy.   Participants will discuss child support, grounds for divorce, court procedures, alimony, parenting time, equitable distribution of assets, and other topics related to divorce.   The presentation, which will be offered through Zoom, is free and open to the public; interested attendees should call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, for log-in details.   The agency’s legal seminar series is a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency and is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children & Families .