Extraordinary Volunteers Honored

Volunteers and representatives from local businesses and organizations were recently recognized for their outstanding efforts in support of Project Self-Sufficiency at the agency’s annual Mosaic Awards ceremony. The event recognizes individuals, schools, civic groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations which have provided invaluable assistance to the agency during the previous year. A special President’s Award was given in memory of the late Board President Michael Holub, Esquire, to the Newton VFW, Post #5360, in recognition of their years of support. In addition, Mary Konzelman was welcomed into the Louise E. Murphy Center for Volunteerism Circle of Leaders, which singles out extraordinary, longtime efforts by those who support Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission. Project Self-Sufficiency is a non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in Sussex, Hunterdon, Morris, and Warren Counties.

“The Mosaic Awards honors the individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in helping us to pursue our mission throughout the year,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “This event recognizes that even the smallest contributions can combine with the efforts of others to have a powerful impact on the community. The lives of thousands of local families have been changed for the better because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of these individuals.”

Ronald and Virginia Graves, as well as Joe Coltelli, Kittatinny Regional High School, and William Percey, High Point Regional High School, and their students, were honored for their assistance during the annual Season of Hope Toy Drive.

Several Sussex County Community College representatives were singled out for their assistance with the New Jersey Youth Corps and other collaborative programs, including Julie Fliegal, Jason Fruge, Erin Primavera, Jack Stafford, and Sue Unverzahi.

Restauranteurs who were honored for their support during A Taste of Talent and other fundraising initiatives included Andre and Tracey de Waal, Andre’s Lakeside Dining; Rick & Laura Nifenecker, Café Pierrot; Nico Muccia, Mr. Crabby’s Seafood House & Sports Bar; and Doreen Rutherford, The Press News, Hunter’s Lodge, and The Fountain House.

Father John’s Animal House was recognized for their support of the agency’s Nourish to Flourish food pantry.

Steve Allan, iHeartMedia, was honored for assistance with publicizing agency programs and events.

Several individuals were recognized for their ongoing support of fundraising events and other activities, including Rob Gebhardt, Allied Beverage Group; Griffin & Howe; Hudson Farm Club; Project Self-Sufficiency Board member Rich Hoer and his son, Rich Hoer, Jr., Lakeside Construction; Katelyn Leondi; Newton Rotary Club; Perona Farms; and Carolee Stoddart.

The Community Foundation of New Jersey, Jim Hohman, Project Self-Sufficiency Board Member Kathy Esposito and her husband, Lou, Legacy Studios, and Ridge & Valley Conservancy were honored for supporting initiatives in the agency’s Career Center, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program and the New Jersey Youth Corps.

Marissa De Oliviera, Morgan Carter and Amanda Hawkins, Star Community Health Coventry, and Nicole Matos-Martiak were thanked for their support of community health initiatives like the breast cancer survivor celebration, monthly Baby Beginnings Fairs, and the bi-annual community health fairs.

Musician Katlyn Salerna was honored for volunteering to perform at numerous agency events over the years.

Mary McMullen was thanked for her assistance with clerical tasks as well as for her regular visits to the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center as a Celebrity Reader.

Will Leggett, United EVENTures, received a Mosaic award in recognition of his generosity in constructing and donating numerous, customized playhouses for children.

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...

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. “...

New Jersey's First Female State Trooper Defies Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Gail Just approaches her health with the same no-nonsense attitude which made her a success in her law enforcement career. When an annual mammogram revealed that she had three tumors in one of her breasts, she immediately investigated her alternatives, selected a medical provider, and proceeded with a treatment plan. “I’m a retired state trooper and I tend to take things differently than most people,” remarked Just. “I decided we’re not going to use the word ‘scared.’” Breast cancer is often a silent disease, with virtually no symptoms, but it is often completely curable if diagnosed in its early stages. In 1980, the national five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer was about 74%; today that number is 99%. There are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. One out of eight women will develop breast cancer, yet about 85% of these women have no family history of the disease. A...

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