News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  Project Self-Sufficiency client Katelyn MacLean recently got a call from the agency letting her know that she would be receiving a used vehicle which had been donated to the agency by a benefactor.    MacLean, a college student who had never owned a car, recalls, “I was amazed!”   After being laid off from her job as a waitress due to the pandemic, MacLean had been searching for a new job while juggling courses at Sussex County Community College and relying on her family for transportation.   MacLean is studying elementary education and the lack of transportation restricted her access to the full array of courses required for her major in addition to limiting her employment opportunities.   “This car will help me further my education and I will use it to get back and forth to work once I find a job” explains MacLean.   “Getting this car was the best feeling I had in my life and I am forever grateful.” “It is extremely difficult to live and work in ...

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...

Former New Jersey Herald Executive Editor Bruce Tomlinson has joined the staff at non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency.   Tomlinson has embraced the opportunity to work in the non-profit sector after a long career in journalism.   After years of serving on the United Way Board of Directors, as well as assisting many agencies in Sussex County with their efforts, the move to the Newton-based agency is a natural transition according to Tomlinson who noted in his parting editorial at for the New Jersey Herald that he was seeking new opportunities.   In his new role at Project Self-Sufficiency, Tomlinson will be assisting with organizational development efforts and helping to grow the agency as it moves towards its 35 th year of service to northwestern New Jersey residents. While Executive Editor of the New Jersey Herald, Tomlinson sought out chances to give back to the community, serving as Vice President of the United Way of Sussex County, as well as on the boar...

Project Self-Sufficiency is seeking donations of funds to purchase new school supplies which will be distributed to hundreds of children during the month of August.   Due to the ongoing public health crisis, the agency will not be holding its annual in-person Back to School Fair.   However, new backpacks, crayons, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, scissors, pens, spiral notebooks, and loose-leaf paper will be purchased with the donated funds and distributed to participating families in need.   Monetary donations can be made on the Project Self-Sufficiency website .   For information about making monetary donations for school supplies, or to inquire about any of the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org .