News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  Community members are invited to attend a virtual information session about family programs and community events available at the Fairview Lake YMCA at a meeting of the Project Sussex Kids General Council, Tuesday, November 15 th , 10:00 a.m., via Zoom.   Environmental Education & Community Programs Manager Brendan Rearer will discuss nature and the benefits of children’s involvement in outdoor experiences.   Project Self-Sufficiency staff will also provide an update on Project Sussex Kids activities.   The Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is a branch of Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges . The meeting is free and open to the public; advance registration is encouraged.   Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 for log-in details.

  Project Self-Sufficiency will continue the workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter”, designed to facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding Positive & Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs ), with in-person sessions in Spanish, Wednesday, November 16 th , 2:00 p.m. and English, Thursday, November 17 th , 2:00 p.m.   Both workshops are free and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register.   P articipants will explore the Connections Matter curriculum, a program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey designed to engage providers, parents, and community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency.   Discussion will focus on understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma and demonstrate how caring connections can serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma.   The training is appropr...

  The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive was launched by Project Self-Sufficiency and a consortium of businesses, schools, and social service agencies today.   The massive undertaking aims to provide gift cards and new, unwrapped toys to parents and caregivers of more than 2,000 children and teens in the New Jersey counties of Sussex and Northern Warren.   The toy drive is a joint effort which is driven and coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along with its community partners, to benefit local families in need.   Donations are needed immediately and can be made in-person at the Newton agency.   Additional toy drop off sites throughout the area will be added shortly.   Monetary donations are also accepted online .   The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children and teens in northwestern New Jersey for many years.   The initiative solicits donations from individuals, businesses, civic organizations, schools, youth gr...