Parents Invited to Give Opinions about Local Services

 

Local parents are invited to offer input about their families’ needs, challenges, and concerns, as well as suggestions for upcoming events, at a meeting of the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board at Project Self-Sufficiency, Tuesday, June 18^th, 5:00 p.m.  Family Success Center staff will highlight ways the agency can address issues facing local parents and incorporate feedback into future programs. Dinner and childcare will be provided for those in attendance.  The gathering will also be available on Zoom; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to obtain log-in details. Those who attend their first meeting of the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board will be eligible to receive a gift card. Advance registration for the in-person session is required.

 

“Input from parents is crucial to the success of the Family Success Center and we are excited about offering residents the opportunity to meet area providers, express their concerns about gaps in services, and identify strategies for moving forward,” remarked Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The Family Success Center has supported Sussex County parents and children for many years, and we are looking forward to responding to the needs of area families and incorporating their suggestions into existing and new programs for the community.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. For information about the Parent Advisory Board, or to find out more about any of the programs sponsored by the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.journeyfsc.org.

In-Person and Online Parenting Classes Offered this Summer

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a unique roster of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in June, including the 24/7 Dad course for fathers as well as the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program, which was designed by the American Psychological Association for parents and caregivers of young children.

Fathers are invited to attend special workshops created just for them, either online or in person, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Created by the National Fatherhood Initiative, the 24:7 Dads program focuses on five characteristics of nurturing and effective fathering and has been proven to transform families and communities. The 24:7 Dad curriculum is designed for expectant fathers as well as experienced Dads. Participants will examine what it means to be a man, health, handling emotions appropriately, discipline, and co-parenting. Twelve consecutive sessions will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency, June 23^rd – July 30^th; classes will be offered in-person and online. Pizza and childcare will be available for in-person attendees.

“We are excited to continue offering the 24:7 Dads program to the community,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “This curriculum invites fathers to examine their relationships with partners and children, and addresses topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.  We are confident that fathers and families will be transformed as a result.”

“The 24/7 Dad course taught me how to be more patient with my children,” remarks class participant Sean Walker.  “Even when my child is experiencing a crisis, I can effectively de-escalate the situation and keep my child safe.  I have also learned that it is ok to be myself and share my feelings with others.  I am a better dad and better partner now because of this program.”

The ACT Raising Safe Kids Program invites mothers and fathers to learn how to build positive parenting skills, prevent behavioral problems, and encourage effective anger management.  The parenting classes were developed by the American Psychological Association with the goal of educating parents and other adults who raise and care for young children about creating environments which protect them from violence.  Classes will be offered via Zoom on Tuesdays, June 23^rd – August 11^th, 6:00 p.m.

“We are delighted to continue offering these innovative parenting courses to the general public,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Effective parenting is an important factor in preventing behavioral issues and violence, and the curriculum in both programs invites participants to examine their relationships with partners and children, and address topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.  We are confident that families will be transformed as a result.”

Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, or register online, https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/parenting-classes.

Job Skills Training Program for Women Starts in July

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a free, 8-week training program for women, including lessons in computer skills, job search methods, and interview techniques, along with on-the-job training at community work sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., from July 7^th – August 27^th.  All classes will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Worksites will be located throughout the county and hours will be dependent upon the employer’s needs. Interested participants are encouraged to attend an Open House to learn more about the program and complete an application.  Open Houses will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m., May 27^th, June 10^th, 17^th and 24^th, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., May 29^th, June 5^th and 12^th.

 

The comprehensive Summer Office Skills program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions.  In addition to computer skills training, participants will receive classroom instruction and obtain work experience at a community employment site, which will further prepare participants for success in the job market.  The time in the classroom is devoted to career instruction, life skills training, and interviewing strategies.  Over the years, Project Self Sufficiency has partnered with a variety of local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities to provide participants with externship opportunities.  Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the agency’s training programs. 

 

The Summer Office Skills program is free and open to Project Self-Sufficiency participants.  Interested women must apply and be accepted into the program.  To become a participant, or to apply for the free Summer Office Skills program, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.