Learn How to Prepare for Baby's First Year

 

Expectant parents and those with young children are invited to receive up-to-date information about preparing for their child’s first year at a Baby Beginnings Fair offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, Thursday, August 27^th, 1:00 p.m. Representatives from the Child Mind Institute will address the importance of self-care during pregnancy and the months following the arrival of a new baby. Attendees will also be able to access the resources they need to be successful, including free and reduced cost activities for families, information about early childhood health and development, positive parenting techniques, and other topics. Lunch will be provided along with free baby items, prizes and unique giveaways. The Baby Beginnings event is part of a Family Connects NJ program which supplements Project Self-Sufficiency’s robust programs for pregnant women and parents of young children, including home visitation programs, monthly Mommy Parties, and Parent Cafes. Pregnant women and parents of young children are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register.

 

“Accurate information about early childhood and development is crucial for the success of new parents and we are grateful to offer this information session to the community,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “In addition to free items for baby and family, the Family Connects NJ Baby Beginnings Fairs allow pregnant women and new parents to engage with area experts and meet others in similar circumstances.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will be joined by representatives from the SNAP-Ed, the Sussex County Library, and Zufall Health.

 

To register for the Family Connects NJ Baby Beginnings Fair, to discuss your early childhood parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500. 

Workshops Teach Helpful Parenting Strategies

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a unique roster of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in August, 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, August 18^th – September 24^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.”

 

“’24:7 Dads’ has given me the confidence to open up and share my feelings which I was not able to in the past,” remarks class participant Leland Prehn. “It has given me patience and it has improved my ability to co-parent and do what’s best for my children.”

 

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, September 15^th – November 3^rd, 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.

Parental Advice about Community Services Needed

 

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, July 7^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.