Free Workshops for Parents, Dads, Offered In-Person or Online

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a unique roster of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in April, 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, April 7^th – May 14^th; classes will be offered in-person and online. Pizza and childcare will be available for in-person attendees.

 

“We are excited to be 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 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, April 7^th – May 20^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 fathers and 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.

Get Free Legal Advice about Divorce

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will host a free, online Family Law seminar on Thursday, March 26^th, 7:00 p.m., with attorney Natalie Thompson, Esquire. Participants will discuss child support, grounds for divorce, court procedures, alimony, parenting time, equitable distribution of assets, and other topics related to divorce.  The presentation, which will be offered through Zoom, is free and open to the public; interested attendees should call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, to register and receive log-in details. 

Free Prom Dresss Available

 

Teens are invited to select free, new, or gently-used prom dresses and accessories from the popular “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency.  Formal wear including prom dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, gowns for mothers-of-the-bride, evening bags, jewelry, wraps and shawls, as well as shoes in good condition are all available at no charge.  All items are displayed in a boutique-like setting on Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton campus, and space is available for dresses to be tried on.  The public is invited, and no appointment is needed.  The “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop will be open March 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.; March 26^th, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.; March 27^th, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.; and March 28^th, 9:00 a.m. - noon.

 

“We are delighted to be offering teens the opportunity to receive beautiful gowns and accessories free of charge at the ‘Sister-to-Sister’ Prom Shop,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We believe that every young woman deserves the chance to have a beautiful dress for that special, once-in-a-lifetime event. Thanks to generous donations from the community, we are fortunate to have hundreds of beautiful items in our collection again this year.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  The Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop is a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.  For information about the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop, or to find out more about any of the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.