Parents, educators and caregivers of those with special needs are invited
to attend a free Resource Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Saturday,
November 3rd, 8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The event will address the needs of individuals with special needs from
infancy through adulthood. Workshops,
seminars, guest speakers and activities for children will be available to
participants. A light lunch and
childcare will be provided. Attendance
is free; advance registration is recommended for all attendees but required if
childcare will be utilized. Registration
is available on the Project Self-Sufficiency website
or by calling 973-940-3500 or 844-804-3500.
Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.
Workshops at the Resource Fair, “Special Needs Across the Lifespan,” will
address issues with behavior, school, nutrition, health and wellness,
recreation and other topics throughout the life span of the special needs’
individual. Motivational speaker and
life coach Diane Lang will kick off the event.
The DAWN Center for Independent and Kathy Baklarz, Sussex County Special
Child Services, will discuss early intervention, documenting care and the
Medical Home model as part of the Preschool Years session. Tammy Miller, Hopatcong School District
Director of Special Services will be joined by Ria Smith and Kathy Nauta for a
presentation about issues to expect as the child progresses through school. Challenges faced during the Transitional
Years will be addressed by Patti Nugent, Sussex County Community College, DAWN
Center for Independent Living, and Rena George, New Jersey Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Janis Woersching, SCARC, and Carrie Parmalee, Intensive Family Support
Services, will discuss issues faced during the Adult Years.
“Through our work in the community we have encountered many families
whose special needs children need support, not just during infancy, but through
all stages of childhood, adolescence and adulthood,” noted Project
Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “We hope that this Resource Fair will help
parents, educators and caregivers to access the information they need to make
informed decisions about the health and welfare of the special needs
individuals in their care.”
Participants will be encouraged to
visit with representatives from local businesses, schools and social service
organizations including Atlantic Behavioral Health; DAWN Center for Independent
Living; NAMI; the New Jersey Regional Family Support Planning Council; Peace by
Piece, LLC; SCARC; Shop Rite of Newton; Special Child Health Services;
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP Ed); Sussex County
Library; the Sussex County YMCA; and others.
Project Self-Sufficiency has improved the lives of low-income families
residing in northwestern New Jersey for more than 30 years. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad
spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling
low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced
homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the
achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has
served more than 25,000 families.
For more information about the free Special Needs Resource Fair, or to
find out more about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency,
call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.
