Special Needs Resource Fair Planned for November

Parents, educators and caregivers of those with special needs are invited to attend a free Resource Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Saturday, November 3^rd, 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.