Get a High School Diploma, Three College Credits

 

Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway.  The sixteen-week program launches in March and gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college, or the military.  As part of the course, three college credits can be obtained in the Optics Technology and/or Automotive Technology program at Sussex County Community College.  Graduates are eligible to receive up to $5,000 towards tuition or equipment expenses for future education and training.

 

Interested participants are invited to attend an Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application.  Open Houses will be held on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., January 15th, 22nd, 29th, February 5^th, and 12th, and on Fridays at noon, January 16th, 23rd, 30th, February 6^th, and 13th.

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer a young adult, ages 16 – 25, to the New Jersey Youth Corps training and education program.  To receive the gift card, referred individuals must enroll in the program, complete the two-week orientation, and be inducted into the program.

 

Participants in the New Jersey Youth Corps must be Sussex or Warren County residents, aged 16 – 25, who have not completed high school.  The program includes assessments, testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, academic instruction, community service projects, field trips, and counseling services.  Program participants will prepare for the high school equivalency examination and have the opportunity to receive a weekly stipend based on attendance for the full week.  Free transportation is provided. 

 

The New Jersey Youth Corps, which is funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, is also in operation at sites around the state, including Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Newark, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Pleasantville, Trenton, and Vineland.  Those who are interested in learning more about the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency are encouraged to enroll online or by calling 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 January, 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, January 20^th – February 26^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, January 20^th – March 10^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.