Parents' Opinions Invited at Community Gathering

 

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, May 12^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.

Spring Parenting Class Schedule Revised

Additional parenting workshops will be available this spring at Project Self-Sufficiency.  A course for Fathers will be offered on Tuesdays, March 5^th – April 30^th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Workshops for parents of school-aged children will be held on Wednesdays, March 6^th – May 1^st, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Participants will learn about the different stages of physical and emotional development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  The classes are co-sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center and Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children.  The sessions are free and open to the public, but registration is required.   The agency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. 

The parenting classes offered by Project Self-Sufficiency follow the Nurturing Parent curriculum which teaches age-specific parenting skills and includes components designed for parents as well as children.  The workshops encourage parents to share their experiences with each other.

“The ‘Nurturing Parenting Program’ fosters the capacity of children and parents to trust, care and respect other people and their environment,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The curriculum emphasizes the reinforcement of positive behavior, attachment parenting, nurturing discipline and gentle touch, like infant massage.”

The curriculum is supplemented by small group discussion for adults along with play groups for children which reinforce the weekly lesson plans. “This course offers a group dynamic where families can share experiences and learn from others in similar situations,” adds Berry-Toon.

The Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency is a program of support offered to all families.  In addition to parenting skills training, local families can participate in family activities, receive information about health and nutrition, take part in economic self-sufficiency programs, receive legal education, obtain referrals, and other services throughout the year.   Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, has been designed by the New Jersey Department of Children & Families to address the needs of local families who are expecting or who are parenting young children.  County Councils for Young Children have been established in every New Jersey county to bring together parents, caregivers, as well as health, education and social service professionals to enhance communication, coordination and collaboration of services. 

To register for the free parenting workshops, to discuss your parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.  Information about the Sussex County Family Success Center can be found at www.sussexcountyfamilysuccesscenter.org.  Information about Project Sussex Kids is available at www.projectsussexkids.org.

Hundreds Turn Out for Holiday Party

Hundreds of local children and their families were treated to an early visit from Santa at the annual Holiday party sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center and the Sussex County Council for Young Children at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Participants enjoyed goofy holiday games, music and crafts based on a Polar Express theme.  Pizza and cookies were provided by volunteers.  Children were greeted by a special visitor from the North Pole, playfully impersonated by Sussex County Freeholder Director George Graham.  Project Self-Sufficiency is a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey.

Sussex County Freeholder George Graham enthusiastically donned a red suit for his stint as Santa at the annual holiday party.  "I am honored to support the efforts of the Sussex County Family Success Center as it brings together families to enjoy this holiday season.  Every child deserves to believe in a little holiday magic and that is what this event is all about." 

“The annual holiday party at Project Self-Sufficiency is an exciting way to usher in the holidays, and our participants look forward to attending year after year,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “We are very grateful to all of the volunteers who help to make this a merry occasion for the children and their families.”

Project Self-Sufficiency has served families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon for more than 30 years.  Programs include career guidance, computer training, help with obtaining a high school diploma, parenting skills classes, legal assistance and education, financial workshops, health education, childcare and family activities.  The agency offers help around the holidays, formal dresses during prom season, and assistance with emergency basic needs, such as food and clothing to its participants.  Most services are free and many are open to the public. 

For information about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.  For more information about the Sussex County Family Success Center, visit www.sussexcountyfamilysuccesscenter.org.  Information about the Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, can be found at www.projectsussexkids.org.