Free, Virtual Parenting Classes this Spring

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer virtual parenting workshops for parents with children of all ages, Tuesdays April 11^th – May 30^th, 6:00 p.m.  Participants will learn how to build positive parenting skills, prevent behavioral problems, and encourage effective anger management.  The parenting classes offered by Project Self-Sufficiency follow the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program developed by the American Psychological Association which aims to educate parents and other adults who raise and care for young children about creating environments which protect them from violence.  Classes are co-sponsored by the Journey Family Success Center and Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children.  The sessions are free and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 for log-in details.

 

“The ACT Raising Safe Kids curriculum is based on the premise that effective parenting is an important factor in preventing behavioral issues and violence,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We are delighted to continue offering these innovative parenting courses to the general public.”

 

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. 

Free Parenting Classes Start in March

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer parenting workshops for parents of children of all ages this spring.  Participants will learn about the different stages of physical and emotional development during infancy, childhood and adolescence, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication.  The course will run on Wednesdays, March 18^th – May 20^th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; 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.

Learn about Local Job Openings at a Free Career Fair

Local businesses and organizations are gearing up to recruit new staff members at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Fair on Wednesday, October 30^th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Job seekers can fine-tune their interview skills, attend multiple workshops and discuss job openings with area employers.  Attendees are encouraged to enter a raffle to win a $250 Shop Rite gift card.  Representatives from local businesses, organizations and educational institutions will be on hand to promote job openings and scholastic opportunities.  Workshops about resume-writing, interview skills and the job search process will round out the event.  The Career Fair is free and open to the public; no registration is required.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in advancing their career to attend Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Fair,” explained Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “Job seekers can get immediate feedback on their resume and interview skills in addition to learning about job openings and options for furthering their education.  These tips they receive will help them gain the confidence they need to pursue a successful job search.”

Employers and educational institutions who will be promoting opportunities include Abilities; Action Group Staffing Services; All Ways Caring Home Care; Avtech Technology, Inc.; Barn Hill Care Center; Capitol Care; Center for Humanistic Change of New Jersey; Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health; DeVry University; Element Farms; Express Employment Professionals; Health Care Services Group; Home Depot; iHeartMedia; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #102JATC; Mary Kay; Morris Sussex Warren Employment & Training Services; Mountain Creek Resort; National Winter Activity Center; Primerica Financial Services; Project Self-Sufficiency; Selective Insurance Company of America; Shop Rite; St. Clare’s Hospital; Sussex County Community College; The MENTOR Network; The Rose House; TransOptions; Valley View Care Center; Veolia North America; the United States Census Bureau; and others.

Project Self-Sufficiency has assisted 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. 

Those who attend the Career Fair will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $250 Shop Rite gift card.  For more information about the free Career 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.