Discuss Grief and Loss in Children at Free Seminar

Parents and community members are invited to discuss strategies for helping children to cope with grief and loss at a meeting of the Project Sussex Kids General Council, Tuesday, April 16^th, 9:00 a.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Participants will also receive an update on Project Sussex Kids activities.  The presentation will be facilitated by Rainbows for All Children Program Coordinator Tracy Layman.  Refreshments will be provided; childcare is available upon request.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

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 all of the state’s 21 counties to bring together parents, caregivers, as well as health, education and social service professionals to enhance communication, coordination and collaboration of services.  The Project Sussex Kids General Council Meeting is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  To attend the General Council Meeting, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500.  Additional information 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.

Camp Fire Style Literacy Nights Scheduled at Area Schools

Family Literacy Nights will be staged at area schools during the spring by Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children.  Young children and their families will be invited to join organizers around a play campfire to enjoy reading books together at the imaginary Camp Read S’More.  Information about community resources will be distributed to parents.  Dinner, crafts, and fun activities will round out the evening.  Events have been planned for Franklin Borough School, Hudson Maxim Elementary School, Merriam Avenue School, Stanhope Elementary School, Stillwater Elementary School, and the Walnut Ridge Primary School.  Programs for additional schools are in the works.

“These Family Literacy Nights encourage parents and children to unplug and unwind, and come together over a shared activity,” notes Project Sussex Kids Coordinator Haley McCracken.  “We will be reading books and sharing activities about the outdoors, camping, night time, animals, and enjoying everyone’s favorite camp fire treat, s’mores!”

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 all of the state’s 21 counties to bring together parents, caregivers, as well as health, education and social service professionals to enhance communication, coordination and collaboration of services.  Additional information is available at www.projectsussexkids.org.   To schedule a Camp Read S’More Family Literacy Night, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.