Local Business Owners Volunteer at Back to School Event

 

Area business owners recently stepped up to give a boost to local students by volunteering at Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual Back to School Fair.  Members from four local Rotary chapters, Branchville, Newton, Vernon, and Wallkill Valley distributed backpacks stuffed with school supplies, and assisted families during the event.  Customarily a one-day affair, Project Self-Sufficiency’s Back to School Fair had to be expanded to four separate events to allow for social distancing among patrons, staff, and volunteers.

 

“This year it is more important than ever to help parents and children to prepare for the new school year, and we couldn’t pull off an event of this magnitude without the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated staff, Board, and volunteers,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. 

 

The annual Back to School Fair aims to arm parents with the latest information about school and bus safety, literacy, special needs, childhood development, and healthcare resources.  A wide array of social service and healthcare organizations were on hand to discuss areas of concern with parents.  Volunteers and staff offered games, crafts, and special activities for kids.  Music for the event was provided by Exit 12 duo Craig Evans and Brian Kathenes.

 

This was the first year that the local Rotaries supplied volunteers for the event.  “Rotary’s motto is service above self, and the organization is particularly supportive of education,” explained Cindy Allen, Assistant Governor for the Sussex County Rotary District #7475 which encompasses the Branchville, Newton, Vernon, and Wallkill Valley Rotaries.  “We’re looking forward to supporting Project Self-Sufficiency with more projects and developing a wonderful working relationship for the betterment of the community.”

 

The Back to School Fair is sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center and Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, both of which are administered by Project Self-Sufficiency.  Participating healthcare and social services agencies included Atlantic Health System; Caring Partners of Morris & Sussex; Center for Prevention & Counseling; DASI; Family Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties; Ginnie’s House; Project Self-Sufficiency; Safe Kids Northern New Jersey; SCARC; Shop Rite; Sussex County Special Child Health Services; Sussex County Division of Social Services; Sussex County Library; Sussex County YMCA; Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.; Zufall Health Services; and others.

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  For information about donating, or to inquire about any of the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

New Initiative Aims to Raise Awareness of Childhood Trauma Impact

 

Project Self-Sufficiency has launched PACEs, a new initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of childhood trauma with the goal of preventing adverse childhood experiences.  The agency is inviting professionals, educators, parents, healthcare providers and caregivers to attend a kick-off luncheon event, Thursday, July 29^th, at noon, featuring New Jersey Office of Resilience Executive Director David Ellis and child and family therapist Kris Imbrie.  The presentation will be offered in-person at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton campus and will also be available on Zoom for those who are more comfortable attending remotely.

 

Adverse childhood experiences are widely recognized as falling into three distinct categories, abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.  Examples of negative behavior said to result from ACEs include smoking, alcoholism, drug use, absenteeism, and lack of physical activity.  These behaviors can cause a cascade of physical and mental health problems, from diabetes to cancer to suicidal thoughts.  It is estimated that approximately 67% of the population has experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.

 

“Project Self-Sufficiency’s PACEs program is a new work group of professionals, providers, and parents who are committed to increasing awareness of the impact of childhood trauma on juvenile development, future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “At Project Self-Sufficiency, we often encounter individuals and families who have experienced varying levels of trauma.  Our goal is to make our community a place in which every child can thrive by preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments.”

 

Ellis is a national leader in providing trainings and facilitating conversations about the lasting impact of ACEs and generational trauma.  He shares his expertise with the State of New Jersey and coordinates statewide work related to ACE’s. “Every day, as public servants, we ask people to share their needs but not their stories,” notes Ellis.  “I used to talk about meeting people where they’re at.  In reality, I want to meet people where they dream.  We must hear their stories.  It’s in that space between stories and dreams that we share our humanity, concern and care.”

 

Imbrie is looking forward to discussing the consequences of childhood trauma on children’s behavior and the resulting impact on families and school environments.  “I want schools, teachers and parents to talk about the impact of childhood trauma on behavior.  It’s important for adults to help children process what’s going on so they can avoid feeling guilty about their behavior.”

 

The PACEs event is free and open to the public.  Those who would like to attend the event remotely are invited to call 973-940-3500 to obtain log-in details.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street, Newton, NJ.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Children

 

Family therapist Kris Imbrie will present “Is It Really Over? The Pandemic Through the Eyes of a Child” at a meeting of the Project Sussex Kids General Council, Wednesday, July 14^th, 10:00 a.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members are welcome to attend in person.  Childcare is available for those in need.  Additionally, the meeting will be available on Zoom for those who are reluctant to gather in a communal setting.  Participants will also receive an update on Project Sussex Kids activities.  The meeting is free and open to the public; those who would like to participate virtually are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 for log-in details.

 

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 21 New Jersey 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.