Workshops Teach Helpful Parenting Strategies

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a unique roster of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in September, 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.

 

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, September 15^th – November 3^rd, 6:00 p.m.

 

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, October 6^th – November 10^th; classes will be offered in-person and online. Pizza and childcare will be available for in-person attendees.

 

“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 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.

Back-to-School Fair Helps Hundreds of Families

 

Hundreds of parents and children recently turned out for a Back-to-School Fair hosted by the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Designed to prepare the entire family for a successful academic year, the event featured numerous workshops, children’s activities, information from local social service agencies and healthcare organizations, mobile gaming, and more. Children and families received new backpacks filled with school supplies and were invited to enjoy free pizza and snacks while being serenaded by local teen musician Sol Mars. Transportation for patrons was provided by the Stocker Bus Company.

 

“We are pleased to be able to help both parents and children to prepare for a successful school year at the annual Back-to-School Fair,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director at Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We commend all of the social service agencies, healthcare organizations, businesses, and volunteers who have taken the time to lend a helping hand to local families in need.”

 

In addition to games, refreshments, school supplies, and children’s activities, the Back-to-School Fair featured seminars about early childhood development questionnaire and introduced parents to the services available at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center.

 

Informational exhibits and interactive activities for parents and children were provided by Abilities of Northwest Jersey; Behavior Bee Solutions, LLC; Brain Alliance of New Jersey; Care Plus New Jersey Kinship Navigator Program; Caring Partners of Morris & Sussex; Center for Family Services; Center for Prevention & Counseling; Child Mind Institute; Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Burn Unit; Crossroads 4 Hope; DASI; DAWN Center for Independent Living; Family Promise of Sussex County; Ginnie's House Children's Advocacy Center; Mental Health Association, NJ4S; New Jersey Department of Health/Office of Minority & Multicultural Health; New Jersey Pediatric Psychiatry Collaborative; Newton Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad; NORWESCAP Child & Family Resource Services; Sussex County Special Child Health Services; Sussex County Community & Youth Services; Sussex County Library; Sussex County YMCA; Zufall Health Center; and others.

 

Patrons also learned about household safety and burn prevention from the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Burn Unit, toured the Newton Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad ambulance, enjoyed the Triple A Mobile Gaming Truck, and were invited onboard the Sussex County Library System’s bookmobile.

Polo Match to Benefit Project Self-Sufficiency

 

Plans are underway for the second annual Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic to be held at the Grayfields Polo Club in Allamuchy on Saturday, September 12^th. Proceeds will benefit the agency’s services for low-income individuals and families in northwest New Jersey.

 

“We are excited to be partnering with NJ Polo to raise funds for the programs and services which are essential for struggling families in our area,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “The Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic invites people of all ages to come together in a fun and relaxing environment, see an exciting sporting event, enjoy a tailgate and time outdoors, and support local families in need.”

 

The event kicks off at noon as VIP Tent ticketholders will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, fine cuisine, and signature drinks catered by Andre’s Lakeside Dining while tailgaters will welcome their guests to their elaborately customized spaces, and general admission ticketholders will set up their viewing areas. The match will get underway at 1:15 p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem by Senior Airman Gianna Perez, United States Air Force.

 

During half-time, spectators will be encouraged to take part in the treasured tradition of divot stomping, smoothing the field for the second half of the polo match. During the divot stomp, all are invited to enjoy a festive performance by the Mike Lawlor Band. Throughout the event, other activities will include competitions for best hat and best tailgate, a silent auction, and naming of the match MVP and Best Playing Polo. 

 

Teams bearing the names of sponsors First Hope Bank and Lakeside Construction will be participating in a spirited competition for the winners’ circle. Additional sponsorships for the Polo Classic are available at a variety of levels, from $2,500 - $25,000.

  

Current sponsors include Mercedes-Benz of Newton; Sue and Greg Murphy; Comet Security; Ellman Discovery Foundation; Robert Soldoveri/Whispering Pines Enterprises; Royal Buick; Dee and Jim Fernandez; George’s Salvage; Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating, Inc.; Lorraine and Tim Parker; the John and Margaret Post Foundation; Franklin Mutual Insurance; the Karen and Mark Cummins Family; Tony and Mary Ann DeSantis; Blue Ridge Lumber; Stocker Bus Company; HQW Architects; and Eastern Logistics/the Nicholson Family.

 

Seasonal sponsors include Acrisure, Allied Beverage/Sir Davis American Whiskey, Biondo Investment Advisors, Black Stallion Winery, Provident Bank, Selective Insurance, and Techflex.

 

Vendors and attractions at the Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic will include the Black Forest Inn Food Truck, the Cupboard Shop, De Gracia & Estevez Cigars, Father John’s Animal House, Fleece Finds & More, Flying Bee Farms, Kathleen Little Jewelry & Metalsmith, Kona Ice, and Peter’s Valley School of Craft.

 

More information about available sponsorships, tailgates spaces, VIP and general admission tickets can be found at www.projectselfsufficiency.org  and www.njpolo.org.  Questions can be directed to Project Self-Sufficiency by calling 973-940-3500 or emailing Bruce Tomlinson, btomlinson@projectselfsufficiency.org.