Learn about Safe Sleeping Practices for Infants

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will host a special Baby Beginnings event Wednesday, February 25th, 1:00 p.m., to help pregnant women and parents of young children to access the resources they need to be successful.  The event will offer expert advice about safe sleeping and bedtime routines from healthcare specialist Laurie Herrick, along with free baby items, prizes and giveaways.  Participants will also learn about free and reduced cost activities for families, lead prevention, early childhood development, positive parenting techniques, and other topics related to early childhood health, safety and education. Lunch will be provided. Pregnant women and parents of young children are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register. The Baby Beginnings event is part of a series which supplements Project Self-Sufficiency’s robust programs for pregnant women and parents of young children, including home visitation programs, monthly Mommy Parties, and Parent Cafes.

 

“We are excited to be offering these innovative and fun gatherings to the community,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Pregnant women and parents of young children have a great need for accurate information about a host of topics, and these Baby Beginnings Fairs will allow them to receive up-to-date health and wellness advice, as well as free items for baby and family.”

 

In addition to Project Self-Sufficiency, representatives from DASI, Family Connects, NJ Safe Kids, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health, SIDS Center of New Jersey, Sussex County Library System, and Zufall Health Center will be on hand to offer ideas for supportive activities and events for families.

 

To register for Baby Beginnings, to discuss your parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Parent Volunteers Needed

 

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, February 10^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. 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.”

 

Those who attend their first meeting of the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board will be eligible to receive a gift card. 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.

Free Job Skills Training Program for Women Starts in March

 

Project Self-Sufficiency announces that the next session of its popular employment skills training program, Higher Opportunities for Women (HOW), will launch March 3rd.  The 16-week “HOW” Program combines intensive computer skills training with classroom instruction and on-the-job experience.  Curriculum prepares women who have been out of the work force or underemployed to seek entry-level office administrative positions.  Classes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the agency’s campus, located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  Open Houses about the Higher Opportunities for Women program will be held at 10:00 a.m., January 23rd, 30^th, and February 20^th, and at 4:00 p.m. February 18^th and 25^th.  Interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 or visit https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/higher-opportunities-for-women to enroll.

 

Women who take part in the agency’s HOW program can expect 80 hours of computer skills training, including instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other applications.  The HOW program also includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of an unpaid externship at a community employment site, which further prepares participants to successfully venture into the job market.  Additional coursework focuses on workplace navigation, life skills training, resume preparation, and interviewing strategies. 

 

Since the HOW program’s inception, more than 1,000 women have gained self-confidence and learned marketable skills which placed them on the path to economic self-sufficiency.  Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency explains that the HOW program is more than just a job-skills program.  “The job market is constantly evolving, and the Higher Opportunities for Women program gives participants the skills and confidence they need for success.”