Learn about Parent-Child Bonding, Get Free Baby Items

 

Expectant parents and those with young children are invited to receive useful advice about bonding with their children at a free Baby Beginnings Fair offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, Thursday, October 22^nd, 1:00 p.m. Attendees will also be able to access the resources they need to be successful, including free and reduced cost activities for families, information about early childhood health and development, and other topics. Lunch will be provided along with free baby items, prizes and unique giveaways. The Baby Beginnings event is part of a Family Connects NJ program 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. Pregnant women and parents of young children are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register.

 

“Accurate information about healthy relationships, early childhood, and development is crucial for the success of new parents and we are grateful to offer this information session to the community,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “In addition to free items for baby and family, the Family Connects NJ Baby Beginnings Fairs allow pregnant women and new parents to engage with area experts and meet others in similar circumstances.”

 

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

Help Vulnerable Families at Thanksgiving

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is soliciting assistance for hundreds of low-income families who need a little extra help this season, by asking area residents and organizations to donate traditional Thanksgiving food, or to donate funds towards the purchase of food.  Donors are invited to sponsor a family for only $50 or to make a contribution of their choice; contributions made in honor of a loved one are also encouraged. The non-profit agency is gearing up to distribute complete Thanksgiving dinners to approximately 500 local families this year, so monetary donations are particularly needed.  Individuals and families who need help at Thanksgiving are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500. 

 

The agency will gratefully receive pumpkin or apple pies; canned vegetables, including yams and cranberry sauce; dinner rolls; gravy; stuffing and mashed potato mixes.  Contributions, or notification of the intent to contribute, are requested by Friday, November 13th, to allow ample time to package and distribute the goods to needy families.  Frozen turkeys will be gratefully accepted on Wednesday, November 18^th and Thursday, November 19^th; however, donors are asked to alert the agency ahead of time if frozen turkeys will be offered so that sufficient supplies are available to families in need.  Turkeys cannot be accepted earlier or later due to the lack of refrigerated storage space.

 

“Requests for assistance are pouring in every day, and we expect to serve more than 500 families this year,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “However, our wonderfully generous community has consistently demonstrated compassion towards our participants during the holidays, and we are confident that this year will be no exception.“

 

Thanksgiving donations will be gratefully accepted at Project Self-Sufficiency which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  To donate, or to find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Parenting Course for Fathers Starts in November

 

Fathers are invited to attend special parenting workshops created just for them, either in person at Project Self-Sufficiency or via Zoom, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Created by the National Fatherhood Initiative, the 24:7 Dad curriculum is designed for expectant fathers as well as experienced Dads. The 24:7 Dad program focuses on twelve habits of confident, effective fathers and has been proven to transform families and communities. 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, beginning November 3^rd; classes will be offered in-person and via Zoom. Pizza and childcare will be available for in-person attendees.

 

“The 24:7 Dads’ course has transformed families across the country, and we are very excited to offer it to fathers in our community,” explained Project Self-Sufficiency Chief Executive Officer Deborah Berry-Toon. “The curriculum invites participants to tap into their strengths, examine their relationships with partners and children, and address topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.”

 

Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, or register online, https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/parenting-classes.