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 Lakeland 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.

Learn How to Prepare for Baby's First Year

 

Expectant parents and those with young children are invited to receive up-to-date information about preparing for their child’s first year at a Baby Beginnings Fair offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, Thursday, August 27^th, 1:00 p.m. Representatives from the Child Mind Institute will address the importance of self-care during pregnancy and the months following the arrival of a new baby. 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, positive parenting techniques, 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 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.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will be joined by representatives from the SNAP-Ed, the Sussex County Library, and Zufall Health.

 

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.