Santa Comes Early to Newton

Hundreds of local children and their families were treated to an early visit from Santa at the annual Holiday party sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency. Participants enjoyed goofy holiday games, music and crafts.  Pizza and cookies were provided by volunteers.  Children were greeted by a special visitor from the North Pole, playfully impersonated by Sussex County Freeholder Director George Graham.  Project Self-Sufficiency is a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey.

Sussex County Freeholder Director George Graham enthusiastically donned a red suit for his stint as Santa at the annual holiday party.  "I am honored to support the efforts of the Sussex County Family Success Center as it brings together families to enjoy this holiday season.  Every child deserves to believe in a little holiday magic and that is what this event is all about." 

“The annual holiday party at Project Self-Sufficiency is an exciting way to usher in the holidays, and our participants look forward to attending year after year,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “We are very grateful to all of the volunteers who help to make this a merry occasion for the children and their families.”

Project Self-Sufficiency is celebrating its thirtieth year of providing services to families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon.  Programs include career guidance, computer training, help with obtaining a high school diploma, parenting skills classes, legal assistance and education, financial workshops, health education, childcare and family activities.  The agency offers help around the holidays, formal dresses during prom season, and assistance with emergency basic needs, such as food and clothing to its participants.  Most services are free and many are open to the public. 

For information about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.  For more information about the Sussex County Family Success Center, visit www.sussexcountyfamilysuccesscenter.org.

Free Seminar about Legal & Law Enforcement Careers

A free seminar about careers in the fields of law and law enforcement will be offered to teens and adults on Wednesday, November 29^th, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency.   Newton Chief of Police Mike Richards will be joined by the Honorable Lorraine C. Parker, J.A.D., retired, and Sussex County Community College Director of Admissions Todd Poltersdorf for a discussion of the background, education and the skills necessary for success.  Questions from the audience will be welcome.  “Becoming You:  Legal and Law Enforcement Careers” will explore the wide range of employment options including police officer, forensic science technician, attorney, courtroom clerk, judge, paralegal, and more.  The seminar is free and open to teens and adults, but registration is required.  Interested participants are encouraged to call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500 to register.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

Hundreds Spooked at Festive Halloween Party

The Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency recently hosted a Halloween “Spooktacular” for hundreds of costume-clad children and their parents at the agency’s Newton campus.  Participants were treated to crafts, dinner, Halloween-themed games, and other activities courtesy of agency staff members and a host of community volunteers including the Newton High School Interact Club.  All of the children received a souvenir photo and goody bag.

                    

“The Family Success Center offers parents and children a place to gather, laugh and have fun,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We are very grateful for the efforts of the Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board and all of the other volunteers who worked so hard to host this party for our participants and their families.”

The Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency is a program of support which includes parenting skills training, economic self-sufficiency services, family activities, legal education services, information about health and nutrition, referrals, advocacy and other services.  All activities are free and open to the public.

For information about the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.sussexcountyfamilysuccesscenter.org.