Free Prom Dresses Available

Teen girls in need of a prom dress are invited to select a gown from the collection at the “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency.  The thirteenth annual “Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop” will be open for one week only, March 30^th – April 2^nd, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., April 3^rd, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and April 4^th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  In addition to new and gently used dresses of all lengths and sizes, the Prom Shop will feature shoes, wraps, handbags, and jewelry so that patrons can create the perfect ensemble.  The “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop offers gowns and accessories to any teen girl in need; no registration is required.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. 

The prom shop at Project Self-Sufficiency routinely distributes more than 200 dresses to teen girls each year, making it the largest distributor of gently used formal wear in northwestern New Jersey.  “We are anticipating that the need will continue to be great for many young women in our area,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Attending the prom is a once in a lifetime event, and we are thankful that our community continues to help these young women to have a memorable evening by donating formal wear to the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop year after year.”

Dresses and other types of formal wear are currently being accepted for display.  The “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop is made possible by the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.  For information about donating dresses and accessories to the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop or to find out more about any of the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Free Bankruptcy Seminar this Month

Steve McNally, Esquire

Steve McNally, Esquire, will offer a free Bankruptcy seminar on Wednesday, March 18^th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Project Self-Sufficiency.  Learn about the process of filing for bankruptcy, as well as the options available to those facing overwhelming credit card debt, foreclosure or asset repossession.  The presentation is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.  To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.

Childhood Development Assessment Tool Available Online

Parents who are concerned about their youngster’s developmental progress can now jump start the assessment process by accessing an online questionnaire through the Project Self-Sufficiency website.  The Ages & Stages Questionnaire is designed to focus on the areas of communication, gross and fine motor skills, and social development.  After parents complete the online questionnaire regarding their child’s development, an Early Childhood Specialist follows up with parents to address concerns and connect them to resources to support the child’s needs.  The Ages & Stages Questionnaire is a service of the Early Childhood Specialist program at Project Self-Sufficiency, a three-year program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

The Ages & Stages initiative is a natural extension of the services provided by Project Self-Sufficiency explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Project Self-Sufficiency has referred local families to area resources for many years as part of our case management, central intake and home visitation services.  The Ages & Stages questionnaire is an important tool to help connect parents to the resources they need for their child’s development.”

The Early Childhood Specialist program operates in alignment with Project Self-Sufficiency’s established programs including Sussex Warren Project Family Connect Central Intake, the Sussex County Council for Young Children and the Sussex County Family Success Center.  Sussex Warren Project Family Connect Central Intake is provided by Project Self-Sufficiency through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health.  The one-stop source for information links individuals to medical, educational and social services which can enhance their overall health and quality of life, including health care, maternal infant and early childhood home visitation programs, domestic violence shelters and support services; educational alternatives; family support programs; financial assistance; employment training; infant and child care; early intervention; referral to emergency housing and utility assistance services; as well as programs for senior citizens, veterans, and other community services and programs.

The Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency is a program of support offered to all families.  In addition to parenting skills training, local families can participate in family activities, receive information about health and nutrition, take part in economic self-sufficiency programs, receive legal education, obtain referrals, and other services throughout the year.  

Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and focuses on the health, education and safety of the prenatal to age 8 population and their families. The program has a meeting structure that incorporates a Steering Committee, a Special Needs Subcommittee, a Spanish Families Subcommittee and a General Council whose aim is to provide education and connect families to community resources.

Project Self-Sufficiency is a community-based non-profit organization which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey.  Programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency include family literacy education, computer training and job placement services, assistance with parenting skills, childcare, counseling and advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs.  For information about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500.  Information about the Sussex County Family Success Center can be found at www.sussexcountyfamilysuccesscenter.org while Project Sussex Kids can be accessed at www.projectsussexkids.org.