Welcome to Project Self-Sufficiency's new web site! We hope this web site will connect both families in need of support and community members looking to provide support with the programs and services of Project Self-Sufficiency.
Since 1986, Project Self-Sufficiency has been illuminating possibilities and inspiring hope in our Northwest New Jersey participants. If your family is struggling, know you are welcome here. Whether you seek education, job training, parenting skills, legal assistance, computer training or just a supportive atmosphere to think things through and seek advice, Project Self-Sufficiency offers a variety of programs at our beautiful campus. Check them out on this web site, then call or email to see how we can help you to begin your journey to self-sufficiency!
If, on the other hand, you are someone who feels fortunate in life and wants to extend a helping hand to others, we hope you too will find what you are looking for here. One of Project Self-Sufficiency's most beloved quotations comes from Alice Paul: "Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic in the end." This is the essence of Project Self-Sufficiency. Our vision of a community without poverty can only be achieved through a mosaic of contributions from a diverse array of supporters – our Board of Directors and Leadership Council, our staff, our generous donors, our wonderful volunteers, fellow social service agencies, partners in the faith and business communities, and many others. We invite you to join us.
In the past year alone, over 1,300 families reached out to Project Self-Sufficiency in need of multiple services. These are families of many different shapes, sizes and backgrounds, but all are united by a common goal – to make sure the vicious cycle of poverty ends with them, so that their children can grow up in a world filled with hope and opportunity.
If we all work together, this goal is within reach. Look for opportunities to get involved throughout this web site. Provide financial support for our programs. Donate food to our Food Pantry, clothing for our Working Women's Wardrobe, toys at Christmas, prom dresses in the spring, school supplies in the summer, and so much more. Attend one of our four annual fundraising events. Whether you support Project Self-Sufficiency programs and services financially, by donating goods and services, or as a volunteer, you are telling the world you value and care about all families… no matter who they are, where they live, what they look like, what language they speak, or how little their paycheck.
Renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." If you believe this as we do, whether you are seeking assistance or seeking to provide it, we invite you to become part of Project Self-Sufficiency's mosaic.
Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director
