Back-to-School Fair Helps Hundreds of Families

Gwen Yaskovic distributes new backpacks and school suppliesPhoto byProject Self-Sufficiency

Hundreds of parents and children recently turned out for a Back-to-School Fair hosted by the Journey Family Success Center and Project Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, at Project Self-Sufficiency. Designed to prepare the entire family for a successful academic year, the event featured numerous parenting skills workshops, children’s activities, information from local social service agencies and healthcare organizations, ambulance tours, and on-site therapy dogs. Children and families received new backpacks filled with school supplies and were invited to enjoy free pizza and snacks while being serenaded by local musicians, including the Exit 12 duo and singer/guitarist Mia Bonaldi. 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 dinner and activities for children, the Back-to-School Fair featured informative, break-out sessions for parents about common parenting challenges, including managing bedtime routines, shopping, mealtimes, and disobedience. Presentations spotlighted the positive parenting techniques recommended by the Triple P program, which is a cornerstone of Project Self-Sufficiency’s offerings for parents throughout the year.

In addition to Project Self-Sufficiency, informational exhibits and interactive activities for children were provided by Atlantic Health System, Newton Medical Center and the Pediatric Psychiatry Collaborative; Care Plus New Jersey Kinship Navigator; Caring Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties; Center for Family Services; Center for Prevention & Counseling; DASI; New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency; Family Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties; Family Promise of Sussex County; Ginnie’s House Children’s Advocacy Center; Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Literacy Project; Morristown Medical Center, Safe Kids Safe Communities; New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S), Intensive Family Support Services; Newton Behavioral Health; Newton Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad; NORWESCAP; South Jersey Industries, Energy Assistance for Elizabethtown Gas; Sussex County Community & Youth Services; Sussex County Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing; Sussex County Division of Social Services; Sussex County Library; Sussex County Special Child Health Services, NJ CEED Program; and Zufall Health Clinic.