Nursing Student Finds Support at Project Self-Sufficiency

The road to obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing has been an unusually long one for Project Self-Sufficiency participant Lisa Christiansen, who postponed her academic career in order to care for her family. A latent interest in the health care field was always simmering in the back of her mind, however, and was fostered by watching her grandmother navigate her own life as a successful nurse and single mother. When Christiansen’s oldest son was diagnosed with a baffling set of complicated health issues, the mother of three elected to home school her children. Caring for her son throughout his childhood only served to deepen Christiansen’s desire to pursue a medical career. While her son’s medical condition improved once he reached adulthood, her partner’s health began to suffer. “I decided to go back to school, but I realized that I had no skills and I couldn’t support my family,” recalls Christiansen. “So I called Project Self-Sufficiency.”

At Project Self-Sufficiency, participants are initially paired with a case manager who helps to assess the individual’s personal and professional needs and establish short and long-term goals. Once identified, each participant is given the leeway to create their own path to economic self-sufficiency. Computer classes, job searching assistance, job training programs, GED instruction and college preparation courses are available, along with services to improve the family’s stability, such as parenting workshops, legal assistance and help with emergency basic needs, like food and clothing.

Christiansen had a feeling that the field of nursing would be a good fit for her. “I took an aptitude test at Project Self-Sufficiency, and that underscored that nursing was a good choice for me.” Over the next few years, Christiansen diligently pursued her college degree. She also parted ways with her partner and moved out on her own. Now 53, Christiansen is almost finished with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Seton Hall University. Life has not been easy. “It’s a rigorous college major,” notes Christiansen as she discusses the amount of time needed to fulfill the required academics and clinical placements at various medical facilities. “Between school and having a little one and living on my own with a limited income, I am grateful for the support from Project Self-Sufficiency.”

Although her two sons are now adults, Christiansen has taken advantage of the Thanksgiving food baskets and the annual Season of Hope Toy Shop offered by Project Self-Sufficiency in order to provide for herself and her six-year-old daughter. She has also attended child sexual assault workshops, noting that the knowledge gained there would also help her in her chosen career. She remains grateful for the support she has received from the agency. “It’s hard to find encouragement when you are 53. You’re supposed to know it all by then,” remarks Christiansen. “Project Self-Sufficiency has changed me. Knowing that somebody is supportive of your endeavors, having somebody celebrate that you are trying so hard to get somewhere, and knowing that somebody believes in you is what drives a lot of people at Project Self-Sufficiency. There’s something there for everyone at Project Self-Sufficiency, and sometimes that something is support.”

Although her busy schedule prohibits her from taking part in many activities, Christiansen has found time to be a featured speaker at local and statewide events, sharing her story with the goal of helping others to pursue their dreams. “A lot of women come up to me at these events and talk to me about college. We encourage one another.”

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.