Project Self-Sufficiency Client Wins Award

Project Self-Sufficiency participant Debbie Ayers was recently recognized by the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey for her achievement in overcoming obstacles to her education and success in the workplace. The award was bestowed at the organization’s annual gathering at the state house in Trenton. Ayers is a current participant in Project Self-Sufficiency’s Higher Opportunities for Women program, a 16-week long course which combines computer classes, training in workplace skills and life skills, and on-the-job experience at a community work site. After a career as a nurse, Ayers enrolled in the HOW program to upgrade her computer skills and prepare for a new profession.

The Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey is a partnership of service providers and concerned citizens who support and advocate on behalf of individuals who have worked in the home for a number of years, and who suddenly find themselves as the sole source of income for their household, due to divorce, separation, disability or the death of a partner or spouse. Project Self-Sufficiency is the designated Sussex County Displaced Homemaker program, serving thousands of displaced homemakers since 1987.

“Debbie Ayers has embraced the opportunities available to her at Project Self-Sufficiency to re-tool her workplace skills and embark on an exciting new chapter in her professional life,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are exceptionally proud of the strides she has made, and we are looking forward to seeing where she goes from here. We have no doubt that she will be a success in her next position.”

“The HOW program has built my self-confidence and my self-esteem,” explained Debbie Ayers, “I believe that the staff at Project Self-Sufficiency really care about you and your success.”

This summer, Project Self-Sufficiency will offer the Summer Office Skills program, an abbreviated version of the Higher Opportunities for Women course, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., July 9th – August 29th. All classes will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Work sites will be located throughout the county and hours will be dependent upon the employer’s needs.

The comprehensive Summer Office Skills program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions. In addition to 40 hours of computer skills training, participants will receive 20 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of work experience at a community employment site, which will further prepare participants for success in the job market. The time in the classroom is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies. Over the years, Project Self Sufficiency has partnered with a variety of local businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities to provide participants with externship opportunities. Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the agency’s training programs.

Open Houses about the Summer Office Skills program will be offered at 10:00 a.m., Monday June 3rd and June 24th; 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th and Friday, June 21st; and at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11th and Wednesday, June 26th.

The Summer Office Skills program is free and open to Project Self-Sufficiency participants. Interested women must apply and be accepted into the program. To become a participant, or to apply for the free Summer Office Skills program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.