Teen Musician Assists Project Self-Sufficiency

Teen musician Mariapia Riso has developed a CD of her piano performances and made it available for sale in order to raise funds for local non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency. The CD is a compilation of six pieces by composers Bach, Chopin, Debussy and Mozart. The production of the CD was supervised by her piano teacher, Margaret Korczynski, of the Sussex County Music Workshop, where Riso has studied piano for ten years. The recording is available for $10.00 through the Sussex County Music Workshop.

Eighteen-year-old Riso previously used her musical skills to help out at Project Self-Sufficiency by playing the piano during a special event for breast cancer survivors. “The first time I ever played music for people outside of recitals was when I volunteered to play for a luncheon for breast cancer survivors at Project Self-Sufficiency,” explains Riso. “I found it really rewarding to use my music to show people that I cared about them.” Riso will be volunteering once again during the Season of Hope toy shop in December. “I am really glad that I have the opportunity to help people.” Currently a senior at Pope John, Riso plans on attending medical school next year.

“Mariapia is extremely self-motivated. She is a perfect student who is very thorough. She does a lot of work on her own,“ comments Margaret Korczynski of the Sussex County Music Workshop in McAfee, New Jersey. “She has acquired a great skill at sight reading.”

Students of the Sussex County Music Workshop, which is co-directed by Margaret and her husband, Edward, are often encouraged to use their musical gifts to benefit others. “Being involved in fundraising creates a feeling of doing something significant for those who need our help in the community where we live. Young people, in particular, need to develop the sensitivity to help those who are less fortunate,” comments Margaret. “Having a gift of playing piano and the discipline of recording classical music, my students are delighted to be able to raise funds for Project Self Sufficiency.”

Those who are interested in purchasing Mariapia Riso’s CD are encouraged to contact the Sussex County Music Workshop at 973-827-9726.

“We are very thankful to Mariapia and to all of the many volunteers who have used their talents to contribute to our mission,” notes Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are honored to have been chosen to be the recipient of the funds raised by this remarkable young woman, and we wish her the very best as she moves forward.”

Project Self-Sufficiency is the only organization in the area whose mission is to provide the services necessary for single parents, teen parents, displaced homemakers and two-parent families to improve the quality of their lives, and those of their children, by attaining economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986, over 20,500 low-income individuals and more than 30,000 children have participated in one or more of the programs offered by the organization. Project Self-Sufficiency offers a supportive family-centered environment where life issues are addressed through a combination of individual counseling, peer support groups, case management services, parenting skills training, life skills management training, home visits, childcare and early childhood education, family activities and health education. For information about the programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.