Youth Corps offers a brighter future with diplomas and jobs

By Laurie Gordon
NEWTON — No high school diploma? No job? No idea what comes next? Now, there's a solution.
Project Self-Sufficiency, at a press conference last Thursday morning, announced the launch of the New Jersey Youth Corps to serve Sussex and Northern Warren County residents, ages 16 - 25, who have not completed high school. The New Jersey Youth Corps will take root at Project Self-Sufficiency and serve Sussex and Northern Warren counties this fall.
Annesha Carballo will be one of the program's participants and took the stage to say how thankful she was for this opportunity coming to our area. “Not having had a diploma has held me back but not anymore,” she said, “I'm ready to work and for this opportunity I'm extremely grateful.” She added, “Having transportaion means I won't have to worry how to get from place to place.”
Funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, The New Jersey Youth Corps provides young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military.
It was with beaming pride that Project Self-Sufficiency's Executive Director, Deborah Berry-Toon, introduced the program. “It is with great pleasure that we announce this program,” she said, “And one of the number one things that will ensure its success is that we will provide direct door-to-door transportation to the participants.”
Dr. Patricia Moran, Executive Director of the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development was thrilled to add Sussex County and Project Self-Sufficiency to their list of now 11 areas that are part of the program.”It's so great to get a fresh set of eyes in this part of the state to build the program,” she said. “I'm a big believer in connecting the dots, and the way Project Self-Sufficiency is able to provide transportation is fantastic and something we can build on in other parts of the state.” She added, “The program is about job placement with un-subsidized employment. Project Self-Sufficiency is going to be a great addition to this initiative.”
The sixteen-week program launches on October 10 and includes assessments, testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, academic instruction, community service projects, field trips, and counseling services. Program participants will prepare for the high school equivalency examination, and receive a stipend of $100 per week, based on attendance for the full week. Free transportation is provided. Childcare is also provided free of charge at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center.
“This innovative program offers young adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, obtain on-the-job training, and receive essential support as they move on to college, a career or military service,” Berry-Toon said. “The New Jersey Youth Corps dovetails perfectly with Project Self-Sufficiency’s existing programs. Program participants will be able to take advantage of Project Self-Sufficiency’s established, state-of-the-art Career Center, our on-site childcare center and case management services.”
The program's coordinator for the new New Jersey Youth Corps of Sussex will be Valerie Hogan. She said, “We want to get the word about about this program that will help people continue their education and get into the work force. They'll also have access to all of the supports that Project Self-Sufficiency has available. Please refer family and friends to the Youth Corps Program.”
The New Jersey Youth Corps is already in place at sites around the state, including Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Newark, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Pleasantville, Trenton and Vineland.
“We are excited to welcome Project Self-Sufficiency to New Jersey Youth Corps,” said Deputy Commissioner Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D., of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “This year, our department is investing more than $5 million in Youth Corps programs throughout the state to engage young adults who have dropped out of high school through a year-round program of full-time community service, training and educational activities to put them on a path of self-reliance. I am confident that the new Sussex County site will build on this program’s record of success.”
Young adults who are interested in learning more about the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency are encouraged to call 973-940-3510. 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 <URL destination="http://www.projectselfsufficiency.org. ">www.projectselfsufficiency.org.