[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE PROJECT SELF-SUFFICIENCY 30TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2017

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Project Self-
Sufficiency, based in Newton, New Jersey, serving Sussex and Warren 
counties, on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary.
  Project Self-Sufficiency was founded in 1987 with the core mission of 
improving families' lives by providing childcare, educating and helping 
single parents find jobs. Since 1987, the organization continues to 
stay true to its mission by emphasizing the importance of community. 
Project Self-Sufficiency's staff members live in the community and 
many, were once themselves, beneficiaries of its services.
  The first Founding Board President, Michael J. Holub, played a huge 
role in creating the essence of Project Self-Sufficiency. Michael was a 
supporter in the early stages and helped nurture the project into an 
organization that works to enhance the lives of local community members 
every day.
  One amazing story that comes to mind is Matthew. Matthew was 17 years 
old when he found out he had a daughter on the way. He knew this would 
bring many changes and he needed to, in his words, ``man-up''. He went 
from being a teenager sitting on his couch to working a wide variety of 
jobs. Even though he was making money, at 22, he still did not have his 
high school diploma. When Matthew joined New Jersey Youth Corps of 
Sussex, which at the time was a new program, he found the missing 
puzzle piece in his life. Through this program he was able to gain 
experience at his community internships and earn his GED. He graduated 
from the Youth Corps and his daughter was able to witness her father 
get his diploma and understand the power of education.
  Project Self-Sufficiency has grown tremendously in the past 30 years 
in both the hearts and homes of residents in Sussex and Warren 
counties. The organization began with two staff members, who within the 
first year, were able to help 343 single parents and their children. 
Project Self-Sufficiency began as a small and passionate organization, 
which surpassed public expectations.
  More than 25,000 families have been helped by Project Self-
Sufficiency, not including the 30,000 children whose quality of life 
has improved immensely from this organization. Project Self-Sufficiency 
has helped 12,000 adults in the surrounding area in career training, 
and out of that number, 9,000 adults have been granted employment. This 
organization has conducted over 38,000 home visits and has helped 
families in need receive services from Project Self-Sufficiency.
  Project Self-Sufficiency has always put their clients first, which is 
what makes them continue to be the successful organization it is today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating Project Self-Sufficiency on the occasion of its 30th 
Anniversary.

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