Project Self-Sufficiency client Katelyn MacLean recently got a call from the agency letting her know that she would be receiving a used vehicle which had been donated to the agency by a benefactor. MacLean, a college student who had never owned a car, recalls, “I was amazed!” After being laid off from her job as a waitress due to the pandemic, MacLean had been searching for a new job while juggling courses at Sussex County Community College and relying on her family for transportation. MacLean is studying elementary education and the lack of transportation restricted her access to the full array of courses required for her major in addition to limiting her employment opportunities. “This car will help me further my education and I will use it to get back and forth to work once I find a job” explains MacLean. “Getting this car was the best feeling I had in my life and I am forever grateful.”

“It is extremely difficult to live and work in our community without access to a reliable vehicle,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “This participant was in desperate need of a car, and we are delighted to be able to pass this vehicle along to her. Project Self-Sufficiency has been fortunate to be the recipient of several vehicles from individuals and area businesses, and we will continue to welcome the donation of good quality, pre-owned vehicles from our neighbors for families in need.”

Non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency has provided services to families in northwestern New Jersey for more than 30 years. Since the onset of the current public health crisis, Project Self-Sufficiency has stayed open by offering services virtually while ramping up its distribution of free food to those in need.
The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and to improve their lives and the lives of their children. The agency 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.

To donate a car to Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out more about the programs and services available at the agency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.