By Jane Primerano

The parking lot of Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown was the scene of small children darting around and political officials standing in a brisk breeze to welcome Project Self-Sufficiency’s Journey on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The retrofitted RV allows PSS to bring essential services to people in need in northwest New Jersey.

The Hackettstown location is the first in Warren County, although PSS offers many services in the county.

Visitors were welcome to tour the RV which is outfitted with refrigeration, computer workstations, counseling, and classroom space, and is now bringing free wi fi, food, diapers, and access to essential resources to Hackettstown twice a month. Journey allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to locations where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation.

Other stops on the rotating schedule include stops in Franklin, Hopatcong, Netcong, and Vernon. PSS Journey, and its smaller companion, the refrigerated Food Project van, are stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need. Launched nearly five years ago, PSS Journey was the brainchild of longtime staff member Patrice Green who identified a need for mobile services in northern New Jersey. Individuals and families are encouraged to check the Project Self-Sufficiency website, or their own municipal websites, for the itinerary. PSS Journey also has its own Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PSSJourney.

Congressman Tom Kean (R-7), pictured above, cut the ribbon at the grand opening. He said: “These mobile service vehicles have helped thousands of residents access resources that would have otherwise been out of reach. It is great that this new vehicle will be able to help thousands more in the Hackettstown area. I congratulate everyone at Project Self-Sufficiency who made this possible – our communities are better off thanks to your work.”

Also speaking at the grand opening was State Senator Steve Oroho (R-24), saying “Ever since its inception, Project Self-Sufficiency has adapted their programs to meet the needs of the community, whether that be offering job skills training to women returning to the workforce, stocking their food pantry for families in crisis, or helping high school dropouts achieve their diplomas. When it became apparent that a lack of transportation was impeding access to services for many residents in our area, Project Self-Sufficiency did what they always do: They found a way. I commend Project Self-Sufficiency for initiating PSS Journey five years ago and for bringing it to Hackettstown today. I am looking forward to seeing what happens down the road.”

Oroho noted his wife, Rita, is part of Impact 100 Garden State, one of the major funders.

“This is a model for the whole state,” he said of PSS. “It influences so many lives. If we could have this throughout the whole state, it would be perfect.”

“We’re glad to welcome Project Self-Sufficiency and their mobile services RV to begin making regular scheduled stops in Hackettstown,” said State Senator Doug Steinhardt (R-23). “This new local stop by PSS Journey is great news for residents who may not have access to transportation to get help elsewhere. They’ll have a case worker on hand to help connect those in need with essential services. We’re thankful for Project Self-Sufficiency’s expanded service in our community.”

“PSS Journey is a welcome addition to the services provided by Project Self-Sufficiency,” remarked Warren County Commissioners Director Lori Ciesla. “Our residents can’t always get to the services they need, so I am grateful that Journey will bring those services and supplies directly to them.”

“It’s about getting people back on their feet,” Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski commented, noting that is an important goal.

“PSS Journey is a welcome asset to the residents of Hackettstown who may need a little extra help with putting food on the table and with obtaining job skills, both of which are vital for keeping families together,” commented Town of Hackettstown Mayor Jerry DiMaio. “I am very happy that Project Self-Sufficiency is offering this assistance to Hackettstown residents in need.”

“Project Self-Sufficiency has been serving individuals and families in northwestern New Jersey for 35 years. However, not everyone can travel to our Newton campus, so we are delighted to be able to bring these essential programs to other regions like Hackettstown,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “We are grateful to the municipalities which have embraced our vision for mobile community outreach, and we are looking forward to making new friends in the Hackettstown area.”

One of those new friends is Rev. Erica Munoz, senior pastor of Trinity. She explained she knew of PSS through a friend who is an employee and sat down with the leadership to discuss sharing resources. The large parking area is a prime location that accommodates other outside organizations, she noted, so “why reinvent the wheel.” She also noted PSS is fun to work with.

In addition to Impact 100, another funder of Journey was the Ellman Discovery Foundation. Funding for Journey in Hackettstown is provided by the County of Warren through the Department of Human Services Division of Administration. Journey also has a smaller companion van, the refrigerated Food Project van, which is also stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need.