Young and Pregnant: Navigating Parenthood with Project Self Sufficiency

Imagine being a teenager and finding out that you are pregnant. You are scared, confused, and unsure of where to turn. This was the reality for Jenna, a 17-year-old from Newton, New Jersey.

Jenna felt overwhelmed with the prospect of raising a child on her own. She didn't have a job, a steady income, or any experience as a parent. That's when she heard about Project Self Sufficiency.

Project Self Sufficiency is a non-profit organization based in Newton, New Jersey, that provides support and resources for young adult parents. Their goal is to help young parents become self-sufficient, successful adults and confident parents.

In the past five years, Project Self Sufficiency has helped over 500 young adult parents in Sussex County, New Jersey. Their services include:

• Employment Assistance: helping parents find jobs and provide training and education to become more employable
• Free Childcare: providing free childcare for parents who are working or in school
• Life Skills Training: teaching parents to manage their finances, find housing, and develop other life skills
• Individual and Family Counseling: offering support and counseling to parents and children

Through these services, Project Self Sufficiency has helped young parents like Jenna achieve self-sufficiency. Jenna is now a successful student and has a part-time job. She is confident in her ability to be a good parent and provide for her child.

and Case Studies

Rebecca, a 19-year-old from Hamburg, New Jersey, is another success story of Project Self Sufficiency. When Rebecca became pregnant at 17, she dropped out of high school and moved in with her boyfriend. She didn't have any support from her family and felt desperate.

Rebecca's social worker recommended that she reach out to Project Self Sufficiency. With their help, Rebecca was able to find a job, complete her high school education, and move into her own apartment with her son.

"I don't know where I would be without Project Self Sufficiency," says Rebecca. "They gave me the tools and resources to succeed. I am now a proud high school graduate and a working mom."

Practical Tips

If you are a young parent in Sussex County, New Jersey, here are some tips for accessing the resources and support of Project Self Sufficiency:

• Call their offices at 973-940-3500 to see if you qualify for their services
• Attend their open house events to learn more about their programs and meet other young parents
• Take advantage of their childcare services to help balance parenting and education or work
• Work with their employment specialists to find a job or develop your skills for better employment opportunities

Conclusion

Project Self Sufficiency has been a lifeline for hundreds of young adult parents in Sussex County, New Jersey. Through their wide range of support services, they have helped young parents achieve self-sufficiency, education, and successful parenting.

If you are a young parent or know someone who is, don't hesitate to reach out to Project Self Sufficiency. They can provide the resources and support you need to succeed.

References and Hashtags

• References:
  • Project Self Sufficiency: https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/
• Hashtags:
  • #youngparents
  • #teenpregnancy
  • #ProjectSelfSufficiency
  • #parenting
  • #support
• Category:
  • Parenting and Family