Hackettstown’s Trinity United Methodist Church was the site of a festive grand opening celebration for Project Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey. The renovated recreational vehicle 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. The retrofitted RV allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to locations where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation; in addition to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, the rotating schedule includes 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 Project Self-Sufficiency 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.

“These mobile service vehicles have helped thousands of residents access resources that would have otherwise been out of reach,” explains Congressman Tom Kean. “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.”

“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,” remarked New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho (R-24). “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.”

“We’re glad to welcome Project Self-Sufficiency and their mobile services RV to begin making regular scheduled stops in Hackettstown,” said 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 and to provide critical supplies such as food and diapers. 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.”

“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. “Since its debut five years ago, PSS Journey has offered food, resources, and support to thousands of residents in our area. 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.”

To create PSS Journey, funding from Impact 100 Garden State, a New Jersey women’s philanthropic organization, and the Ellman Discovery Foundation was used to purchase and retrofit a used recreational vehicle with internet access, computer work stations, and counseling and classroom space. Funding for Journey in Hackettstown is provided by the County of Warren through the Department of Human Services Division of Administration.