Blog

Family Promise of Sussex County is proud to present a job and resource fair to help support the veteran community. The fair, Service Strong, will be held on Thursday, November 7th from 6-9 pm at the Sussex County Community College Student Center Building D. There will be a variety of employers and vendors in attendance showcasing their programs, services and job opportunities specific to the veteran community.

Nationally, according to Mission Roll Call, “The number of homeless veterans is increasing – rising more than 7% from 2022 to 2023. On an average night in 2023, 20,067 veterans were living in shelters. A staggering 15,507 veterans were living without any shelter at all.” This represents about 7% of all homeless adults in the U.S. with black veterans being overrepresented among all homeless veterans. In the United States, on average about 17 veterans commit suicide a day, 38% of veterans have a mental health condition with 85% struggling to transition to civilian life. These factors coupled with increased difficulty in finding employment or a job that can support rising costs of living and rent make this population more vulnerable to being at risk of homelessness.

As we are nearing Veteran’s Day on November 11th, please remember to thank a veteran. They have sacrificed all so that we can enjoy the freedoms of living in the United States.

Veterans Day Poem: “A Salute to Our Heroes”
In fields of green and skies of blue,
We remember the brave, the proud, the few.
On this day, we pause and reflect,
Honoring those who served with respect.
From battles fought and freedoms won,
Their legacy shines like the morning sun.
They stood tall, in valor unswayed,
For the sacrifices they’ve made, we’re eternally grateful.

Family Promise of Sussex County has funds specifically for veterans’ assistance. Over 90% of veterans that we work with are stably housed. Please contact us at 973-579-1180 to see how we can help.

It’s almost that time of year, Halloween. You may think Halloween is not that big of a deal but about 70% of people in the United States participate in some way to a tune of $12.2 billion! American spending is almost evenly split between costumes and candy with costumes having a slight edge! How did the holiday come to be? According to the Library of Congress, Halloween is celebrated (in part) because October 31 is the eve of All Saints Day, a day in which Christians remember and honor the dead. Whatever your reason for celebrating it is certainly a tradition that seems to grow every year. Below are some top costume trend ideas and top candy choices for your 2024 Halloween!

The most searched Halloween costume of all time is a witch, followed by Spiderman and dinosaur. This year some popular choices are expected to come from movies including:
· Loki
· Wicked
· Dune
· Inside Out
· Clueless
· Jurassic Park

In 2023, according to Candystore.com the top ten Halloween candy choices were:

1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
2. M&Ms
3. Hot Tamales (never heard of that one)
4. Skittles
5. Sour Patch Kids
6. Starburst
7. Hershey Kiss
8. Candy Corn
9. Hershey Mini Bars
10. Snickers

I find it interesting that there is a nice even mix between chocolate and what I consider candy in the top ten. Disappointed that Kit Kats are not on the list. What do you think? What will you be this year for Halloween or what do you do instead?

Every year the third week in October is set aside to celebrate the impact that Family Promise has made across the country. This year it will be from October 21st to October 25th. We at Family Promise of Sussex County are part of a national group of affiliates under the Family Promise name. There is even an affiliate in Hawaii! I like to describe it as, “We are like Burger King. Independently owned and operated.” Each affiliate office tailors the services they offer to what is most needed in their community. We focus a lot on diversion and prevention so that people can hopefully avoid becoming unsheltered but for those who do we offer rehousing services and support to help people transition back to stable housing.

It can be quite rewarding working for a non-profit which can be so integral and transformative in people’s lives. But let’s not forget to celebrate the “little positive impacts” we all do or at least could do every day. It can be as simple as smiling at a stranger you pass walking down the street, holding the door open for someone, genuinely asking someone how are they doing today. Remember the huge impact earlier this year that Elmo made by posting online “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” and he’s not even a real person and talks in the third person!

So, while we will celebrate the impacts and accomplishments that we do as an agency and part of a national affiliate organization, let’s not forget to celebrate our own personal impacts we have on each other.

It’s that time of year again where everywhere is pumpkin spice and everything nice! I have to admit that I have little self-control over anything pumpkin. Pumpkin muffins, cookies, ice cream you get the idea. Maybe it’s the warm earthy spices that usually accompany the pumpkin like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. I can’t imagine anyone not liking it.

Last October, a marketing group called Stagwell conducted a “State of Pumpkin Spice Report”, where they “surveyed Americans to figure out if pumpkin spice is a true consumer preference or an overhyped marketing gimmick.” The results? Over half or 58% of all respondents like pumpkin spice and only a mere 15% would rather it go away.

According to Food & Wine, pumpkin spice first appeared in baking recipes in the late 18th century. In the 1930’s McCormick and Co. came out with the blended pumpkin pie spice mix. For those wondering it was 2003 when Starbucks released the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) and it’s been a pumpkin spice craze ever since! I try to every year get one PSL at Starbucks, for me, for some reason they don’t have the same taste as they did back in the day. Here’s an insider tip I learned years ago if you want to have a small taste not spend so much money order a “short” at Starbucks.

So, whether you are in to pumpkin spice or not, it’s Fall Y’all. Go outside breathe in the cool crisp air and indulge in a sweet treat or beverage that makes you feel cozy and uniquely Fall. It only happens once a year, although on the way out of a supermarket this year in August I saw a display of those pumpkin flavored ginger snaps!

I’m always amazed when I find out about places, things in Sussex County that I never knew existed. Call this a list of “fun facts” that Sussex County has to offer – The Geological Edition.

Free Spring Water at Stokes State Forest

· Yes, people in the know go to Stokes to fill up on fresh spring water. There is no fee for the water only the entrance fee to get into the park.

Ever wonder how natural springs are formed, according to Study.com, Springs get their water from underground water reservoirs known as aquifers. These aquifers receive water from precipitation. Certain geological formations then cause this water to leak out at the surface at exit points, which form natural springs.

It’s not in Sussex County but in Camden County, there is a famous Crystal Springs Park, historically known for its medicinal qualities, even Walt Whitman would summer in the area and frequent the spring.

Speaking of water…#2 on the list is the Wallkill River

The Wallkill River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows upstream!

· The Wallkill River flows north rather than south. Some have said that Egypt’s the Nile is the only other river to do the same.

· Back in the late 1920’s the Wallkill was dammed to create the largest man-made lake in New Jersey, Lake Mohawk.

Lastly on this geological list is a volcano!

The Beemerville Volcano is New Jersey’s only volcanic site.

· More commonly known as Rutan Hill, this geological wonder was created over 440 million years ago

· Dormant for most of its existence, the land has since been developed into residential single family homes.

Let us know what interesting, unique places, things that you have discovered right here in Sussex County.

Remember how on April 8th of this year, the whole country was united in witnessing the solar eclipse’s path across the country. Well, it’s happening again on October 2nd. For those lucky enough to be in Hawaii or South America, they will have an opportunity to see the annual solar eclipse named the “ring of fire” as it starts its journey in Hawaii and sets in South America namely Chile and Argentina.

According to Britannia, “Solar eclipses may be classified as either total, in which the Moon completely covers the Sun, or annular, in which the Moon obscures all but an outer ring of the Sun. Whether an eclipse is total or annular depends on the distance between these three objects”.

This got me thinking about what I call the Full Moon Phenomenon. You know when situations and people seem to be a little bit off. I bet if you take a look at the calendar when you notice things are “extra” it will be around the same time as the Full Moon!

The word lunatic is derived from the notion that changes in one’s mental state were related to lunar cycles. As far back as Ancient Rome and Greece there is a thought that one’s behavior could be traced to the Full Moon. However, according to, Healthline, “Scientists continue to study how the moon influences various physiological and psychological systems. For now, though, it appears the effect of this heavenly body on your body is less powerful than once believed.”

The next Full Moon will be on October 17th . It also will be the supermoon for 2024 which means it will be closest to earth than any other full moon this year! I don’t know about you, but I still feel there is a direct link to one’s behavior and the Moon. What do you think, have you observed the Full Moon Phenomenon?

Yes, you heard me pickles were the hot food trend this Summer 2024! The rise in pickles’ popularity can be traced to the pandemic when people were looking for easy and shelf stable food. Fermentation of all kinds had a moment – remember all of the homemade bread baking and trouble finding flour and yeast in the supermarket.

But back to pickles. One study showed that 86% of Americans enjoy pickles with Baby Boomers having the highest percentage at 90%. I have to admit that I do not like the shelf stable pickles but must eat the ones in the refrigerator section. Baby dill pickles to be exact, you know the jar…cold with that crunch!

Pickles date back as early as 2030 BC in Mesopotamia. Even Cleopatra attributed some of her beauty to pickles. Don’t like cucumbers, me either but there’s something about that sour, salty, briny taste which pairs well with so many foods, or who are we kidding on its own right out of the jar.

You can now find pickle pizza, pickle beer, pickle potato chips just to name a few and the hot craze this summer the pickle sandwich! You substitute the bread for a giant pickle! Here’s a basic outline of the sandwich, make it your way and it’s low carb too! Slice the pickle in half and core out some of the inside to make room for the filling. Then you choose the ingredients for the inside it could be tuna, sliced turkey, ham, experts though recommend lettuce that is shredded, probably helps with the moisture. Hungry yet? Try the pickle sandwich and let us know what you think.

While technically we are still in Summer, Fall is in the air. I have already noticed some leaves changing color and falling from the trees and saw my first “Spirit Halloween” shop being advertised in a local strip mall. How do you and your family cope with the change in season and back to school? Below are some tips to help you and your kids transition from summer to fall and back to school.

· Establish a school sleep schedule. According to the Mayo Clinic, children aged 6 – 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night!
· To help give them and you a good night’s sleep it is important to turn off all electronic devices. It is recommended to do so at least an hour before bedtime.
· Engage your child in preparing for school. Involve them with shopping for school supplies and clothes, picking out a healthy lunch and after-school snacks. Children who are part of the process are more likely to try, wear, eat what they helped choose and or prepare.
· Take some time from schoolwork to do an activity that makes them happy like playing an instrument, doing some kind of craft, art project, or just going outside, run around and get some fresh air!

With the help of a grant from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, Family Promise of Sussex County is pleased to offer a ten-part workshop series to educate both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities.  Topics will include housing discrimination, leases, rent increases, habitability, boarding houses and mobile homes and accessing local resources. 

The classes will be every Tuesday starting Tuesday, September 10th from 5:30-7:00pm running until September 22^nd, with a break the week of Columbus Day.  There will also be a recurring eviction process video with an accompanying Q & A that has five individualized dates and times that interested attendees can enjoy.  Our very own Frank Zywicki, J.D. will be leading the workshops to be held at our offices located at 19 Church St., Newton.  I asked Frank the following questions.

What is the one consideration that both landlords and tenants should keep in mind before they enter a lease agreement?

Regarding your first question, one consideration that landlords and tenants should make when entering into a lease is that, when you sign that lease, you are entering into a binding legal agreement.  Not only do the terms need to be strictly adhered to as a contractual agreement, but because it is a legal agreement, that agreement comes with rights for both parties, and such rights need to be observed and honored.

What is the one thing that you would like workshop participants to take away from these classes?

Regarding your second question, I would like the seminar’s attendees to take away a greater understanding of the rights referenced in my answer to your first question.  As a continuing curriculum, we will be delving into those rights, so that Family Promise of Sussex County can help educate a community that facilitates better relationships among landlords and tenants.  The more you know, the less litigious any problems encountered along the way become, creating transactions that are civil and peaceable for all involved.

Interested?  Please contact us at 973-579-1180 for more information and to enroll.
You can register for classes online here:
https://familypromisesussex.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/19768

Family Promise of Sussex County is pleased to offer a series of Money Management classes free to the community. The 5-part series will cover topics including: credit reports, FICO scores, budgeting, how to manage, pay off your debt and lastly saving – to remind you to not forget to pay yourself as well.

The next cycle is beginning September 3rd and September 4th and are held at our offices 19 Church St. Newton. Students are able to choose day or evening sessions based on their schedule.

Every Tuesday Starting September 3rd Ending October 1st from 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Every Wednesday Starting September 4th Ending October 2nd from 5:00pm – 6:30pm

The classes are taught by our very own Certified Financial Counselors, Debora Rowlands and Elisa Serano. Students who have attended previous classes left feeling empowered, able to better see and control their spending and wanted more training!

Here’s what our financial counselors are saying:

What is the biggest money lesson that you have learned?

Elisa: That only I am responsible for my own Financial situation. Only I can take control of my financial wellbeing.

Debby: The biggest lesson that I have learned is that it is essential to create a healthy relationship with one’s money. This includes having a “Money Space” which is a set place and time to look at one’s finances and budget. This allows one to be able to focus on better money management and improve decision making with one’s finances. It helps with staying on top of budgeting, savings, and financial planning. A “Money Space” can help with tracking one’s financial progress, goals, and makes one accountable in making financial decisions. Knowing that there is a system set up to manage one’s finances can reduce the stress and anxiety that is often related to money. Overall, I found that having a “Money Space” can lead to a more structured approach with organizing one’s finances and better financial outcomes.

What is the one thing that you would like every student to take away from the course?

Elisa: That they have control of their own Financial situation. And they must never tell themselves that they can’t do it. We all fall sometimes, but we must get up and continue working at bettering our lives by controlling our financial wellbeing.

Debby: The one thing that I would like every student to take away from this class is that everyone can save. It is important for clients to be mindful of the difference between “wants and needs.” Paying oneself first is a vital part of saving. Many people believe that they do not make enough income to save. It can be the smallest amount of money, but over time the money will accumulate. This is a way for clients to be conscious of having income for an emergency or simply planning for their future.

Want to hear, learn more? Call us at 973-579-1180 and sign up for our next classes.