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Thrifting has recently gained in popularity with more young people catching on to the idea of sustainability. Reusing, repurposing for the greater good of the planet. You are either “a picker and a digger” or you are not. I was raised as a thrifter. I remember as a young child driving around the neighborhood with my mom during the town’s “Throw Out” week, when people placed their unwanted items on the curb for others to pick up and claim as their own. I called it “Throw Up” week as young kids do mixing up words. About twice a year Family Promise of Sussex County partners with Nick’s Hope in bringing together a Pop Up Thrift Shop free for the community. This year it will be held on November 16th with the First Presbyterian Church of Newton acting as our gracious host. Interested in thrifting? Here are some pro-tips: · Don’t…

World Kindness Day is held on November 13th each year. It is an international observance introduced by the World Kindness Movement in 1998. The mission of the World Kindness Movement (WKM) is to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world. People often say it is harder, takes more effort to be mean than to be nice or kind. Here are some simple tips to show kindness to others.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 home made bread baking and trouble finding flour and yeast in the supermarket.

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.

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. 

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.

Well, we are more than halfway through the Summer and have already been through several heat waves this year. As a reminder all county libraries are open as cooling centers and charging stations. Please see the end of this blog for specific library hours of operation. When you are not cooling off at one of the county libraries here are some tips for staying cool and hydrated.

One of the most anticipated events of the summer has arrived! The NJ State Fair / Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is being held this week at The Fairgrounds 37 Plains Rd. Augusta from August 2nd – 10th. Family Promise of Sussex County is honored to be one of the “Non-Profit Spotlight” organizations this year. Special thank you to the organizers of the fair for this recognition and opportunity. Please come enjoy the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show where farm meets fun!