'Journey' has mission of help and hope

By Laurie Gordon
Newton - One year ago, Journey, a large recreational vehicle operated by Project Self-Sufficiency (PSS), hit the road, filled with supplies. Its mission is to bring PSS's vital services to those who don't have a car or or access to public transportation. For the past year PSS has learned how vital its driver, Ken Reuter, who serves as case manager, and a computer instructor. Journey stops in Franklin, Hamburg, Hopatcong, Jefferson, Montague, Netcong, Ogdensburg, Sussex and Vernon. Warren County has gotten wind of Journey's mission, so stops may be added.
“In addition to the stops we make, we've taken Journey to town days, Sussex County Day and were at the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show all 10 days where we saw thousands of families,” said Deborah Berry-Toon, Project Self-Sufficiency's Executive Director.
She said that Journey serves as a conduit to eventually get people to the Newton campus, but sometimes that's not possible, and in these cases Journey becomes an increasingly essential resource.
“Shortly after Journey launched, we realized how understocked we were with food,” Berry-Toon said. “We had been using NORWESCAP's food pantry as a resource and now, in addition to that, draw upon Social Services. Additionally, our Board of Directors purchases food.”
PSS also saw the gem they had in Reuter, who was hired on September 14, 2018.
“It's a big vehicle,” Berry-Toon said. “And we hadn't quite foreseen how much fuel it would require or that mechanical issues would need attention. He's the most fabulous driver in the universe.”
Little hinders Journey's trips out into the field which are done on a bi-weekly schedule of five days a week and then four days a week. The only thing that grounds the RV is inclement weather.
Clients, like Debra M., are extremely thankful for Journey.
“I really need the food and coats on Journey,” she said. “It is so hard for me to get anywhere with no transportation. You’re the only ones who support me thanks for caring. I know I can always turn to Journey, you guys are the only ones, I know I can count on you.”
Journey gained a new purpose a few weeks ago. This year, thanks to Journey, the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shope has gone on the road, recently making visits to Hopatcong High School, North Warren High School, Newton High School, Jefferson High School, High Point High School and Lenape Valley High School. The idea was conceived by Isabella and Sophie Ilaria, in 2008, who saw an opportunity to help teens. They rallied friends and collected 100 dresses that first year. Since then, the initiative has gown, exponentially, and receives hundreds of new, or nearly new dresses.
“The girls were so delighted to have dress come to their schools,” Berry-Toon said. “We also distribute gently used wraps, hand bags and shoes, allowing area teens to enjoy their prom with grace and dignity.”
Journey has and continues to help so many people that we would not otherwise be able to reach, Berry-Toon said. “We are thankful to everyone who helped this happen.”
PSS Journey can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/PSSJourney.