Portrait of Hope on display at Project Self-Sufficiency

Newton — Supporters of Project Self-Sufficiency recently gathered at the agency’s Community Education Center to celebrate the grand opening of the Portrait of Hope gallery. The Portrait of Hope consists of 33 life-sized, black and white photographs of current and former Project Self-Sufficiency clients. The series, which is intended to inspire future agency participants, was photographed at different locations throughout the agency campus by local photographer Rob Yaskovic. The collection was printed and mounted by Mark Maruska of Gravity DesignWorks in Newton. Financial support for the project was provided by a grant from the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council. Participants portrayed in the gallery vary in age, gender and ethnicity. Each subject also wrote an inspirational quote which appears at the bottom of the photo. The photographs will eventually be displayed throughout all four buildings on the agency’s campus, with the goal of spreading hope and inspiration as participants gather to attend classes, enjoy family activities or work towards individual employment goals. Denise Goodwin, a featured participant in the Portrait of Hope gallery, recently celebrated her eighth year of recovery from drug addiction. She has succeeded in obtaining an associate’s degree in Human Services, and she is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She credits Project Self-Sufficiency for providing the support she needed to get a fulfilling job, provide for her four children and stay clean. For information about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.