Project Self-Sufficiency recently received 283 gently used prom gowns gathered at the “Dance & Donate: A Celebration of Strength, Support & Sisterhood” event coordinated by the Rosenberg Real Estate Group in conjunction with the Montville Township Women’s Club and Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Montville. The celebratory event featured a professional dance lesson, performances, refreshments, and photos captured by Montville photographer Julian Garcia.  The prom dresses will be distributed to teen girls during Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop in April.

"The overwhelming response from the community exceeded all expectations," remarked Estrella Rosenberg, who coordinated the effort. "We have a very generous community and the excitement and enthusiasm from women wanting to contribute to our cause was truly inspiring. The success of this year's Women's Event serves as a testament to the strength and generosity of the Montville community, reaffirming the importance of supporting and uplifting women in need.”

Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop offers free, new, and gently used formal wear, including prom dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, gowns for mothers-of-the-bride, evening bags, jewelry, wraps and shawls, and shoes to teens during select hours in April.  Hundreds of dresses are distributed to teens every year; all items are displayed in a boutique pop-up shop housed on Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton campus. The shop is open to the public and no appointment is required.  The Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop will be open 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., April 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11^th; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., April 5^th and 12^th; and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., April 6^th and 13^th.

“We are touched by the generosity displayed by Estrella Rosenberg and the Montville Township Women’s Club towards the young women in our community,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We are delighted to have hundreds of unique gowns of all sizes in our collection, and we are looking forward to opening the prom shop in April.”

Donations will be accepted at Project Self-Sufficiency, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., through April 5^th.  Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.  The Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop is a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.  For information about the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop, or to find out more about any of the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.