The Self-Sufficiency Center

Organized exclusively as a non-profit organization, it provides opportunities and community support to clients, who will help guide them toward becoming self-sufficient, and offers: 

1. Interview and career clothing.
2. Seminars and specialized training in entrepreneurial skills, employment, interviewing, self-esteem, personal development, office and computer skills.
3. An informational and referral network of community resources.

Wanna hear a Story?

 I had a Dream and it found voice,
A whispered Hope that Someone heard
Because they took the time to look at me
And help me grow and see my worth.

 Chapter One:

The Dreamer’s Beauty is Clothed

 Clothing & Connections, which gives interview and career clothing along with information and referrals, provides unlimited clothing free of charge,which is provided with personal appointments and assistance  Also,Surplus Giveaways are held about twice a year for low income Dreamers.  Donations are accepted continuously through the Self-Sufficiency Center in partnership with Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority.  It served 6000 clients between 2/1999 and 6/2010. 

  “Today is Feb 3, 2003.  Today was like Christmas for a mom that needed to do something just for mom . . . I love all the clothing, I feel so good.  Thanks for making it feel like Christmas.  I will get the job I want and feel, look good.  Thanks for all the help.”  Karen . . .

6/4/03  “Thank you so much for being so patient with me.  I know how hard I am to dress.” Misty . . . 6/08/06  “Thank you so much!  I got into clothes I never could before  Thanks for restoring my confidence”   Heather

4-17-07  “Thank you so very much for the clothing and for your kindness & all your time.”  Tracy

“Thank you for the suit it was very nice”   Jeff L. . . . “I felt professional”  Rebecca . . . “I think I have a better attitude now that I have clothes for an interview.  I feel good about myself  Thank you so much.”  Shirley . . . “I was greatful [sic] for the nice clothing”  Jenn. . . . “I really appreciated” . . . “Thank-you sooo much” . . . “Thanks” . . . “Thank- you” . . . “Thank you.”

Chapter Two: 

First Step, Second . . . Stand, Walk, Run

 The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program provides services to eligible families who are currently receiving Housing Assistance through Section 8 Voucher Programs as per HUD guidelines.  Case management, Homeownership and Housing assistance is given.  Extensive resources are available to FSS Program participants through public and private resources

 A Dream has found a cradle
In the heart of Understanding
Where Someone’s knowledge is shared,
Then entrusted to another to guide and mold;
And then comes another, alongside . . .

POE-Progressive Office Experience provides computer training within an effective work atmosphere, developing skills in office procedures, relational standards, communication and high quality performance.

4/15/10 “Joy and Dee are wonderful women who really make a huge difference in people’s lives.  I’m so glad to be able to be part of this GREAT program. I didn’t know a thing about computers/typing and have made a tremendous improvement.  It has also helped build my confidence.  Thank you”  Mary Jo

Career Essentials,sponsored by the Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority provides individuals with the skills they need to become marketable and employable.  To not only obtain a job, but to also to remain employed.  The program offers a workshop style class that provides participants with life skills ranging from conflict resolution, time management, goal planning, and etc.  It also uses role playing as a positive reinforcement to modifying negative behaviors.

11/19/03 “I really appreciated the new insight I received that I didn’t know about.  It is going to help me get a job now and be better ready for an interview!”  . . . Love Diane R.

2/15/07  “You are the best at what you do  Keep it up forever  I feel so much better when I left here  Thank you so much”  Casey P.

4/15/10  “Self-Sufficiency Center has helped me a lot in many ways.  I’m improving office skills by using tutorials of different programs on the computer, learning office procedures such as filing, using copy and fax machines, answering phones and greeting clients.  It has been a God-send to me and I cannot say enough good things about the program.”  Pat

Undated  “Thank you so much for giving me the tools to this professional journey.”  Ms L

Chapter Three: 

A Dream is Up For Adoption

 All that I am, I offer to you
In the skills and the lessons I’ve learned.
The most wonderful part of my Dream
Is that you’ll become part of its story.

ESPM-Entrepreneurship for Single Parents and Minorities Program,offers workshops, seminars and training, which are voluntarily provided through many professionals in the community.  Our staff and clients are deeply appreciative of their commitment to invest in others goals.

4/15/10   “Sometimes those who need help, just need a little.  But little is much if it isn’t there!  Thank you so much for being there . . . with ‘Joy’ and ‘Dee’light!”  Genelle A.

Chapter Four: 

A Community Garden Center

 Have you heard about the Center
Where Dreams are coming into bloom?
Did you know they have been grown
With the best of seed that we have sown?

Volunteers?? What can be said? Giving of one’s own heart to help and care for another has no measure which words can address, thank you, thank you to those who do.  Thank you, thank you to all who will join us.  There’s always room for one more.

 To the community, its businesses and employees, and all who assist in communicating our story, “The Dream has just gotten bigger!”