Learn about Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer three workshops regarding adverse childhood experiences with the goal of educating the public, supporting trauma survivors, and offering tips for prevention and healing within the community.  A virtual “Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities” presentation on Wednesday, March 25^th, 3:00 p.m., will address the neurological and biological effects of adversity on development and its corresponding impact on the health of the overall population. The workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter”, which facilitates the conversation about issues surrounding childhood trauma, will be offered virtually in English, Tuesday, April 21^st, 2:00 p.m., and in Spanish, Wednesday, April 22^nd, 2:00 p.m.  Tips for protection, prevention, and promoting resilience within the community will also be discussed.  All workshops are free, hosted on Zoom, and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to receive log-in details. 

 

During the Understanding ACEs workshop, parents, caregivers, and other community providers will learn how childhood trauma impacts physical and neurological development and discuss methods for improving health and well-being across the lifespan.

 

The Connections Matter curriculum invites providers, parents, and community members to build caring connections to improve resiliency.  Discussion during the workshops will focus on understanding adverse childhood experiences and demonstrating how caring connections can serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma.  The training is appropriate for parents and providers raising and teaching school aged children.  All three workshops are funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey. 

 

Speakers will address the impact of adverse childhood experiences on social, emotional, and cognitive development, and offer tips and strategies for building resilience.  Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized as falling into three distinct categories, abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.  Examples of negative behavior said to result from ACEs include smoking, alcoholism, drug use, absenteeism, and lack of physical activity.  These behaviors can cause a cascade of physical and mental health problems, from diabetes to cancer to suicidal thoughts.  It is estimated that approximately 67% of the population has experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is bringing together professionals, providers, and parents who are committed to increasing awareness of the impact of childhood trauma on juvenile development, future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.  “Our goal is to help make our community a place in which every child can thrive by providing education and training on adverse childhood experiences and assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Protection, prevention, and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health according to recent discoveries in neuroscience, epigenetics, and epidemiology. The tools identified in these workshops can positively impact public health, safety, and productivity, and reduce public and private costs now and for future generations.”

Free Baby Items and Help for Parents

 

Pediatrician Dr. Christian Canzoniero will headline a special Pregnancy & Infancy Summit at Project Self-Sufficiency, Saturday, March 14^th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This unique event will spotlight critical issues faced by expectant and new parents during pregnancy and through a child’s early years, including vital information about maternal and child health, safety, and education. A generous grant from the New Jersey Department of Children & Families has made it possible to offer free baby items to attendees, including essential supplies for infants, comfort care for mothers, and toys which support early child development. Professional photographer Julian Huarte will also take photos of parents and children.

 

“The Pregnancy & Infancy Summit invites expectant parents and mothers and fathers of young children to gain valuable information about pregnancy and child development, along with expert advice about health and wellness,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are excited to be able to offer an opportunity for these families to gain the information and resources they need to become successful parents.”

 

In addition to pediatrician Dr. Christian Canzionero, representatives from several organizations will offer expert advice about child development and health, including Project Self-Sufficiency’s Nurse Family Partnership team, Center for Family Services, and Zufall Health Center. Free and reduced cost activities for families will also be explored. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

 

The Pregnancy & Infancy Summit supplements Project Self-Sufficiency’s robust programs for pregnant women and parents of young children, including home visitation programs, Baby Beginnings events, Mommy Parties, and Parent Cafes. To register for the Pregnancy & Infancy Summit, to discuss your parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Parents Invited to Share Challenges and Concerns

 

Local parents are invited to offer input about their families’ needs, challenges, and concerns, as well as suggestions for upcoming events, at a meeting of the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board at Project Self-Sufficiency, Tuesday, March 10^th, 5:00 p.m.  Family Success Center staff will highlight ways the agency can address issues facing local parents and incorporate feedback into future programs. Dinner and childcare will be provided for those in attendance.  The gathering will also be available on Zoom; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to obtain log-in details. Those who attend their first meeting of the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board will be eligible to receive a gift card. Advance registration for the in-person session is required.

 

“Input from parents is crucial to the success of the Family Success Center and we are excited about offering residents the opportunity to meet area providers, express their concerns about gaps in services, and identify strategies for moving forward,” remarked Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The Family Success Center has supported Sussex County parents and children for many years, and we are looking forward to responding to the needs of area families and incorporating their suggestions into existing and new programs for the community.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. For information about the Parent Advisory Board, or to find out more about any of the programs sponsored by the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.journeyfsc.org.