The public is invited
to an interactive workshop about the impact of adverse childhood experiences on
the development of children, November 1st, 5:30 p.m., at Project
Self-Sufficiency. The gathering is part
of the Pizza & PACEs series hosted by the non-profit agency which is
designed to facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding Positive
& Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs). Professional counselors Charlene Armstrong
Mayer and Tierney Veliz, Center for Evaluation & Counseling, will share
their expertise, offer tips for parenting techniques, and answer questions at
the meeting, which will also be available by Zoom. Pizza will be provided; advance registration
is required. All attendees must be
vaccinated against Covid-19.
Adverse
childhood experiences 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.
The
presentation will offer background information about adverse childhood
experiences and the impact on childhood brain development. Popular therapy techniques, such as Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing will be
addressed, along with suggested parenting techniques for children who have
experienced trauma.
The new
Pizza & PACEs sessions build on the work already underway at Project
Self-Sufficiency. Trauma experts
and guest speakers address the impact of adverse childhood experiences on
social, emotional, and cognitive development, and offer tips and strategies for
building resiliency at regularly scheduled workshops. The agency’s PACEs program brings 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.
The
Pizza & PACEs program at Project Self-Sufficiency is free and open to the
public, but registration is required.
Call 973-940-3500 to register or to obtain log-in details for remote
participation via Zoom. Project
Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street, Newton.