Discuss Impact of Childhood Trauma, Prevention Strategies

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will continue the workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter”, designed to facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding Positive & Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs), with a virtual session in English, Wednesday, May 4^th, 5:00 p.m.   A virtual session in Spanish will be offered Wednesday, May 18^th, 2:00 p.m.  Participants are invited to explore the Connections Matter curriculum, a program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey designed to engage providers, parents, and community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency.  Discussion will focus on understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma and demonstrate 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.  The programs are free and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 for log-in details.

 

During the workshop series, 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.  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 agency’s 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.  “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 (ACEs) and assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. 

Discuss Health Care Disparities this Week

 

Community members are invited to attend a discussion about the impact of socioeconomic status and ethnicity on individual health and access to healthcare at a meeting of the Project Sussex Kids General Council, Wednesday, April 27^th, 10:00 a.m.  The hybrid gathering will take place in-person at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street, Newton; virtual attendance will also be available over Zoom.  Project Self-Sufficiency staff will provide tips on advocating for improved healthcare and offer an update on Project Sussex Kids activities.  Childcare is available for those in need.  The meeting is free and open to the vaccinated public; masks are required.  Those who would like to participate virtually are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 for log-in details.

Get the Latest Information about Covid

 

Dr. Thomas Bader will present the latest information about the coronavirus and discuss variants, vaccines, and the impact of the virus on pregnancy in a virtual, interactive workshop hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency on Tuesday, April 19^th, noon.  Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.  The free presentation is part of a monthly series offered through Zoom which is open to the public; interested attendees should call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 for log-in details.  

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are pregnant or were recently pregnant are more likely to need hospitalization, intensive care, or have other complications from Covid-19 than those who are not pregnant.  In addition, women who contract Covid-19 while pregnant are more likely to experience issues during pregnancy and experience preterm birth and stillbirth.  Other factors which can increase the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 include underlying medical conditions, age, health inequities, exposure to high numbers of coronavirus cases or low levels of vaccinated people.

 

“We are pleased to be able to offer this series of informational workshops to those who have questions about Covid-19,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “Receiving up-to-date information will allow all of us to make informed choices about our health and the health of our families and ultimately help the entire community.”

 

To register for the Covid-19 virtual workshop and receive log-in details, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.  Additional information is available at www.projectselfsufficiency.org.