Workshop Supports Trauma Survivors, Promotes Prevention

 

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 session in English, Tuesday, June 7^th, 5:00 p.m., and a session in Spanish, Tuesday, June 21st, 5:00 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; pizza will be provided.

 

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. 

Covid Information Session Planned

 

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, June 7^th, noon.  Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.  The free presentation is part of a regular 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.  

 

Sussex County has experienced increasing cases of Covid-19 and is currently included in the Orange or High Community Risk level category, as detailed on www.covidactnow.org.  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.

In-Perso, Outdoor Family Expo Planned

 

Parents and caregivers are invited to attend an outdoor, in-person Family Expo on Project Self-Sufficiency’s expansive Newton campus, Thursday, May 26^th, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Local social service and healthcare providers will be available to discuss resources for families in the areas of mental health, disability services, housing, domestic violence, social services, early childhood, health, and other topics.  One family in attendance will be randomly selected to receive a gift card.  The Family Expo is sponsored by the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency and Project Sussex Kids, the County Council for Young Children.  Interactive activities and children’s activities will be available, and there will even be a pony on site to entertain children.  Pizza will be offered to all attendees.  Attendance at Project Self-Sufficiency’s in-person, outdoor Family Expo is free and open to the public.

 

In addition to Project Self-Sufficiency, organizations which will be featured at the event includeAtlantic Health Newton Medical Center; Caring Partners of Morris & Sussex; Center for Family Services (Family Intervention Services Division); The Center for Prevention & Counseling; Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI); Family Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties;  Ginnie's House, Sussex County's Children's Advocacy Center;  Regional Family Support Planning Council #1;  RoNetco/Shop Rite of Newton;  Morristown Medical Center;  Safe Kids, Northern NJ;  Special Child Health Services;  Sussex County Division of Health Office of Public Health Nursing;  Sussex County Library;  Sussex County YMCA;  United Way of NNJ; and others.

 

“The Family Expo encourages parents and children to explore new and interesting activities, and get up-to-date information about local resources,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “We are grateful to the health organizations and social service agencies in our community who are coming together to offer this fun and informative event for local families.”