Learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will continue the workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter”, designed to facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding adverse childhood experiences, with virtual sessions offered over Zoom in English, Tuesday, October 8^th, 2:00 p.m., and in Spanish, Wednesday, October 9^th, 2:00 p.m.  Sessions are free and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to receive log-in details. 

 

Participants will 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 invite providers, parents, and community members to build caring connections to improve resiliency.  Discussion will focus on understanding adverse childhood experiences 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.

 

Speakers will address the impact of adverse childhood experiences on social, emotional, and cognitive development, and offer tips and strategies for building resiliency.  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. 

Parents Needed for Advisory Board

 

Local parents are invited to attend an information session about the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board at Project Self-Sufficiency, Tuesday, September 24th, 5:00 p.m.  Organizers are seeking input from families regarding area services, parenting challenges and concerns, and ideas for upcoming events. 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. 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. Expanding the Parent Advisory Board will allow us to further respond to the needs of area families and incorporate their suggestions into existing and new programs for the community.”

 

Those who attend their first meeting of the Journey Family Success Center Parent Advisory Board will be eligible to receive a gift card. 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.

Learn How Childhood Trauma Impacts Development

 

Parents, caregivers, and other community providers are invited to learn how childhood trauma impacts physical and neurological development and discuss methods for improving health and well-being across the lifespan at a virtual Understanding ACEs workshop hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency, Wednesday, September 25^th, 2:00 p.m.  The virtual “Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities” presentation will address the neurological and biological effects of adversity on development and its corresponding impact on the health of the overall population.  Tips for protection, prevention, and promoting resilience within the community will also be discussed.  Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, for log-in details.

 

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been identified as contributors to a host of physical and neurological ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression.  They are also known to lead to mental illness, neglect, sexual abuse, and a variety of dysfunctional behaviors like substance abuse and domestic violence.

 

“Protection, prevention, and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health according to recent discoveries in neuroscience, epigenetics, and epidemiology,” remarked Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “The tools identified in this session can positively impact public health, safety, and productivity, and reduce public and private costs now and for future generations.”

 

The workshop is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey.  The Zoom session is free and open to the public, interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to receive log-in details.