Virtual Elder Law Seminar

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will host a virtual Elder Law seminar on Thursday, September 14th, 7:00 p.m.  Legal issues faced by senior citizens will be discussed, including general estate planning, development of a will, advance directions for healthcare, dealing with Medicare and Medicaid, caring for aging parents, and other issues.  The free seminar is open to the public and will take place on Zoom; interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 for log-in details.  The agency’s legal seminar series is a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency and is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children & Families.

 

Learn How to Buffer Impact of Childhood Trauma

 

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 and in-person sessions in English, Tuesday, September 12^th, 2:00 p.m., and in Spanish, Thursday, September 14^th, 2:00 p.m.  An additional online session will be offered in English on Wednesday, September 20^th, 6:00 p.m.  All virtual workshops will be offered over Zoom.  Sessions are free and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register or 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. 

Family Fun Nights Focus on Dinner with Dad

 

Parents who are looking for affordable ways to entertain the kids are invited to check out the free Family Fun Nights hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday evenings, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., 127 Mill Street, Newton.  During September, a unique twist encourages fathers and children to enjoy fun activities, classic family films, games, and crafts with a focus on dinner dates with Dads.  Pizza will be provided for all participants.  Advance registration is encouraged by calling Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500. Family Fun Nights are a program of the Journey Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency.

 

“These weekly Family Fun Nights offer parents and children a place to relax and have a good time together in a safe and supportive environment,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Fathers play a crucial role in the healthy development of children, and we are delighted to be able to bring attention to their important role during our September events.”