Program 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, Wednesday, July 13^th, 2:00 p.m., and a session in Spanish, Thursday, July 21st, 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 to register.

 

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. 

Virtual Covid Information Session Offered

 

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 21st, 6:00 p.m.  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.  

 

Although reported cases of Covid-19 have declined somewhat recently, Sussex County is currently included in the Yellow or Medium Community Risk level category while Warren County is listed in the Orange or High Community Risk level, 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.

 

Free Community Health Fair this Month

 

A free Community Health Fair will be hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday, June 16^th, at 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Representatives from local health organizations will offer current resources for the health and well-being of children and families, including information about adverse childhood experiences, dental, maternal and breast health, nutrition, domestic violence, special education services, and other topics.  Free blood pressure screenings and covid vaccines will be offered by the Sussex County Division of Health Public Health Nursing.  One family in attendance will be randomly selected to receive a $100 gift card towards the purchase of groceries.  The Community Health Fair is free and is open to the public; masks are required.

 

Up-to-date health and wellness information will be available from Atlantic Health/Newton Medical Center; Center for Prevention & Counseling; DASI; Partnership for Maternal Child Health; Project Self-Sufficiency; ShopRite of Franklin; SCARC, Inc.; Special Child Health Services; Sussex County Division of Health/Office of Public Health Nursing; Youth Advocate Program; Zufall Health; and others.

 

For more information about the Community Health Fair, or any of the other programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.