NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a series of free virtual workshops this spring aimed at educating the public about childhood trauma, supporting survivors and promoting prevention strategies.
The programs, part of the “Connections Matter” series, will be held in English on May 19 at 2 p.m. and in Spanish on May 21 at 2 p.m. An additional session, “Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities,” is scheduled for June 17 at 3 p.m. All workshops will be conducted via Zoom and are open to the public.
Organizers said the sessions will focus on adverse childhood experiences, known as ACEs, and how building supportive relationships can help reduce the long-term effects of trauma. The workshops are designed for parents, caregivers, educators and community members.
Participants will learn how trauma affects neurological and physical development, as well as strategies for building resilience and improving overall health and well-being.
“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,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Protection, prevention, and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health according to recent discoveries in neuroscience, epigenetics, and epidemiology. The tools identified in these workshops can positively impact public health, safety, and productivity, and reduce public and private costs now and for future generations.”
The workshops are funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey.
Organizers said adverse childhood experiences — including abuse, neglect and household dysfunction — are linked to increased risks of physical and mental health issues later in life.
Registration information is available by calling 973-940-3500.
