Project Self-Sufficiency to offer free virtual workshops on childhood trauma, resilience
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency will host a series of free virtual workshops this summer to educate the public about adverse childhood experiences, support trauma survivors and promote resilience within the community.
The “Connections Matter” workshop series will be offered in English on Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m., and in Spanish on Wednesday, July 22, at 2 p.m. The sessions are designed to increase awareness of childhood trauma while providing strategies for prevention, protection and healing.
A third workshop, “Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities,” will be held Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. The presentation will examine the neurological and biological effects of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, on child development and their long-term impact on public health.
All three workshops are free, open to the public and will be conducted on Zoom. Those interested in participating can call 973-940-3500 to obtain login information.
The Connections Matter curriculum encourages parents, caregivers, educators and community members to strengthen supportive relationships that help build resilience in children. Discussions will focus on understanding adverse childhood experiences and how caring connections can help reduce the negative effects of trauma.
The Understanding ACEs workshop will examine how childhood trauma affects physical and neurological development while providing strategies to improve health and well-being throughout life.
According to Project Self-Sufficiency, adverse childhood experiences generally fall into three categories: abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Studies have linked ACEs to increased risks of smoking, alcoholism, substance use, absenteeism and physical inactivity, which can contribute to chronic health conditions and mental health challenges. The organization said an estimated 67% of people have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.
The workshops are funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and will be led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey.
“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. “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.”
