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 8th, 2:00 p.m., and in Spanish, Wednesday, October 9th, 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.
Project Self-Sufficiency is a private, non-profit organization, empowering low-income families to achieve economic self-sufficiency and family stability in semi-rural, northwestern New Jersey. Since 1986, Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 25,000 families, including over 30,000 children. We offer a full range of services for low income single parents, teen parents, displaced homemakers, and two-parent families, including computer classes, resume preparation, help with interview skills, legal education, parenting workshops, help with emergency basic needs, counseling, case management, support groups, life skills preparation, financial workshops, family activities and childcare.
