WILDWOOD – The Cape May County Pride Committee implemented an innovative school-based “resiliency” program aimed at preventing substance abuse.
According to a release, the program focuses on reducing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s), which have a profound impact on future behavior of children.
“Building resiliency in children can be a major factor in the prevention of substance abuse as an adult,” stated Katie Faldetta, executive director at Cape Assist, “This program provides advise on how schools & staff can provide protective factors and trauma counseling for children experiencing ACE’s.”
The first “resiliency” training program, which was sponsored by the Pride Committee and organized by Cape Assist, took place this summer.
The trainers were Dr. Lori Desautels from Butler University (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Michael McKnight, county educational program specialist in Cape May County.
They co-authored the book, “Unwritten – The Story of a Living System – a Pathway to Enlivening and Transforming Education.” “The program focuses on the latest research and strategies concerning Educational Neuroscience, the brain and adversity and setting up school district teams,” stated McKnight, “These teams will be able to provide ongoing support to create a trauma responsive school environment.”
Over 120 school administrators, counselors, and teachers attended the three-day training. Attendees made the following comments about the program.
“That was about the most valuable three days of professional development I have attended in 30 years of working with students!”
“This is honestly the material/workshop that has had the most impact on my career.”
The program is ongoing and the first “resiliency” teams will meet again to share their experiences in January. The results will be featured and discussed at the January Pride Conference.
The second “resiliency” training program will be in the summer of 2019. “By training the school officials and staff on how to prevent and treat children with Adverse Childhood Experiences, and providing ongoing support and feedback, we are able to take one more step in the prevention of substance abuse” stated Dan Tumolo, one of the founders of the Pride Committee.
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