Lower Targets Form of Childhood Abuse In Hope of Raising Public Awareness

VILLAS – Lower Township Council recognized the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance Feb. 21 by pledging to raise awareness of ACES, (Adverse Childhood Experiences) as a significant form of abuse that adversely impacts youth. 
Vicki Clark, president, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, and Christopher Kobik, Superintendent of Schools, Lower Cape May Regional School District, presented an overview of the ACES concept to the council while thanking Lower Township for its support and determination to support the venture.
“ACES” includes incidents of physical, emotional and sexual abuse by children under 18 years of age. Additional adverse experiences include substance abuse, neglect (physical and emotional), and mental health challenges.
The alliance’s mission statement of “increasing awareness of the long-term consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences and increasing the availability of coordinated, community resources and activities in Cape May County” places their focus on children, “our county’s most precious resource.” 
In addition to Clark and Kobik, Cape May County members of the Alliance include Vicki Lachman, Cape Regional Health System Board member; and Christopher Leusner, chief of police, Middle Township. A $200,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, administered through N.J. Health Initiative will fund the Cape May County portion of this initiative.
It will implement strategies to reduce the impact of ACES in communities of Wildwood, Woodbine, Lower and Middle townships.
Their Blue Print for Action includes establishing a baseline data source for all incidents in the four communities, develop and implement a community education program, and finally to implement four projects to include law enforcement, Cape Assist counseling services, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and engagement with the business community.
For information about the CRWA, visit https://www.njhi.org/submissions/cape-regional-wellness-alliance/.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.