The workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter,” will continue at Project Self Sufficiency, with virtual sessions in English on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m., and in Spanish on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 5 p.m.

Both free workshops will be offered to the public via Zoom; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register and receive log-in details. Participants will explore the Connections Matter curriculum, a program funded by the state Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey designed to engage providers, parents, and community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency. Discussion will focus on understanding adverse childhood experiences and trauma 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.

During the on-going workshop series, trauma experts and guest speakers address the impact of adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction, on social, emotional, and cognitive development, and offer tips and strategies for building resiliency. The agency aims to bring 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.