Youth Coalition - Re-organized

The re-structured Youth Coalition is now working on an older model for operation purposes.

That is, leaders in town of existing groups and town officials and representatives from the public schools and clergy will be meeting to share information and to support each other in their concerns for the well being of our youth.

Caring for Our Children - Cable Shows

Caring for Our Children – is the banner under which we will be producing a series of programs for the community at large. These programs will be aired over the local Sharon cable television station (Channel 8).

The first program is an interview with Nadja Reilly of Children’s Hospital. The interview addressed the specific topic of depression as manifest with adolescents and teenagers.

Over the next few weeks, we will be producing interview style programs on suicide, domestic violence, and parent/child relationships.

For specific information on the scheduling of a particular program, see the Sharon Cable web site (ww.sharontv.com) – under ‘Caring for Our Children’.

Caring for our Children - Stress and Anxiety

Dr. Nadja Reilly, Director of Children’s Hospital Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative, will give a presentation for parents and other interested community members on Wednesday, May 23rd, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Sharon High School Library. Dr. Reilly will be speaking about promoting resiliency and emotional well-being in adolescents. She will discuss: 1) the signs of anxiety and depression in adolescents, 2) how to distinguish transient mood problems from more significant clinical distress, 3) links between mood problems and academic performance, 4) fostering coping and skills and stress management, and 5) how to help when you think someone is in distress.

The Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative at Children’s Hospital works to prevent and treat depression in school-aged children. It has developed the “Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness Curriculum: A Starter Kit for Schools,” and provides consultation and training to educators and parents.

Dr. Reilly’s presentation is sponsored by the Sharon Community Youth Coalition, along with the Sharon Middle School PTO and the Sharon High School PTSO. For more information, contact Beth Hoke (781-784-4559 or beth.hoke@verizon.net) or Deacon Mike Iwanowicz (781-784-2265 or Deacon99@aol.com)

Child Assault Prevention Program - H.U.G.S Sharon

H.U.G.S. Sharon sponsors evening on Child Assault Prevention

The subject of child assault prevention can be very confusing. Many parents would like to talk to their children about preventing abuse but are often concerned that they may say the "wrong thing" or that a discussion of this type could stir up excessive fears and anxieties for their children. Unfortunately, an adult's lack of knowledge about how to teach and reinforce prevention information and skills may leave children vulnerable to abuse.Child abuse is a very serious problem in every community nationwide. Studies show that 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 6 boys are sexually abused by age 18 years. Child abuse knows no boundaries. It happens in every class, race, ethnic group, educational, and economic group. It happens in Sharon.
The good news is that there is much that parents and other caring adults can do to channel fear into action. Parents play an important role in preventing child abuse, in keeping our children safe, and in providing support for children who are victimized.

Learn how to speak to your child about personal safety. New Hope, Inc. will present a program on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Sharon Public Library. For more information, call 781-784-5056.

Program for Parents - March 20th, 2007

Caring for Our Children, the ad hoc task force of clergy and school professionals in Sharon, is sponsoring an information workshop for all parents in Sharon.

The workshop consists of a presentation on Internet safety and warnings; the potential dangers inherent in hosting parties with alcohol served to minors; and the consequences of engaging in sexual activities at an early age.

Representatives from the Office of the District Attorney of Norfolk County will lead the presentation.

There will be an opportunity for discussion and interaction with the speakers.

The program will be held in the high school library on Tuesday, March 20, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. All are welcome.

Reorganizing the Sharon Youth Coalition

Watch for news about the newly reorganized Sharon Youth Coalition.

Deacon Mike Iwanowicz