Saturday, Aug 10, 2019
Edenton Street United Methodist Church
228 W Edenton St, Raleigh, NC
10am – 2:30pm
Note: There will be an optional workshop from 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
*see description below.
Overview
The purpose of this summit is to inform, educate and inspire those involved in leading or participating in a C4C church/school partnership. Whether you are already involved in C4C or you are in the process of considering it for your church, you will find this event helpful.
The program will include an overview of the Congregations For Children Initiative; practical tips on things your church can do; helpful insights from expert guest speakers; time for interaction and discussion and helpful reference materials. You will also have an opportunity to hear from and meet Bishop Ward as well as a number of our conference C4C leaders. Churches are encouraged to send at least one representative to this summit but groups are also welcome.
Main Topic and Featured Guest Speaker
At this year’s summit, we will focus a fair amount of time on learning about the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) concept. ACEs are traumatic events that occur in childhood which increase the chances of future problems. The ACEs assessment helps us to understand the level of risk that exists for children. We are interested in exploring how adult interaction can help mitigate and even prevent the impact of such experiences in children.
During the summit, we will watch a documentary film called “Resilience” which examines the potential long term effects of toxic stress and adverse experiences on children. Following the film, we will engage in a discussion regarding ways in which we can help lessen the impact of, or even prevent, ACEs. Our discussion will be led by Dr. Alice Forrester, CEO of the Clifford Beers organization. Dr. Forrester is one of the foremost authorities on ACEs. In leading the agency, Dr. Forrester oversees behavioral health services and advocacy for children and families with an emphasis on an integrated, whole-family approach to care.
To watch a short video which highlights five strategies for preventing ACEs click HERE
Registration
This is a free event but registration is required. Click here to register.
Schedule
10:00 – 10:15 Sign In
10:15 – 10:30 Greeting and opening prayer (Hope Morgan Ward, NC Conference Bishop)
10:00 – 10:15 Congregations For Children Overview (Pat Litzinger, NC Conference C4C Point Person)
10:35 – 11:35 Resilience Film Showing
11:35 – 12:15 Discussion regarding the film and the ways in which we can impact Adverse Childhood Experiences – ACEs (led by Dr. Alice Forrester)
12:15 – 1:00 Lunch Break
1:00 – 1:45 Tips and best practices for developing a Summer Reading Program (Rev. Elizabeth Polk, Pastor of Ellerbe UMC, Rockingham, NC and coordinator of the R.O.C.K. Summer Reading Program)
1:45 – 2:30 Tips and best practices for developing a Church/School Partnership (Sanda Hight, Winstead UMC, Tarboro, NC, Director of Hand in Handy Ministry and Priscilla Morella, Winstead UMC, Tarboro, NC, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope Wilson).
2:30 – 3:15 *Optional workshop covering C4C’s 12 Step Process for developing/optimizing a church/school partnership. (Pat Litzinger, NC Conference C4C Point Person)