Yavapai County News – MATFORCE, a primary prevention organization with a focus on stopping youth drug use before it starts, is welcoming the fall season with multiple classes designed to support families and community members.
MATFORCE Messages, a virtual learning series, continues through Fall with a presentation from Tom Benson, longtime MATFORCE volunteer and State certified naturalist at the Highlands Center for Natural History.
October’s presentation, titled, Loneliness and Isolation: the Silent Epidemic, will be held virtually on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
In 2023 the Surgeon General said, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an under-appreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and social health.” This eye-opening presentation delves into this hidden crisis affecting millions worldwide, exploring its psychological, social, and health implications. Discover how these silent struggles are shaping our communities and discuss actionable strategies to foster connection and support. Join us to understand the full scope of this epidemic and learn how we can work together to combat its effects.
Registration is required for this free virtual presentation. For more information or to register visit matforce.org or call (928) 708-0100.
Explore the science behind how trauma affects the developing brain in Kimberly Gregory’s Trauma 101: The Basics of Trauma and How it Affects the Brain.
Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Humboldt Unified School District, 6901 E Panther Path, Rm 106, in Prescott Valley, Kimberly will delve into the science of the brain and the brain’s response to trauma, specifically childhood trauma.
Participants will learn the parts of the brain and their functions; how environment and adverse circumstances can negatively affect children; the brain’s resiliency; and how healthy coping skills, and social and emotional connectedness encourage healing from trauma.
This class is free and open to the community through a collaboration with Humboldt Unified School District. Contact MATFORCE to register today at info@matforceaz.org or (928) 708-0100.
Parents and caregivers looking for support or to expand their tools to strengthen family relationships are encouraged to register for a Parenting the Love and Logic Way® class starting at the end of October.
MATFORCE, in collaboration with Acorn Montessori Charter School, is offering a 4-week Parenting the Love and Logic Way® class starting Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Each of the 4 sessions will be held in person at Acorn Montessori Charter School’s Gymnasium, located at 7555 E Long Look Dr., Prescott Valley.
The Love and Logic approach to parenting is built on the idea that an authentic, loving connection between parents and their children forms the foundation of good behavior and healthy decision-making.
Over the course of the class, facilitators will discuss the challenges parents and caregivers face with their children on a daily basis. They will teach strategies on how to discipline kids without losing their love and respect, help children develop personal responsibility and good decision-making skills, nurture long-term relationships and reinforce good behavior.
To register for this free class, contact MATFORCE at (928) 708-0100 or info@matforceaz.org.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 8:00 am to 2:30pm, at Humboldt Unified School District Office, Room 106, 6901 E. Panther Path, Prescott Valley, Ivy Chamberlin, certified YMHFA instructor, will discuss how to apply the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to help a youth experiencing a mental health crisis. She will also share resources that help support youth.
This is a blended class that includes 2 hours of online pre-work that is required to be completed by Monday, November 11th, in order to participate in the in-person portion of the course.
Through a collaboration with Humboldt Unified School District, registration is free and ends Wednesday, November 6th. Contact MATFORCE at (928) 708-0100 or info@matforceaz.org to register today.
For more information about these classes or MATFORCE visit matforce.org or contact us at (928) 708-0100 or info@matforceaz.org.
