United Way of Morris County Events
Recent Events

MacKinnon Middle Schoolers Problem-Solve the "Game of Life"
Friday, February 8, 2008

United Way of Morris County in cooperation with the Morris County Child Abuse Prevention Collaboration (CAPC) and Dierdre's House hosted the "Game of Life" on February 8, 2008, at MacKinnon Middle School in Wharton.

This unique program is designed to make middle school kids aware of the many agencies and programs within their local community that are in place to address their problems, concerns, and issues.  Approximately 80 students from MacKinnon Middle School participated in the program.

Students were each given a series of scenarios of real life problems. They had one class period to solve or address the problems by visiting and learning from the various service providers represented at the school that day.  The scenarios included problems related to bullying and cyber bullying, violence, substance abuse, health, depression/suicide, decision-making, domestic violence, dating, relationships, sexual assault, sexual behavior and consequences, divorce, family problems, online safety, sexual and child abuse, and eating disorders.

Christopher Herdman, Principal of MacKinnon Middle School, sent a letter to parents fully detailing the scope of issues the students would be asked to solve. He was pleased with the outcome of the program. "I think this program was invaluable to our students," said Herdman.  "They were familiarized with agencies readily available to them in the community that can assist them with problems they may encounter."

Participating service providers in the "Game of Life" event included:  DYFS, Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Utterly Global, Jersey Battered Women's Service, Teen Health FX, Family Service of Morris County, Morris County Sexual Assault Center, United Way of Morris County, Morris County Prevention is Key, Wharton school district personnel, Wharton Municipal Alliance, First Call for Help, Family Intervention and the Wharton Police Department.