Press Releases

"Game of Life" In Jefferson Sparks Teens' Awareness of Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse
Morris County Child Abuse Prevention Collaboration hosts unique event to involve teens at Jefferson Middle School

June 6, 2006 – Jefferson Township, NJ – In cooperation with United Way of Morris County, the Morris County Child Abuse Prevention Collaboration is hosting "The Game of Life" on Friday, June 9, 2006 at Jefferson Middle School, 1000 Weldon Rd., Jefferson Township, from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This unique program is designed to spark awareness among teenagers about the various social issues that exist, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and mental health issues, as well as the various agencies and programs in their local community that are in place to help address those problems.

During the "Game of Life," middle school students are given a description of a problem related to a variety of issues, including, domestic violence, substance abuse, pregnancy, eating disorders, gambling, and depression.  Each student has one class period to solve or address the problem by visiting and learning from the various service providers represented at the school that day.  The Game of Life gives teenagers the opportunity to increase their problem solving skills and receive invaluable information about the issue, their town, community, and County resources. 

Participating service providers in the upcoming "Game of Life" event include 2-1-1 First Call for Help, Child and Family Resources, Council on Compulsive Gambling, the Division of Youth and Family Services, Family Service of Morris County, Hope House, Jefferson Police Department, Jefferson Municipal Alliance, Jefferson School District, Jersey Battered Women's Service,  Morris County Prosecutor's Office, St. Clare's/Center for the Protection of Children, Sexual Assault Center, United Way of Morris County, and the Zufall Clinic.

The "Game of Life" will run continuously throughout the day on Friday, from 8:30am–3:00pm at Jefferson Middle School.  For more information, please contact Judy Rawla at 973.631.5060 or email Kathy Kwasnik or phone 973.993.1160, x130.

About the Morris County Child Abuse Prevention Collaboration
The Morris County Child Abuse Prevention Collaboration is a group consisting of community members and professionals concerned about child abuse prevention and early intervention.  Through information sharing and education, the group works to develop and implement ideas and approaches relating to prevention and early intervention to promote safe and healthy families and communities.

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact
Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
Email