Mental Health Day Recap

On June 1, 2019 LearningRx Short Hills held its first annual Mental Health Day in the town of Millburn. While there were plenty of fun activities for children and adults alike, the purpose of the day was not lost. There were two major events that were fundraisers for The Opportunity Project: a clubhouse program geared toward empowering individuals who have sustained brain injuries.

The first of these events was a scavenger hunt that teamed up families and groups of friends. The journey began with teams having to decode their first clue, which put them on a path around the city to one of a possible dozen businesses that participated in the event. Teams had to use brain- power and determination to figure out these clues, which falls in line with The Opportunity Projects mission, which is to empower persons with brain injuries to achieve:

• Self Esteem
• Self Determination
• Personal Growth
• Independence
• Attainment of their full potential

The seven teams raced against each other to solve clues, puzzles, and mini-games as quickly as possible: each one trying desperately to advance to the next clue before the other teams. The winners chose between a 200-dollar prize or passes to Six Flags Great Adventure. There were even prizes for best dressed and best picture!

There was also a four person expert panel who spoke about their various areas of expertise.

• Romana Kulikova (M.D) spoke about learning struggles in school and intellectual disabilities in adults.
• Robin Halpern (MA) spoke about how ADHD or other special needs affects the individual and family emotionally and educationally.
• Shelley Weinstock (PhD) spoke about healthy eating, eating disorders, and obesity in children.
• Peter Wick (PhD) spoke about recovering from the drastic effects of a traumatic brain injury, and how LearningRx played a significant part in his recovery.

This was a day of fun for families that was chock full of education and knowledge. The first annual Mental Health Day was a hit among adults and children. The success could not have been achieved without the following local sponsors:

• True Fit Shoe Repair
• Café Monet
• Rockin Joes
• Millburn Florists
• Genius Gems
• Avalon Salon
• Splurge Bakery
• Original Sharp Barbershop
• Opportunity Project