Cape Assist’s 8th Annual P.R.I.D.E Conference

Cape Assist’s 8th Annual P.R.I.D.E Conference Touches on Youth Development and the Importance of Acknowledging Adverse Childhood Experiences and Responding to Behaviors of Distress

Cape May Court House, NJ – Over 85 community members made up of educators, law enforcement, parents, religious groups and youth-serving organizations attended Cape Assist’s 8th Annual P.R.I.D.E. (Prevention, Resources, Innovation, Development, Education) Conference on March 31 with the goal of supporting youth development as a united County-front.

Cape Assist’s Executive Director and CEO, Katie Faldetta, and Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition Coordinator Community Educator Natalia Leusner opened the event with an open narrative on the community efforts and statistics based around the P.R.I.D.E Survey. Within the survey, Cape May County middle school and high school students were asked what they think and believe about substance misuse and other risk and protective factors shared in the county. Senator Michael Testa, Assemblymen Erik Simonson and Antwan McClellan, Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland and Cape May County Commissioner Will Morey also spoke on the importance of the conference and community initiatives.

“Having our community come together to support the initiatives we’ve been working hard to implement in Cape May County is an incredible feeling,” said Katie Faldetta. “Sadly, our recent survey of students shows that the pandemic has affected them greatly. Now, more than ever, we need to come together to support our youth like never before. Just knowing that we’re able to work as a united front, from policing to education, builds confidence in what we’re all working toward."

The keynote speaker, former Education Specialist for the NJ Department of Education Michael McKnight, presented “No Disposable Kids: Reclaiming Our Youth: Our Hope for the Future” which focused on the four central values for youth: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity and how to use these as tools for helping youth reach specific developmental milestones. McKnight explained that children often do not say when they are in distress, but instead, show it behaviorally. The positive development occurs when adults meet children’s growth needs.

“Hurt people hurt people. So, why is it that often times, ‘troubled’ children are just characterized as a ‘problem’ or ‘disruptive?’” said McKnight. “As the community comes to understand the long-term effects of Advanced Childhood Experiences (ACEs), we need to simultaneously make the change on how we respond to and how we view these children - dig a little deeper. When they’ve experienced ACEs, they especially need strong support systems to help guide them away from moving toward negative responses - which often leads toward battling substance abuse. Having even just one positive role model can change the course for these children.”

As part of his presentation, McKnight had all groups stand up for a social learning and support network experience. Attendees were asked to play the childhood game of “Rock. Paper. Scissors.” with someone in the crowd. Whoever lost had to become the support network for the winner, rooting for a positive outcome continuing up until there were two. The winner and runner up were given McKnight’s recent book, Eyes Are Never Quiet, as their prize. The book, co-written by Lori J. Desautels Ph.D., discusses similar topics featured during the conference.

After the presentation, attendees were able to ask McKnight questions during a Q&A session.

Since 2013, the Cape May County P.R.I.D.E. Committee has been working toward build awareness of the current epidemic of prescription drugs, opiate misuse, and the dangerous link between gateway drugs and addiction. Funded through the Sea Isle City School Board, additional members include the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the Cape May County Office of Education, County Educators, the County Department of Human Services, and Cape Assist.