Community in Crisis (CIC) will kick off programming on April 26th at the Community Hub located in the old library building, 2 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville NJ. In line with its mission to support individuals and families in building and maintaining healthy lifestyles as well as to promote mental health wellbeing, programs will be geared to residents from middle school age up to seniors.
Middle school students are invited to join the Hub Club, a weekly after school program to be held on Thursdays from 3 – 4:30pm beginning April 26th and ending June 14th.
The Hub Club will offer participants the opportunity to enjoy fun activities and participate in community service projects. Every two weeks, Hub Clubbers will be greeted by pet therapy dogs thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit organization, Creature Comfort. The goal of Creature Comfort is to provide a network of caring volunteers dedicated to sharing their pet’s love by visiting people in need of comfort; students will be able to relax and unwind after their day at school and enjoy the unconditional love of the dogs. Community service projects will support CIC’s work and give students the gift of giving and helping others. Registration is required by visiting https://conta.cc/2ICbYdV. A $40 suggested donation is requested to cover supplies over the eight week program; financial assistance is available.
Monthly acoustic coffee houses will begin Saturday April 28th at the Hub.
In partnership with Love More for Julius, the doors will open at 7pm and guests will enjoy talented musicians, refreshments, and a fun, sober environment until 10pm. Love More for Julius was founded in memory of Julius Trombino whose purpose in life was to bring music, healing and happiness into others’ lives. All are welcome and children not in high school must be accompanied by an adult. A $10 suggested donation will be appreciated at the door and light food and soft drinks will be available for purchase; cash only please. Subsequent acoustic nights will be held on May 12th and June 19th.
A book club will make its debut on Tuesday May 15th from 11am – 12:30pm, and continue on May 29th and June 12th.
The first book, ‘Crazy Stressed: Saving Today’s Overwhelmed Teens with Love, Laughter, and the Science of Resilience’ was written by Dr. Michael J. Bradley and will be discussed in three parts as a follow up to his recent well-attended presentations at Ridge and Bernards High Schools. Written for parents and facilitated light-heartedly by parent and CIC school working group leader, Heather Athanasiou, this three part series will help any parent navigate the trying years of teenagers. Registration is available at https://conta.cc/2EG17gN and everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. Books can be purchased on the Internet or borrowed from the Community Hub thanks to the generosity of a dear friend. Athanasiou adds, “Registration for the Book Club is much appreciated; reading the book is optional; some parental relief is guaranteed.”
Lastly, Coffee and Conversation will be held from 11am – 12pm on Tuesday May 1st, May 22nd and June 5th.
This series will offer a cozy, relaxed environment for people to come together and enjoy a presentation on a relevant topic followed by Q & A. Facilitated by Megan Cook, a licensed associate counselor, as well as occasional guest speakers, the hour will cover topics such as understanding the adolescent brain, issues facing our adolescents, mental health first aid, Internet safety and more. All are welcome, and coffee and delicious treats will be available. There is no fee for Coffee and Conversation.
For more information on these programs and more, please email info@communityincrisis.org.
Programs and events are held at the Community Hub in Bernardsville which has been funded, in part, by the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey.
