Stigma Free Morris County: Task Force to Host Family Workshop in Mendham Township

Published on January 28, 2020

Fostering Hope and Emotional Connection Strengthens Families

The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force will host a second workshop to provide hope and healing to families during difficult times, such as the recent deaths of two teenagers on New Year's day. All are welcome.

The workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Mendham Township Library, 2 West Main St., Brookside.

Entitled "Connecting in an Era of Distraction," the evening will feature Paul Hokemeyer, a psychotherapist, author and speaker, who has helped individuals and families around the world.

The discussion will focus on how to create more understanding, intimacy and real connections within families and the community at large.

For reservations, email mendhamstigmafree@gmail.com.

The first workshop, "Community Conversations," was held on Jan. 14, and was co-sponsored by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.

The entrance to Mendham Township Library is on the right side of Town Hall.

That evening, a community survey from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide was distributed and later promoted online. More than 100 responses were received, and the data is being compiled and analyzed. This survey will help guide the focus of the task force in 2020 and beyond.

The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force would like to thank the dozens of residents who have volunteered in the past few weeks to help support our initiative, said Mendham Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte, who is the task force chair. We are actively working behind the scenes in collaboration with the schools, police, clergy and others to provide opportunities for greater awareness, education and support.

The goal of Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force is to foster a judgment-free environment around mental health issues and substance abuse and also to create inclusion for people with special needs, disabilities and any other difference that can make them feel marginalized, sidelined and not accepted, a statement said.

For more information, follow the task force on Facebook @mendhamstigmafree.