Community Corner
Weston Kiwanis Supports Recovery Efforts of Newtown CT
The Kiwanis Club of Weston Foundation is pleased to announce a donation in the amount of $6,523 to the Newtown Public Schools. Given out of a sense of compassion and concern for the families and children of Newtown in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy of December 14, 2012,these monies will help support the Newtown CT public schools “SOS Program”, part of the Newtown Schools Recovery Project, which looks to prevent suicide among middle and high school youth.
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The “SOS Program”, geared especially for 7th though 12th grade students, is school-based and attempts to increase knowledge about depression, prevent suicide attempts, develop more appropriate attitudes toward mental health illnesses and treatment, increase self help seeking behaviors, increase help seeking behaviors on behalf of others, reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems, and provide opportunities for early intervention when needed.
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According to a national survey, about 11 percent of adolescents experience a depressive disorder by age 18. Left untreated, depression may increase substance abuse as well as suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Teachers and other staff will be trained in the SOS Program. In addition, parents will be invited to participate in a Parent Forum to help them recognize depression which, among middle and high school students, continues to increase.
According to Dallas Kersey, President of the Kiwanis Club of Weston Foundation, the funds for this donation came from three sources:
“the majority from the Belton, TX Kiwanis Club that held a musical event especially to raise funds for Newtown schools; The Situs Charitable Contributions Committee, of which Weston Kiwanis Club member Keith Johnson is CEO; and Weston Kiwanis Club members.”
The Kiwanis Club of Weston is an organization dedicated to community service. It sponsors a variety of programs and events year round to raise funds for organizations whose activities benefit the community at large. Its members work to support worthy causes, local and across the world, through a combination of community service, philanthropy, and assistance to youth and citizens of all ages. Members of the Weston Kiwanis Club are also members of the Foundation. The club's membership is open to all men and women residing or working in the area. For more information, please visit our web site <www.westonkiwanis.org>.