An innovative program for Wilton’s middle schoolers helps teach them how to help one another solve challenging life problems. Called PeerConnection, the program is offered in partnership with Middlebrook School and Wilton Youth Services, and it’s currently open to new members.
Last spring, 25 seventh- and eighth-grade students completed the PeerConnection program by hosting a hand-ball tournament after school. The tournament was held to raise funds for an upcoming event featuring former NBA player Chris Herren to draw attention to the dangers of prescription drug addiction.
The enthusiasm from the students who put the event together was palpable. They organized all aspects of the event, including soliciting awesome raffle prizes, coordinating a bake sale, refereeing and announcing during the event. Eleven teams participated and more than $300 were raised to support the presentation by Herren, who will talk about his struggle with substance abuse through much of his basketball career. Alcohol- and drug-free since Aug. 1, 2008, Herren will share his story of recovery in an inspiring and moving presentation at the Clune Center for the Arts on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.. The presentation is recommended for ages 13 and older.
The Chris Herren event is a collaborative effort of the Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Youth Services and Silver Hill Hospital. In addition to the support from PeerConnection program, many local groups have chipped in to help with this event including: Cider Mill, Middlebrook and WHS PTA’s, Wilton PTA Council, Mid-Fairfield Substance Abuse Coalition, Positive Directions, Kids in Crisis, Newport Academy, and Insight Counseling.
PeerConnection is based on the Natural Helper’s Curriculum and was developed on the simple premise that as students grow older they often seek help with their problems from friends before going to adults. The program curriculum enhances students’ natural helping skills; participants are encouraged to utilize these skills to make and promote healthy choices among their peers, and find adult help for their friends when needed. The program is designed to meet the needs identified by the students. Some topics covered in past years included healthy social media use, breaking down cliques, supports through transitions, time-management, and de-stigmatizing mental illness.
PeerConnection is currently registering students for the 2014-2015 PeerConnection programs. This is the first year that Youth Council is offering two programs, the fall program beginning with an all-day retreat on Saturday, Oct. 18 and the spring program beginning on Saturday, Feb. 21. Following the all-day retreat the program meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5 p.m. at Trackside Teen Center.
Melissa Geramita is the PeerConnection program leader. She received a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, grew-up in Wilton and attended the Wilton Public Schools. Currently she works as a paraprofessional at Middlebrook School and this will be her second year leading the PeerConnection program. Melissa will be assisted by Ashley Davison, a Bachelor of Social Work senior student intern with Wilton Youth Services under the guidance of Colleen Fawcett, LCSW.
PeerConnection is a program of Wilton Youth Council and is funded in part by a grant from Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust.There is a charge of $200 to help offset costs of the program. Scholarships are available if needed by calling Colleen Fawcett at Wilton Youth Services. All scholarship requests are kept in strict confidence.
If you know a current 7th or 8th grader interested in the PeerConnection program, please contact Colleen Fawcett for more information or to register by Friday, Sept. 19 at 203.834.6241 or by email at colleen.fawcett@wiltonct.org.