Partners in Prevention assist local adults in healing with course on truama

ALPENA, Mich. – The effects of the pandemic has increased domestic violence, poverty and many other depressing situations for children and adults, and according to studies how we experience trauma as children, can impact our adult lives.

One Alpena organization is working to help adults get through past issues. Partners in Prevention of Alpena will host a four week course titled “The Effects of Trauma–How Trauma in the Developmental Years can Impact Adulthood.”

Organizers said the course is designed to help adults recognize traumas and create a plan to work through them.

“You know we need to be able to take a look at those things and really help people find some tools that can be helpful,” said Partners in Prevention Program Coordinator Mary Schalk. “That may mean professional counseling; it may mean a number of other things.”

Schalk said that while we all experience things differently, we can’t define trauma for others

“Trauma does impact people differently,” said Schalk. “Two people can have a very similar experience, but be impacted by it in different ways. So, we don’t specifically define trauma, we know what kids of experiences can be traumatic, but it really depends on your own makeup, your own nature.”

The course is free and open to the public, but you must register. Registration has been extended until February 25th.

According to Schalk, the course is virtual, but presented in person to help participants who may need serious help.

To provide proper social distancing, classes will be held at 2 locations.

She said the course at the Alpena location located in the social hall of First Presbyterian Church is full and there is a waiting list, but spots are still available at the second location at United Methodist church in Harrisville.

For more information on dates times and to register you can call 989–356–2880 or send an email to ruth@nemcpi.org.