Summer Fiesta
One Voice took part in the Summer Fiesta on July 29! After a fun walk around town, community members came together on Fulper Road activities such as music, food, artisans and a health fair. One Voice Bilingual Outreach Coordinator, Evelyn Blas, shared prevention materials through an interactive Trivia Wheel with fun prizes!
Thanks to the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners, administered by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission and Flemington Community Partnership as well as the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, United Way and @Love Flemington - Flemington Community Partnership for making this event possible.
Salvation Army Lunch Bunch Program
One Voice partnered with Prevention Resources on July 20th at the Salvation Army Summer Lunch Club. The theme was Diversity and Inclusion and Alison Belli, Laurie Livesey and Alison Perloff worked with the kids to define and discuss diversity, tolerance, acceptance, empathy and kindness.
Kids aged 5-13 years old took part in four interactive activities based on the theme. This program was conducted in both English and Spanish. Thanks to Envoys Dan and Leann LaBossiere for all of their dedication to the community through the Salvation Army in Flemington.
One Voice at the Salvation Army
One Voice brought movement and music to the Salvation Army troops after school program throughout the month of May to promote physical health, connect to the benefits of music and guided relaxation after long school days.
Faith Based Yoga
One Voice, Honor Yoga Flemington and the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey partnered to bring a Faith Based Yoga program to the community. The evening included breathwork, meditation, gentle yoga and a sound bath for youth, parents and clergy to create a calming and welcoming environment. The event concluded with networking and connecting people to area resources for coping and stress reduction. An enormous thank you to Honor Yoga for donating the beautiful space and Deacon Michelleslie for bringing this idea to the table!
Take Your Child to Work Day
Alison Belli, One Voice Youth Coordinator, introduced the "The Playlist of your Life" yoga program to our partners at Prevention Resources. Ages 4- 15 enjoyed yoga to their favorite songs, received mats and a music journal to introduce new ways of coping with stress and have fun!
Quarterly One Voice Coalition Meeting on March 8th
Thank you to all who came to the quarterly One Voice Coalition on March 8th!
Renata Denlinger, Outreach Specialist with Prevention Resources presented information on the free RecoverWE App – which helps individuals who use substances, and their families, connect to resources they many need at any stage in the recovery process. The App also includes information on Harm Reduction, and medications for substance use disorder. Renata made it a productive meeting as everyone had the opportunity to download the app. Amy Hicks, Recovery Advocate at Open Door Recovery Center (ODRC) shared the offerings at ODRC and detailed her role in assisting those in recovery through a peer-to-peer approach supporting those along their journey.
Bilingual Dinner and Dialogue event at Reading Fleming Intermediate School
One Voice was proud to partner with Prevention Resources, Harvest Family Success Center and Hunterdon Health to host a bilingual Dinner and Dialogue event at Reading Fleming Intermediate School on March 1st. Over 150 parents and kids came out to join the important conversation about current drug trends and focus on protective factors and positive coping skills for youth. The event was held in both English and Spanish. We hope this is the start of a series of dinner and dialogue events to further support our parents and students with information, resources, and skills. Thanks to all who came out!
One Voice workshop at South Hunterdon High School: "MUSIC, a Bridge to Mind/Body Connection"
On January 11th and 18th, One Voice led a workshop at South Hunterdon High School titled, "MUSIC, a Bridge to Mind/Body Connection" a Yoga@YourLibrary program. Students were asked in advance to contribute their top 3 songs to create a community playlist that played during our yoga class. Discussion included noticing how music affects our moods and how to utilize music as a positive coping strategy paired with mindful movement. Students and staff attended the sessions during their lunch period.
This original program combines evidence based tools and discussion guides tailored to the age group and current youth issues regarding prevention. Programs are completely customizable for your group.
CADCA Annual National Leadership Forum and SAMHSA Annual Prevention Day
One Voice Program Director Peggy Dowd, and Project Coordinator Alison Belli recently attended CADCA's Annual National Leadership Forum and SAMHSA's Prevention Day at National Harbor MD.
As part of SAMHSA's annual Prevention Day on January 30th, Peggy presented alongside partners from Prevention Resources on "Prevention in All Spaces" - highlighting the prevention work within our faith communities in Hunterdon County. The presentation focused on how to reduce community barriers with creative techniques and methods to reach underserved populations, including rural pockets, LGBTQ+, and the Latino community. During the week, Alison led an impromptu yoga session, "Music a Bridge to the Mind/Body Connection" - illustrating the program, focused on positive coping skills, most recently kicked off at South Hunterdon Regional High School.
