Free screening of ‘Screenagers’ set for Wednesday
Sponsored by the SLVHS Cougar Club, a free screening of the movie, “Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience,” will take place Wednesday, April 24, at 7pm at the SLV High School Performing Arts Center.
This is a movie for parents and teens/pre-teens in grades 6-12.
Millions of young people experience high stress, anxiety and depression. In “Screenagers Next Chapter,” filmmaker and physician Delaney Ruston uses a personal lens and professional eye to help viewers flip the script on stress, anxiety and depression. It follows Ruston as she finds herself at a loss on how to help her own teens as they struggle with their emotional wellbeing.
A brief discussion is planned after the film.
More information about “Screenagers” can be found at screenagersmovie.com.
Video conversation, flag raising promote Child Abuse Prevention Month
The community is invited to help recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed each April since its first presidential proclamation in 1983. Since that time, individuals, organizations and communities across the nation have participated in this critical campaign to increase awareness of child maltreatment, and the importance of prevention.
Last fiscal year, 2,314 reports of child abuse, neglect or harm were made in Santa Cruz County, with 945 of these reported cases warranting screening and investigation by a County Human Services Department Family and Children’s Services (FCS) social worker.
To promote child abuse prevention this month, a four-episode video conversation will be hosted by the Children’s Network of Santa Cruz County to demystify child abuse and destigmatize seeking and sharing prevention resources. The videos can be found online at youtube.com/@positivedisciplinecommunity.
Also planned is a Children’s Memorial Flag Raising with Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Justin Cummings raising the flag. The ceremony will begin at 12pm on April 26, on the courthouse steps at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz. The flag-raising event will include guest speakers, a moment of silence and distribution of child abuse prevention information.
“The County of Santa Cruz is committed to advancing policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of all our county’s children and families,” said Gloria Carroll, Director of the Human Services Department’s FCS Division. “Every family and child deserve support to help them thrive, feel purposeful and have hope for the future. I encourage our community to join in our efforts this month and become partners in child abuse prevention.”
Fire Safe Council offers free home wildfire safety evals to residents
Are you interested in preparing your home for the 2024 wildfire season? Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County (FSCSCC) offers free home wildfire safety assessments to residents living in wildfire risk areas, through the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Pilot Program.
It’s a free educational service that residents can request, to have a trained volunteer provide suggestions about home hardening and defensible space. The process takes about an hour, and is scheduled at a mutually convenient time between resident and assessor.
To request this service, use the form at firesafesantacruz.org/HIZ.
