NJ4S Morris-Sussex

12/02/2025

The first week of December is observed annually as National Grief Awareness Week. According to SAMHSA, this week is "an important observance dedicated to raising awareness about grief and loss. It aims to break the stigma surrounding grief, acknowledging that it is a natural response to loss and can affect individuals in various ways. This week provides an opportunity to offer support to those who are grieving, foster understanding, and promote open conversations about this often-sensitive topic."

Grief is normal, natural, and a unique process for all. Join us this week to honor all who are grieving.

12/01/2025

NJ4S Morris-Sussex congratulates the 3 coaches selected for our NJ4S/NJSIAA Community Coach of the Season Award! The Fall 2025 coaches included: Coach Maria Castro-Alvarez at High School, Coach Mark DiGennaro at Morris Hills High School, and Coach Dan Grzywacz at . We are grateful for the student, parent, and school community participation in nominating their favorite deserving coaches. Our staff is honored to recognize them for their impact and dedication to their school communities.

Stay tuned for the Winter2025-26 Sport Coach Nominations information!

11/25/2025

Did you know? Over 90% of people with addiction began using as teenagers. However, parents are the #1 influence in their child’s decision whether or not to use a substance.
NJ4S Morris-Sussex is presenting our December Parent Academy session - Spotting the Signs: A Guide to Youth Substance Use Awareness. Parents & caregivers can join us on Tuesday 12/9 from 12-1:00pm. This FREE interactive webinar will be led by the Center for Prevention and Counseling and will equip participants with tools and knowledge to recognize and respond to youth substance use.

View the registration form and check out the other titles in the free virtual monthly series: https://forms.office.com/r/09XtxtSdiV

Connect with Other Parents/Caregivers of Students in 6th-12th Grades & Learn How to Support Your Child! Upcoming VIRTUAL Sessions take place through June. The Parent Academy is an engaging monthly program where parents and caregivers can learn practical tools and strategies to support their youth’s mental well-being. Each session focuses on a specific mental health topic and provides helpful resources and tips that can be used right away.

11/22/2025

This year on November 22nd, we honor International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. Each year, this day provides time to together to remember those we have lost to su***de and create space for healing, understanding, and hope through shared experiences. Healing takes time, so remember to give yourself room to grieve in whatever way feels right to you.

If you or someone you love is struggling, the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) offers resources, community, and support. Visit afsp.org for more information. You’re not alone.

***delossday

11/19/2025

Many men suffer in silence, believing strength means being tough. But real strength is opening up, connecting with others, and asking for help when you need it. Struggling with mental health isn’t weakness, it’s human. This International Men's Day, let’s make space for vulnerability, conversation, and connection for everyone.

It's not weak to speak up! See below for links to the resources mentioned in this post:

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group- https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Connection/
Black Men Heal Kings Corner- https://blackmenheal.org/kings-corner-virtual-space/
The ManKind Project-https://mkpusa.org/mens-group/
Psychology Today’s support group locator- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups?category=mens-issues
Visible Man- https://www.visibleman.org/

11/13/2025

International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day is an event in which survivors of su***de loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. This AFSP International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day event will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Grace Church, 4 Madison Avenue in Madison from 9:30am - 1:30pm and is for Survivors of Su***de Loss only.

Find out more and register to attend: https://madison-new-jersey.isosld.afsp.org/?_gl=1%2Auyf763%2A_gcl_au%2ANzQ0ODI4OTk2LjE3NTU3ODg5NDE.%2A_ga%2AMTM4MjI0MjE2Ny4xNzU1Nzg4OTQx%2A_ga_44VZZG2H84%2AczE3NjI3OTY0NTgkbzE0JGcwJHQxNzYyNzk2NDU4JGo2MCRsMCRoOTI1MzUwMDYz

***deawareness

11/13/2025

Happy World Kindness Day! Today is a reminder that small moments, such as checking in on a friend or offering a listening ear, can make a big difference.

NJ4S offers peer relationship programs that help students build those everyday habits of empathy and respect that strengthen friendships and create safer, more connected school communities.

Because kindness isn’t just a day, it’s a skill we can all grow, together.

11/12/2025

NJ4S is presenting AFSP NJ L.E.T.S. (listening, empathy, trust, support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Su***de Prevention for Black and African American Communities. This presentation, created in connection with an Advisory Committee of experts in Black and African American mental health and su***de prevention, is designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of su***de prevention for individuals who identify as Black or African American.

REGISTER for the FREE virtual event on Thursday 11/20/25 from 12:00pm-1:30pm:
https://afsp-nj-lets-save-lives-112025.attendease.com/?_gl=1%2Alnmjek%2A_gcl_au%2ANzQ0ODI4OTk2LjE3NTU3ODg5NDE.

***deprevention

11/10/2025

AFSP NJ's Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Su***de Prevention will be presented on Thursday 11/13/25 from 12-1pm. Register for the virtual su***de prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of su***de, and the strategies that prevent it.

Topics covered include:
- Scope of the Problem: The latest data on su***de in the U.S.
- Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider su***de, how certain communities are impacted by su***de differently, as well as contributors to su***de risk
- Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower su***de risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care
- What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about, and ways to seek and offer support and crisis resources for yourself or others.

REGISTER: https://afsp-nj-talk-saves-lives111325.attendease.com/?_gl=1%2Al00nhq%2A_gcl_au%2ANzQ0ODI4OTk2LjE3NTU3ODg5NDE.

***deprevention

11/07/2025

The NJ4S team will be providing our Career Exploration for High School Students Workshop at the Mendham Township Library. Teens can register to join us in person next Friday 11/14/25 from 3:45-4:45pm at 2 West Main Street, Brookside.

Calling all teens! Learn what career path will truly speak to you! Learn more or register at www.mendhamtwplib.org.

11/06/2025

Want to have a more peaceful and meaningful holiday season? Parents & caregivers can join NJ4S Morris-Sussex for our November Parent Academy session! Less Stress, More Joy: Holiday Prep for Parents takes place on Wednesday 11/12 12-1:00pm. This FREE interactive webinar will help you plan for a more peaceful and meaningful holiday season. NJ4S will share simple strategies and practical tools to help you set healthy boundaries, manage stress, and prioritize your well-being.

Click to REGISTER and check out the other titles in the free virtual monthly series: https://forms.office.com/r/09XtxtSdiV

Connect with Other Parents/Caregivers of Students & Learn How to Support Your Child!
VIRTUAL Sessions take place September through June. The Parent Academy is an engaging monthly program where parents and caregivers can learn practical tools and strategies to support their youth’s mental well-being. Each session focuses on a specific mental health topic and provides helpful resources and tips that can be used right away.

11/03/2025

The start of November brings us closer to the holiday season and its many celebrations. The holidays can be a challenging time for those in recovery. Check out our Protective Factor Episode on Substance Use Support During the Holidays where Liz, the former Director of MHA’s SURE Program, and Summer, an Adolescent Clinician from High Focus Treatment Center, share practical ways to stay prepared, grounded, and supported through the season.