March/April 2016  e-Newsletter 


As we patiently endure the final weeks of winter, take a moment to warm your heart with news of the wonderful things  happening at PEI Kids...
PEI Kids, Jefferson Partner to Prevent Bullying
Pictured (from left): Principal, Deborah Giddens-Green with PEI Kids Prevention team members Rebecca Thompson, Maria Spillman, and Jill Keller, Prevention Director

With support from the New Jersey Child Assault Prevention (CAP) program and the Trenton Public School District, PEI Kids has partnered with Jefferson Elementary School to deliver a school-wide bully-prevention program  for the 2015-16 school year

The CAP Bully-Prevention Program (CBBP) uses a comprehensive curriculum with a whole-school implementation approach which involves faculty, staff, parents, students, and the entire school community.  The program gathers information to identify areas and times when students feel most vulnerable to potential bullying; gauge student and teacher perceptions; develop strategies for bullying victims, perpetrators, and witnesses; and provide specific recommendations for responding to bullying incidents and creating a safer school climate. 

According to PEI Kids' Executive Director, Roz Dashiell, "To effectively address an issue like bullying, it is critical to give all stakeholders a voice - teachers, parents, students, even the perpetrators themselves.  There are often underlying factors which lead to counter-productive behaviors like bullying -- factors which we can identify and address to create an environment most conducive to learning, achievement, and healthy socialization."   

Research indicates that bullying behavior typically emerges between grades 2 - 3 and peaks in middle school.  The bully-prevention program is being implemented at Jefferson Elementary School as a preventative measure to minimize the likelihood of bullying behavior taking root or becoming a pervasive problem.  Jefferson's program implementation will begin with an adult workshop, led by PEI Kids' Director of Prevention Programs, Jill Keller. The workshop will teach parents, teachers, and staff how to reinforce anti-bullying strategies and messaging; and respond appropriately to bullying incidents should they occur.  The workshop will also begin to raise awareness and encourage addressing and discussing bullying behavior in a productive and solution-oriented way. 

Keller, explains, "Our prevention workshops aim to empower participants. The Bully-Prevention Program, like all CAP curriculum, is based on an empowerment philosophy which teaches children that they have rights and provides strategies for exercising their rights to be safe, strong, and free." 

PEI Kids provides approximately 500 bully- and child-assault-prevention workshops in 70 Mercer County public, private, and charter schools each year. To learn more about the agency's programs and services, visit www.peikids.org.  
Join Us for Our 25th Annual Dinner & Auction 

On Friday, April 8, PEI Kids will host its 25th Annual Dinner & Auction at Greenacres Country Club in Lawrenceville, NJ. Our theme for this year's event is "An Eye Toward the Future" with a focus on sustaining our legacy and advancing our mission to benefit future generations.  

This is one of our biggest events of the year, attracting over 200 attendees for a festive night of celebration! The evening will feature a silent auction and cocktail reception, as well as live entertainment,  dinner, and the  live auction. A highlight of the evening will include special recognition for honorees Nola Bencze, Esq. and Thurman Gates - long-time friends and supporters of the agency.   

We have also secured several exciting and highly-prized items for our live auction including luxury-condo vacations and VIP sports tickets. Check our Facebook page  today and leading up to the event for a sneak peek at this year's featured auction items! 

Finally, we are still seeking items for our silent auction -- including retail and restaurant gift certificates, professional services, or experiences such as hotel stays, unique tours, or other fun activities. If you are interested in donating an auction item, please contact Marty Davidson at   mdavidson@peikids.org .  Businesses interested in becoming an event sponsor can review our sponsorship packages  online and contact Roz Dashiell at rdashiell@peikids.org or 609-695-3739.
 
Join us for this gala event, as we look "toward the future" while honoring our legacy of our mission.  Tickets are on sale and can be purchased on our website.  E vent proceeds support PEI Kids programs and operations which benefit over 14,000 children each year. 
Get Involved: Lend a Hand on Event Night

On Friday, April 8, PEI Kids will host its 25th Annual Dinner & Auction. We are seeking volunteers to assist in helping out on the day of the event with setup and decoration ,   auction items, greeting and checking-in guests, raffle sales, live-auction support, and guest check-out and close-out. 

Event volunteers are needed in three shifts: 12 - 4 PM for set-up, 4 - 8 PM for auction support and raffle sales, and 8 - 10 PM for guest check-out/event close-out.  If you're available to provide volunteer support for this exciting event, please contact Marty Davidson at mdavison@peikids.org or call 609-695-3739.  Thank you!
In This Issue
Program Spotlight
Feature Article
Get Involved
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Mission Statement

 

PEI Kids is dedicated to promoting and maintaining a safe environment for all children. PEI Kids works with the child, family, and caregiver to provide prevention, intervention, and advocacy programs relating to personal safety, sexual abuse, and the overall well-being of the child.

Thank you notes

 

Thank you to all who made a donation during our winter annual appeal.  We raised over $16,000 which enables us to continue providing programs and services at no charge to children or their families. Thank you for helping us make a difference!