BATH

Representatives of more than 40 Mid- Coast social service organizations recently participated in “ Childhood Trauma: Impact, Interventions and Treatment” skills workshops.

The goal of the training was to educate those who work with children and youths about the effects of childhood trauma on child and youth behavior. The event was provided as part of United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s Early Childhood Initiative.

“I gained a huge amount of insight into the issues children are facing as well as adults who have been faced with trauma,” said participant Denise Mungen of Oasis Health Network Inc.

Holly Snowdon of Big Brothers Big Sisters Bath- Brunswick, said “the training helped me to remember to look through a trauma lens when dealing with difficult situations involving children and adults that are struggling in some aspect of their lives.”

“Thanks for such a great opportunity to listen to Patti Ross this morning and learn more about work being done in our community to support at risk children,” School Administrative District 75 School Health Coordinator Mary Booth wrote in a letter to United Way of Mid Coast Maine.

The workshops, held at Elmhurst in Bath and St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle, are part of United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s commitment to getting children off to the best possible start in life.

“ Research has shown this is incredibly important for people’s long- term health, education and financial stability,” United Way spokeswoman Maria Hinteregger said in a news release.