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DAY OF action

Virtual WORKSHOPS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Workshops are a way to learn about and hear from community partners doing work on the front lines in our local community. Sign up for an interactive experience to learn more about the greatest needs in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and how you can be a more thoughtful change-maker!

Workshops will last up to 90 minutes and will be offered virtually. Attendees will receive an email with a link to join the workshop online. 

To learn more about or sign up for a workshop, go to our volunteer management website, Get Connected.  

Day of Action

Dementia Friends, Valley Program for Aging Services
Join a growing movement of people who are helping fellow community members living with dementia. A little support can make a big difference in their lives. Be a Dementia Friend...It's easy and rewarding! Attend this one-hour informational session to learn the five key messages about dementia, what it's like to live with the disease, and how to turn your understanding into action that supports people living with dementia. In this informal, interactive session, you'll learn what dementia is, tips for communicating with people who have dementia, and you'll consider one small (or big!) step you can take to make our community more accessible for all.

The workshop will last one hour and the presenter will have 30 minutes for Q&A. Presented by Kathy Guisewite, Caregivers Community Network Coordinator 

Value of a School Garden Program, James Madison University
This workshop starts with an overview of the many values of school gardens. Included are descriptions of hands-on learning projects that have taken place within school gardens in Harrisonburg. Participants will engage in activities that help explain the enthusiasm by students of all ages to learn about growing food and to observe flowers, vegetables, and garden wildlife (especially bugs). We will then discuss the important service of community members (students of all ages, teachers, administrators, families, volunteers) for supporting a garden program. The intended audience is teachers, administrators, parents, interested community members.   

What the Heck is Happening in Our Community for Affordable Housing? - Our Community Place
Workshop on the intersection of homelessness and affordable housing, which will include an update on what our homeless agencies and city are doing to address the challenge. It will include real life stories of the experiences of our community members related to these issues.
This workshop will be led by Sam Nickels, Executive Director of Our Community Place. Sam has 35 years experience working in the nonprofit community. Come find out the secret to OCP's success at placing 47 people from homelessness to housing during the pandemic and who are major partners are in this effort!

Living Wages and Vibrant Communities- How We Can All Be Agents of Change, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Living Wage Campaign
Take a closer look at the impact of wages on the ALICE population and how the campaign is responding right here in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The workshop will include education, discussion and points of action for each participant.

Brain Injury 101, Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley
Brain injuries can lead to complex issues for many people, and community members, family, friends, and educators, assisting survivors need strategies to best assist those who need it. This 1 hour awareness program features a presentation on brain injury, including an overview of brain injury, effects of injury, and strategies for a person-centered approach to providing supportive services and coordinated care. Presented by Brain Injury Connections staff, this workshop focuses on the needs of this population and is aimed at laypersons and professionals who may connect with folks living with a brain injury. Viewers will learn:
• How brain injury occurs
• Effects of brain injury and their impact on daily living
• Statistics on incidence, rates, and mechanism of injury
• Strategies for working with and caring for individuals with brain injury
• Resources for professionals, family members, first responders, educators and more.

Experiencing Joy- Small Steps to Feel Happier, Regardless of Circumstances, Adaigo House
This 90 minute workshop will discuss the neurobiology of happiness and give participants practical steps to become more joyful in everyday life.
The workshop will be presented by April Hepler of Adagio House. April is a licensed professional counselor and a "Happy For No Reason" Certified Trainer, focused on helping caregivers find joy in the middle of even the most difficult circumstances.  

To learn more about or sign up for a workshop, go to our volunteer management website, Get Connected.