SKOWHEGAN — A Resilience Re-Set presentation is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in the Skowhegan Area High School cafeteria, according to a news release from Somerset Public Health.

The program is a campaign to help communities understand why many students misbehave or disengage, and give adults resources to support students who live with toxic stress.

The program, launched in November, is led by KPJR Films in partnership with Childhood Abuse America, American Academy of Pediatrics and others. Resilience Re-Set activities will include film screenings in communities, presentations, panel conversations and social media events.

The film company has produced two films that can be shared, “Paper Tigers,” a 90-minute documentary about the inspiring outcomes of trauma-informed education at a high school in Walla Walla, Washington, and “Resilience,” an one-hour film on the science behind toxic stress.

“These films show us, through science and the stories of our young people, how adults are stepping up to help children who are exposed to adverse experiences,” said Jamie Redford, director, KPJR Films, according to the release. “We hope the stories of children, educators and scientists grappling with the results of trauma help raise awareness, foster conversation and inspire action.”

“Resilience Re-Set is about moving from talk to taking action,” said Karen Pritzker, executive producer, KPJR Films, according to the release. “We are grateful to Somerset Public Health and our other partners who are hosting resilience-building activities to promote cultures of hopefulness and understanding in their communities.”

The first screening and forum will feature a spaghetti supper and a community discussion will follow for those who want to put the science into action. Space is limited, to reserve a seat, call 858-8463.

“We see the film Resilience as an advocacy tool that we want to use across all sectors of our communities to help explain toxic stress, its impact on all those living in the crisis of the moment, and how students experiencing this function in schools,” said Danielle Denis, RN, Community Health Educator at Somerset Public Health, according to the release. “This is a problem we can solve, but we must act together and invest human capital in coordinated efforts. It will take expertise and support from educators, school counselors, community psychologists, law enforcement, health experts and elected officials.”

If you, your organization, or school would like to host a facilitated viewing of “Resilience” or “Paper Tigers” in Somerset County, email to ddenis@rfgh.net or call 858-8463.

KPJR Films also offers both films for screenings through TUGG.com. There are additional resources available at KPJRfilms.co.

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