WESTFIELD – Youth Pastor Jeff Jones of the Westfield Evangelical Free Church will be offering a “safe environment” Wednesday night for middle and high school students to share their concerns about the recent heroin and opioid deaths in the area.
Jones noted that in times of crisis, the reality is that many “teens are going to each other first for help.”
“As much as adults want to believe its parents, teachers, counselors and coaches that are sought out for advice and direction, friends tend to be the first line of defense in times of crisis,” he said.
The church’s Elevate Student Ministries will host a free program titled “Not Alone: Beginning the Dialogue About Helping Friends in Crisis” from 6-8 p.m. for middle school students and from 7-9 p.m. for high school students.
“Not Alone seeks to equip and empower students to be the friends they want to be for each other,” said Jones. “Two separate sessions will be presented to address students at their developmental stage.”
Jones noted that the recent press conference by local city officials was an important step in recognizing the drug epidemic.
“I give a lot of credit to our city officials for acknowledging the community is in crisis,” said Jones. “As a community, there is a lot of hurt and pain right now. I am hopeful about this honest dialogue and about bringing community resources together.”
Kristine Hupfer, MSW, LICSW, CADC-II, a substance abuse counselor at Westfield Technical Academy, will be among the guest speakers for the evening.
“Kristine has extensive experience with assisting teens in crisis and drug-related problems,” said Jones. “She has several interactive activities planned.”
The evening will also include an ESPN short documentary on Chris Herren, a former NBA player whose career ended due to a drug addiction; a representative from the Westfield Police Department, and Sen. Donald Humason, who will discuss how the opioid epidemic is being addressed at the local and state levels.
During the sessions, students will learn what resources are available to help friends, as well as when to recognize that they may be unable to help.
“Students will learn about the unique challenges facing young people and the community,” said Jones. “Students will also learn when they may be in over their head and unable to help.”
Jones, noting the church brings together teens every Wednesday night for timely topics, knew that in light of the recent death of a high school student, it was imperative to have a conversation about heroin and opioid abuse.
“Our church has an open door policy and our programs are open to any students who want to attend,” said Jones. “Parents have been very vocal on social media and I want them to know we have a safe place for students to meet and become informed.”
Jones noted that during the weekly Wednesday evening programs, he is joined by trusted adults and teens who are volunteering their time to ensure students have healthy peer conversations.
“Our volunteer staff is here on a weekly basis because they are investing in our students’ futures,” said Jones.
For more information on Wednesday’s sessions, call the church office at (413) 562-1504 or a message can be sent via email to [email protected]. The church is located at 568 Southwick Road. No pre-registration is necessary.
“We will also provide encouraging stories of hope and healing on Wednesday night,” said Jones.
