Wellness Initiative for Senior Education or WISE Program

Wednesday, February 8 & Thursday, February 9, 2023
2-day webinar
No fee to attend

WISE Objectives:
The Wellness Initiative for Senior Education or WISE Program is a health and wellness program for older adults. Objectives of WISE facilitator training include:

  • To promote medication management and the prevention of misuse of medications
  • To encourage prevention of substance abuse because of unique circumstances most older adults face as they age.
  • To promote healthy aging, make healthy life choices, and avoid substance abuse.

Through many years of evaluation, the program was found to positively impact participants in three key areas: knowledge, behavior, and social support.

Presenters:

Joseph M. Williams has been in the field of addictions since 1979. Over the past 39 years, Mr. Williams’ career path has afforded him many opportunities and experiences as a therapist, an educator and as an administrator. Mr. Williams began his career as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for adolescents where he established the first Children of Alcoholics support group in Gloucester County. Joe continued in the field coordinating services for individuals with legal issues including DWIs, co-occurring disorders, and family addiction issues. Joe became Cape May County’s first Drug and Alcohol Director where he implemented an array of services for children and adults. In 1991, Joe accepted a position as CEO/Executive Director of the Southwest Council where he is currently employed. Under his direction, the Southwest Council has grown from a staff of three to 35 employees and is one of the largest prevention and early intervention service providers in the region; offering a myriad of services to schools, businesses, and community organizations. In addition, Mr. Williams has served as a consultant to Cigna Behavioral Health Services, an Adjunct Instructor for Rowan University, Stockton University and Rutgers University and is a W.I.S.E. train-the-trainer for the New Jersey Prevention Network. Mr. Williams has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Certified Prevention Specialist, and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.

 

Emily DeHaan is a Prevention Associate at New Jersey Prevention Network. Emily is a Certified Health Education Specialist with a bachelor’s degree in public health specializing in social and behavioral sciences. Emily is currently in school for her master’s degree in public health. Emily has a diverse public health background, from local government to the non-profit sector. Emily started her public health career at Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, where she secured funding as a result of research on the positive effects of receiving nutritious meals post hospital stay. Emily then became involved in COVID-19 emergency response both at The College of New Jersey and Lawrence Township Health Department where she conducted contact tracing and case investigation, organized both local and mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and provided health education to the community. As part of her role at the health department, Emily represented Lawrence Township at the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County, working to decrease substance misuse across the lifespan. Emily also worked closely with Lawrence Township’s Office on Aging where she was a trusted health educator for the older adult population. Emily is a new train the trainer WISE facilitator.

 

 

Agenda

Wednesday, February 8 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions
Review Agenda
WISE Program Goals
Activity: The Pros of Getting Older
WISE Program Overview (Lessons 1-6)
Brainstorm: The Benefits of the WISE Program
Review National Statistics
Brainstorm: What are you seeing in your community?
The Theory Behind Effective Prevention

Lunch Break (45 minutes)

Understanding the WISE Curriculum (Lessons 1-6)
Brainstorm: The Role of the WISE Facilitator
Activity: Truth & Myth
Getting to Know the WISE Program Lesson Prep
Group Activity: Getting to Know the WISE Program Teach backs (Part 1)
Wrap-up Day One

Thursday, February 9 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Welcome Back & Process Day One
Review Agenda
Group Activity: Getting to Know the WISE Program Teach backs (Part 2)

Lunch Break (45 minutes)

Activity: Stress Triggers
Getting Started: Hosting a WISE Training / Guide Overview
Marketing and Recruiting for the WISE Program
Evaluation Materials and Six-Month Check In
Questions, Evaluations & Certificate of Completion
Thank You & Adjourn