Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Councilman Tom Donnelly have announced that the Town of Babylon will be hosting the Sean’s Hope workshop, which is a series of free seminars to promote awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and educate friends and family members of those who are experiencing symptoms. Each seminar will revolve around a different topic of discussion and will feature different guest speakers. The program will discuss ways to recognize PTSD symptoms related to the experiences of veterans and members of the armed forces, Superstorm Sandy survivors and victims of crime and domestic abuse.
“From our proud service members to the residents affected by Superstorm Sandy, many of our friends, family members and neighbors are fighting a silent battle within themselves as a result of a traumatic or life-threatening experience,” said Supervisor Schaffer. “I strongly encourage those who know someone struggling with PTSD to attend these seminars so that we can gain a better understanding of what they’re going through and help them the best we can.”
The eight week workshop will start on September 18th and will be held every Wednesday through November 6th. The first six seminars will be held at the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the final two nights at Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague. This program is intended only for friends and family of those who suffer from PTSD, not those who have the disorder themselves. Sean’s Hope is strictly an informational program and does not serve as professional therapy or counseling.
“The Sean’s Hope Workshop is a tremendous resource for friends and family members of someone who may be experiencing the effects of PTSD. I strongly encourage all of those interested to join us for our free-flowing conversations to help us better understand the struggles of our neighbors and loved ones,” said Councilman Donnelly, who serves as chairman to the Department of Human Services.
The Sean’s Hope Workshop was started by Marie LaPersonerie in honor of her son Sean. Sean served fourteen months in Iraq as a soldier in the United States Army and returned home with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. On New Year’s Eve 2011, Sean was struck by a car while crossing East Main Street in Babylon and died from his injuries four days later. Following Sean’s death, Marie approached the Babylon Town Board with her story and her desire to help others understand what those who have PTSD go through.
The topics of the first four seminars of this year are as follows:
- September 18: What is PTSD and How Does it Affect Families?
- September 25: Relationships and PTSD
- October 2: What is Normal Now – Establishing a New Normal
- October 9: Anger and Trauma
- October 16: Self-Care – Maintaining your well-being while caring for someone with PTSD.
- October 23: Trauma – Childhood Sexual Abuse
- October 30: Sandy Survivors
- November 6: What is Survivor Guilt?
Topics and guest speakers are subject to change. Check www.townofbabylon.com for updated seminar topics. We ask that you please let us you know in advance that you will be attending.
Please call Catherine Babish in Councilman Tom Donnelly’s office at (631) 957-3081 to RSVP or for more information.