July 9, 2009 - 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Piscataway Campus of Rutgers University
Young Adult Training - Ages 14 to .... Learn how to advocate for yourself!

Training on how to advocate for yourself and others with TS for young adults with TS age 14 and older.

This comprehensive program will give you the opportunity to learn skills like public speaking, peer mediation and conflict management. The process will focus on self-esteem building with the goal of preparing young TS adults to become stronger advocates for themselves and others.

For information or to register call 908-575-7350 or email info@njcts.org.
Refreshments will be served - RSVP by July 1, 2009

NEW JERSEY STATE SENATE PASSES SR77 APPLAUDING NJCTS          

New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome was recognized by the State Senate on February 23 for its accomplishments in providing support for New Jersey children, families and professionals dealing with Tourette Syndrome. Sponsored by Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-16) and Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1) , Senate Resolution 77 also applauds NJCTS for its "Wednesday is TS Day" advocacy campaign. Families from across New Jersey gathered at the statehouse to cheer as the organization was recognized by State Senator Richard Codey during the voting session.

NJCTS Youth Spokesman Dean Roncati led a group of kids with TS to personally thank Senator Bateman and Senator Codey for their support. "It takes courage to live life with Tourette. It also takes courage to be an outspoken supporter," said Roncati, "The kids of New Jersey cannot speak for themselves and rely on [lawmakers] for help.

At the heart of NJCTS is a commitment to advocacy - educating the public about TS, breaking the stigma attached to this misunderstood disorder and helping TS kids reach their full potential. The "Wednesday is TS Day" campaign is a two-fold effort to create understanding: TS families are encouraged to share their perspective and  the general public is challenged to open their minds to the facts of this neurological disorder.  

"We are very excited about this Senate Resolution, and we are very proud of our youth advocates who came to Trenton and stood up for the thousands of kids who currently need, or will come to rely on, the services of NJCTS for proper treatment and an effective education," said Rice. "We're proud of our progress, but there are thousands of kids who are not receiving proper care yet, and until there is a cure for TS, we've got a lot more work to do."

NJCTS HONORED BY NJ GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL FOR COMBATING MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated was presented with the first annual NJ Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma Ambassador Award for creating awareness and breaking down barriers for individuals with Tourette Syndrome and related disorders. Click here to read more.

JUNE 3, 2009   SIGN UP TODAY FOR "WEDNESDAY IS TS DAY" GOLF OUTING

Be sure to join us for a member-initiated Wednesday is TS Day golf outing at Olde York Country Club in Chesterfield on June 3. There are opportunities for foursomes, individual golfers, sponsors and more. All proceeds from this event will be used to support programs for TS children and families in New Jersey. For more information please call our office today 908.575.7350 or Click here.

NEW JERSEY IS HOME TO WORLD'S FIRST SHARED GENETICS RESOURCE FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME RESEARCH

In June 2007, The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS), established the Tourette Syndrome Cell and DNA Sharing Program.

Dr. Jay Tischfield, Chair of the Rutgers Department of Genetics and Director of National Institute of Mental Health Center for Collaborative Genetics Research on Mental Disorders, and Scientific Director of the Rutgers Cell and DNA Repository, leads the effort to collect and store clinical data, cell lines and DNA samples from people with TS and their families. These samples are available to qualified researchers worldwide whose goal is to identify inherited factors that may lead to developing TS and its associated conditions. (Read more.)

SPEAK OUT AGAINST BULLYING FOR KIDS WITH TS

NJCTS has been a member of the NJ Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention since it was founded more than 8 years ago. The Coalition's work has led to the formation of the NJ Governor's Commission on Bullying which has been holding hearings across the state and accepting testimony from parents and children who have experienced bullying in school settings. Although the hearings have ended, you still have the opportunity to submit testimony via email to the Commission at bullying.commission@childadvocate.state.nj.us.

Many kids with TS experience bullying everyday. Please take a minute today to write the Commission and share your story. Together we are making a difference.

COLLEGE WORKSHOPS

NJCTS has partnered with several colleges throughout the state to offer workshops for school professionals. Professional development credits will be offered. Click here to see what’s being offered near you.

Volunteers Needed

NJCTS is looking for volunteers to help in the following areas:
• Camp Bernie Family Retreat Committee
• Appel Farm Family Retreat Committee
• Mailings
• Fundraising
• Helpline

If you speak Spanish, we need your help! Bi-lingual volunteers are needed to help answer calls to our Helpline. If you are willing and available a few hours a month, please contact the NJCTS office at 908-575-7350.