Written by: Seth Gordon, Newberg Graphic 

Yamhill Community Care will screen 'The Raising of American Signature Hour' as part of its film series

McMINNVILLE — To engage leaders and explore solutions about what’s best for children in the area, Yamhill Community Care is presenting the Family Resiliency Community Conversation, a series of films that explore ways to strengthen and support children and families.

A coordinated care organization (CCO) that that serves Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members in Yamhill County and parts of Clackamas, Washington, Polk, Marion and Tillamook counties, Yamhill Community Care will lead a facilitated discussion after each film.

The next event in the series will be a screening of “The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation,” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in Lucille Ice Auditorium in Melrose Hall on the campus of Linfield College.

The documentary probes how conditions faced by young children and their families form the foundation for a child’s later success – both in school and in life.

The film interweaves the latest discoveries from neuroscience with stories of families and communities trying to provide the nurturing environments children need to thrive. Oftentimes individual efforts are hindered by social conditions that depress children’s learning and eventual earning power as well as their emotional and physical health, according to a press release.

“The impacts that we can make on trauma and adverse effects for children at a very young age, even prenatally, change the families’ path and trajectory,” said Kristina Sheppard, special programs coordinator for Newberg School District. “Safe, stable and attached families create a culture for mental and physical well-being. If children are healthy, safe and ready to learn when entering kindergarten, we have increased their chances of graduating from high school exponentially.”

Jordan Robinson, area director for Lutheran Community Services and A Family Place, will host the event and said he believes that “providing a nurturing environment for our community’s next generation needs to be a priority for all of us.”

This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Visit www.bit.ly/signaturehour to reserve a seat. Donations made during the event will be accepted on behalf of A Family Place.

For more information, call Jenn Richter at 503-376-7421 or email her atjrichter@yamhillcco.org.Kristina Sheppard, Newberg School District.