Project Liberty To Offer Free Support Services on September 11

As the anniversary of September 11 approaches, individuals and communities strive to determine how best to commemorate, memorialize, remember in ways that honor not only the memory of those lost, but the experience of those still living and the need to move forward in our lives.

Project Liberty at Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc. will provide a Free Drop-In Center on Wednesday, September 11 for anyone who may need to speak with a professional who can help them understand their feelings, pain or confusion, and teach them more adaptive methods of coping and moving forward. Counselors will be available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and no appointment is necessary. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Applebee's Restaurant of Hicksville.

Project Liberty will also be presenting a workshop addressing ways to develop effective means for managing stress in the aftermath of September 11 and beyond. The workshop will combine discussion of the changes in our lives, both personal and community, with experiential exercises designed to help reduce the impact of stress. There is no cost for the workshop and all are invited to attend. It will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the East Meadow Public Library, 1886 Front Street in East Meadow.

Project Liberty understands that this may be a difficult day for some who lack available support systems, or who are dealing with confusion regarding a variety of feelings, and may be uncertain how best to spend the day. Some will not go to work that day, while some will prefer the structure of their normal routine. Others will go out of town for the day or the week, attend services at their place of worship, or attend a local memorial service.

Whatever choice one makes for this anniversary, it is important to understand there is no "right" way to commemorate. Each individual or group should feel free to do so in a way that reflects his or her own personal need for solace and comfort.

Project Liberty at Central Nassau also offers individual and family counseling on a regular basis. They have support groups for Survivors (those who were in the WTC or immediate vicinity), Creative Arts for Children, Families/Friends of Those Lost. They offer Stress Management workshops for any interested groups. There is no charge for any Project Liberty service, and all information is strictly confidential. Please call the above number for information and to register for groups.

Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc. is located at 950 South Oyster Bay Road in Hicksville. For information, call 622-1536.