NORWICH – Avoiding the teenage trapdoors along the pathway to adulthood is particularly challenging in rural counties such as Chenango’s where more and more families are receiving public assistance, residents can’t afford their property taxes and the opiate drug traffic has escalated.

To meet some of the challenges head on, the county is offering a one-day workshop for young people, ages 16-24, to help them navigate and successfully transition into adulthood.

“This workshop will consider strengths, needs, resiliency and protective factors, as well as the role and responsibilities of young people, their families, and the entire community in supporting a successful transition,” said Chenango County Mental Hygiene Services Director Ruth Roberts. “I hope it’s a beginning and hope it’s attended by multiple stakeholders, including youth and family members.”

The workshop, called “Building Community Bridges,” takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Norwich Campus of Morrisville State College, 20 Conkey Ave, Room 132 A/B, Norwich. Binghamton University Professor and Human Development Department Director Kevin N. Wright, Ph.D. is the featured speaker.