PITT CO-SPONSORS ANNUAL FAMILY SUPPORT CONFERENCE

PITTSBURGH, April 30 -- The sixth annual Allegheny County Family Support Conference -- which explores and celebrates a family-focused approach to improving child outcomes and supporting families -- will be held Monday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel at Station Square.

Co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh, the event's theme this year is "Mobilizing Partnerships: Family Support and Economic Development." The conference will explore ways to integrate family support into community planning and enhancing that neighborhood's economy.

Community Consultant Anita Miller, State Department of Community and Economic Development official Timothy McNulty and Manchester Craftsmen's Guild President William E. Strickland, Jr. will participate in a panel discussion. Also planned is an afternoon of workshops on topics ranging from helping children deal with community violence to building tenants' organizations, presented by experts from the University of Pittsburgh and agencies throughout Allegheny County. Awards will be presented to family support participants.

Conference participants also hope to strengthen and expand the vision of family support and will hear how it is working at the 25 Family Support Centers throughout Allegheny County. The University of Pittsburgh provides training and ongoing technical support for these centers.

The conference is designed for parents, neighborhood leaders, economic development groups, child care workers, child advocacy groups, policy-makers and others. The fee is $35 per person and $25 for each additional person from the same agency. For registration or additional information, please contact Tawana Wells at 412-624-2785.

-30- 4/30/99/shg