University of Pittsburgh Cosponsors Annual Family Support Conference May 19

PITTSBURGH-Parents, policymakers, and human-service providers from throughout the region will convene May 19 for an all-day forum-the Family Support Conference-at the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel, 100 Penn Ave., Downtown. This year's 16th annual event is titled Unlocking Resources: Parent Leadership Is the Key.

Workshop activities are designed for social service workers, parents, community leaders, and educators and emphasize the important role of parent leaders. Participants will discuss the challenges families face and explore strategies and new skills for parents to use in their homes, communities, and beyond.

Workshops to be offered include Global Strategies for Empowering the Teen Parent, Quality Housing = Strong Families, and a Parent's Guide to Understanding Student Achievement Data. Admission is $110 and continuing education credits are available.

For more information and a complete conference schedule, call 412-244-5363 or visit www.education.pitt.edu/ocd

The conference's keynote address will be delivered at 11:15 a.m. by Adolph Brown III, a renowned motivational speaker and former professor of psychology and department chair at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. Brown frequently traveled with retired General Colin Powell in an effort to emphasize the importance of mentoring in young lives. He has shared platforms with all the living presidents as well as First Ladies Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Reagan. He is the recipient of more than 200 honors and awards, including the E.L. Hamm Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Family Support Conference cosponsors include Pitt's School of Education, School of Social Work, and Office of Child Development; Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic; the Allegheny County Department of Human Services; the United Way of Allegheny County, and many other agencies and foundations.

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