OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The tenth annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren conference is set for Sept. 14-16, 2006, at the New Covenant Christian Church in northwest Oklahoma City.
The three-day event features more than 35 breakout sessions covering a variety of topics facing grandparents in their parental role, such as legal issues, available services, sexuality, gang involvement, drugs, spirituality, marriage, self care, the Internet, stress and nutrition.
Keynote speaker Rev. George Young, Holy Temple Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, will speak Thursday, Sept. 14, on “The Significance of Spiritual Support for Grandparents.”
Friday’s key events include an extended general session by Sandy Ingraham, local attorney and advocate, who will speak on “Navigating the Legal System.” Dr. Ben Dickerson, nationally known gerontologist, will present “Grandparenting: More than a To-Do List.” State Sen. Constance N. Johnson, Oklahoma City, will discuss “Grandfamily Concerns & Advocacy” during the recognition luncheon on Friday.
Workshops dedicated to children and their needs will be held Saturday morning. DayZd & ConFewZd will deliver Saturday’s general session.
Participants may also enjoy the health fair, massages, counseling sessions and a virtual rally campaign. A variety of vendors will showcase their products and services.
Child care and adult day care services will be available, with advanced registration, at no charge for participants. Conference registration fee is $20 for the entire conference. The fee can be waived for grandparents who cannot attend without assistance.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division, Children and Family Services Division, and Division of Child Care, OASIS, Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, AARP of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Areawide Agency on Aging, Inc., New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center and Oklahoma City Community Action Head Start Program serve as sponsors for the conference.
For additional information about the conference, contact Lance Robertson at lancerobertson@cox.net or (405) 488-7314.
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