MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Professionals who help troubled adults and youth can enhance their effectiveness by attending the 12th annual Families and Communities Together Conference Oct. 6 at the Summit Center in Tupelo.

The conference is also open to the public. The Summit Center is on North Gloster Street.

Conference sponsors are the Mississippi State University Extension Service and other service agencies in north Mississippi that assist families.

Families deal with many issues that often drive members apart, such as drug and alcohol dependency, crime, teen pregnancy, aging, money, domestic violence, health problems and disasters. Professionals from Extension, state government and non-profit organizations who specialize in these areas will present these topics during the event.

“This conference is for people who are concerned about the welfare of families in our society today,” said Carla Stanford, Extension child and family development area agent in Pontotoc County. “The information directly relates to the safety and health of our children, which is one of the main reasons the conference was begun years ago.”

Continuing education credit is available for social workers, foster parents, educators, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and certified drug/alcohol counselors.

Registration is $50 per person by Sept. 21 and $75 after that date. Seating is limited, so participants should e-mail Stanford at carlas@ext.msstate.edu for a registration form and program. Make checks payable to CREATE, and mail forms with payment to FACT Conference, P.O. Box 1053, Tupelo, MS 38802-1053.

Contact Stanford at (662) 489-3910 or (662) 507-9563 for more information.

Writer: Patti Drapala
Contact: Dr. Carla Stanford, (662) 489-3910