CARING CONFERENCE TO FEATURE TRAINER OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES

"Youth at Risk: Bridging the Gaps" will be the theme of the third annual Community Caring Conference, which will be held Feb. 21 at the Show Me Center.

The event is co-sponsored by the Community Caring Council and Southeast Missouri State University.

Featured speaker will be Carl Schick, a nationally-known trainer and consultant of children's services.

The purpose of the conference is to identify the problems and needs of youths who may not reach full potential due to a myriad of social problems, said Rep. Mary C. Kasten, founder of the Community Caring Council. These social problems may include alcohol and other drug problems, teen pregnancy, school failure, and family dysfunction.

Kasten said the conference will showcase several successful model programs from the Cape Girardeau area.

The Caring Council brings together human service professionals and many other interested individuals whose goal is to better serve the needs of the total community, said Council President Shirley Ramsey.

She explained that the conference is one way the council can offer a forum to the public for discussion of issues facing the community. "The results of such efforts will be a more effective use of diminishing resources during these difficult times," she said.

Ramsey said proceeds from the conference will be used to develop future educational opportunities to strengthen the local human service network.

The conference is open to the public and anyone interested in children's issues is invited to attend. The registration fee is $25 and will include a luncheon. Deadline for registration is Feb. 14.

For more information, call 290-5896. Registrations can be mailed to: Community Caring Conference, P.O. Box 552, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0552.