Women's Center to Host Teen Conference

Free Teen Conference, Expert Speakers, Free Lunch, Door Prizes Galore!

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- On Saturday, October 25, from 9 am - 2 pm, the Montgomery County Women's Center will host a free teen conference called "Use Your Voice - Make A Choice". Both male and female teens, grades 7 through 12, are invited to participate in this event.

The conference, observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will feature expert speakers including Miss Montgomery County 2008, Candace Bennatt whose platform focuses on domestic violence and healthy teen relationships and Ava Wick who will inspire the group with her motivational segment on "Be Yourself!".

Other speakers represent various agencies in Montgomery County, namely: Heart of Montgomery County which will address the Prevention of Teen Suicide; Girl Scouts which will speak on Self-Esteem; Montgomery County Youth Services which will speak on Anger Management; TAASA which will address Effects of Media on Teens; and Sherry Sunderman, M. Ed., coordinator of guidance and counseling for Conroe Independent School District who will focus on Self-Esteem/Self-Respect.

"We had such a great turnout last year at this event," Cynthia Martinez said, education specialist for the Women's Center. "We gave out tons of door prizes and everyone had a really good time. This year it's more important than ever for teens to show up for this event. National statistics indicate that one in every four teens have been hit, kicked, slapped or otherwise assaulted in their dating relationship. We want teens to know that they can 'use their voice and make a choice'."

The event is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Baker Hughes/Hughes Christensen, and CISD. Baker Hughes/Hughes Christensen is providing the venue at their World Headquarters located at 9110 Grogan's Mill Road in The Woodlands and are also providing lunch for all attendees.

Attendees are asked to bring old cellphones to donate to Verizon Wireless' HopeLine.

"The event is open to the public whether you live in Montgomery County or otherwise," Martinez said. "Everyone is invited and everyone benefits from the day's program. We will also have counselors there from the Center if some teens have special issues they need to talk about. Also, parents are welcome to join their son or daughter for the day's program."

For more information about the teen conference, call Cynthia Martinez at (281) 292-4155 ext. 276.

The MCWC serves victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, support services and legal advocacy. All services are offered free of charge.

The 24-hour crisis hotline is (936) 441-7273.