Plans for a day-long community symposium set for Friday, Sept. 25 in downtown Henderson have been firmed up – speakers, panelists – and food! – are nailed down, and all that’s left is to register to attend, if you haven’t already done so.
According to Debbie Scott, Vance County Sheriff’s Office’s domestic violence, gang resources educator and juvenile outreach coordinator, the symposium will bring together people from across the community to discuss youth safety, with a focus on gun violence.
“We are ready!” Scott exclaimed on the Wednesday segment of The Local Skinny!
So far, more than 70 people from Vance and surrounding counties are registered. The event is free to attend, and Scott said there’s still time to register.
The symposium is being sponsored by the Vance County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council with support from partners like Chick fil A and First United Methodist Church, the site of the event.
The church is located at 122 Church St. in downtown Henderson.
Check-in and registration is from 7:45 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. in advance of the 8:30 start time.
Following opening remarks by Nancy Hux with Vaya Health – another sponsor – Vance Schools Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, the Rev. Johnny LLerena (Yeh RAY nuh) from First United Methodist and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, Scott said the morning sessions would include updates about youth gang activity in the state and an address from Richard Mickey Hayes, a local youth advocate with a ministry called “Mickey Cares.”
There will be a question-and-answer period for a panel of experts in the session right before lunch, then the afternoon will be dedicated to discussion of existing goals and the creation of an action plan moving forward.
The symposium is dedicated to the youth of the community and beyond, Scott said.
“We do better when we come together to work to give our youth what they deserve,” she said.
“It is about making those connections and building relationships that builds partnerships, she added.
“The more people at the table, we can make the connections to the services and the resources..that they have about what we can do that works best.”
Call 252.738.2235 or email dscott@vancecounty.org to learn more.
CLICK PLAY!
