WVSU Healthy Grandfamilies Program Hosts Second Annual Grand Conference Aug. 21-22

8/17/2023

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Contact: Jack Bailey
(304) 766-4109
jbaile19@wvstateu.edu
   
WVSU Healthy Grandfamilies Program Hosts Second Annual Grand Conference Aug. 21-22
 
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Healthy Grandfamilies program is hosting its second annual Grand Conference on Aug. 21 from 1-5:30 p.m. and Aug. 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Bridgeport Conference Center in Bridgeport, West Virginia. 

This symposium provides professionals from throughout the state of West Virginia with opportunities to learn, collaborate and network with like-minded individuals dedicated to supporting grandparents raising grandchildren. 
            
The first day of the conference will feature informative presentations and updates on key initiatives. WVSU President Ericke S. Cage will address the audience from 1-1:30 p.m., followed by opening remarks from Healthy Grandfamilies Director Melissa Lilly from 1:30-2 p.m. The afternoon will showcase presentations on Healthy Grandfamilies’ quarterly reporting and disbursements and the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) homeless funding, which WVSU Healthy Grandfamilies Extension Educators Amy Shawver and Sherri Epling will present. The day will end with updates from partners, including FindHelp WV, Legal Aid of West Virginia, WV Drug Intervention Institute, Think Kids and KVC Behavioral HealthCare. 
            
Day two will start with a keynote address by Dr. Shannon Smith on creating solid foundations to live better lives for generations to come, followed by an interactive training session on communication and collaboration. After lunch, the day’s presentations will continue with a problem-solving workshop and wrap up with closing remarks.                       
            
For more information, please reach out to Melissa Lilly at melissa.lilly@wvstateu.edu.
           
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West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi‐generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.
 
West Virginia State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, ancestry, age, blindness, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status or other category that is protected under federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws as protected characteristics.