The Skillman Center for Children in Wayne State University's College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs (CULMA) and the Wayne County Female Services Advisory Committee are sponsoring a program designed for young women, parents, girls, service providers and other professionals. Titled "Getting in Sync with Young Women," this conference will be held Monday, April 15, 8:30-3:30 p.m. at the University of Detroit Ward Conference Center, 8200 West Outer Drive, in Detroit. Special keynote speaker for the day long program will be Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Several targeted workshops will deal with a variety of issues facing young women including: substance abuse, teen parenting, HIV/AIDS, healthy relationships, sexuality, parenting your adolescents, goal planning for life on your own and youth as community resources.

Kristine Miranne, managing director of the Skillman Center for Children, expressed optimism about the outcome of the conference. "We are delighted to co-sponsor this all-important conference focusing on issues and concerns facing girls and young women in Wayne County. We hope to provide a unique opportunity for girls, their parents and the service community to come together to hear what young women have to say.

A unique aspect of the conference is the program development and planning phase. Young women have been active participants in this phase of the conference and they will act as hostesses and co-facilitators of various workshops, according to Miranne.

In addition to the workshops and Sen. Stabenow's address, young women are invited to demonstrate their creativity through display of their crafts, poetry and other arts. Service providers are also invited to share information about their agency and bring an exhibit to the event. There is no fee for exhibit space but a donation of door prizes valued at $25 or more is requested. Interested exhibitors may contact the Skillman Center for Children at (313) 872-7166.

For registration information, call (313) 872-7166, fax (313) 872-7126, e-mail skillmancenter@wayne.edu, or mail request to: Wayne State University, Skillman Center for Children, 100 East Palmer, Detroit, MI 48202.

Please register by April 5. Admission for parents and girls is free, the fee for service providers and other professionals is $25. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Parking is free.