SafeNest, Nevada’s most comprehensive nonprofit agency dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, is hosting its inaugural advocate conference on Friday, February 24. The conference is designed to raise awareness, support educators and advocates, and explore resources addressing the unique challenges facing teens today.
“This conference is all about exchanging ideas and building a collaborative network to support at-risk youth in our community,” said Liz Ortenburger, SafeNest CEO. “From mental health to gender diversity and teen dating violence, we want attendees to walk away feeling empowered, informed, and connected.”
The conference coincides with Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and will feature keynote addresses by Chris Thomas, co-founder of the Defensive Line, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending youth suicide, and SafeNest CEO Liz Ortenburger.
Conference speakers and topics will include:
· Lisa Barnes, Salvation Army, “Empowering Female Youth”
· Courtney Burns, Faith Lutheran Middle & High School, “Addressing High School Trauma”
· Sara Cerruto, Foundation for Recovery, “Youth, Culture & Substance Abuse”
· Sheree Corniel, Real Talk Youth Impact Program of Nevada, “Empowering At-Risk Youth”
· Mike Kamer, Project REAL, “Teen Relationship Violence”
· Malika Lees, JP Morgan Chase, “The Importance of Setting SMART Goals”
· Pamela Payne, University of Nevada-Reno, “Media Impact on the Teenage Brain”
· Maurice Pittman, TRIO SSS, “Youth Access to Higher Education”
· John Phoenix, APRN, FNP-C, “Gender Reassignment & Barriers to Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Teens”
The conference will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the University of Nevada, Reno’s North Campus located on 2280 McDaniel Street. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with a community resource fair.
Admission is $145 and open to educators and advocates working on the front lines with local youth. Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday, 2/24. Walk up registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Visit https://bit.ly/3HskKLq for ticket information.
ABOUT SAFENEST
SafeNest is Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit agency dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in Clark County. Since opening its doors in 1977, SafeNest has answered over 500,000 hotline calls and sheltered over 20,000 individuals. Programs include: 24-hour domestic violence hotline, confidential shelter, protection order services, counseling, advocacy, court assistance and prevention education.
For more information, visit www.safenest.org. For immediate help and support, call or text the 24/7 domestic violence hotline at 702-646-4981.
