Parent Stress

CONTACT: Venita Robinson, (415) 350-9295 Sterling Reputations Public Relations

Bloomington, CA August, 2003 — More than 100 teenagers and their parents in Evanston, Illinois will participate in a first of its kind teen and parent conference to reverse historic trends of drug use, teen-pregnancies and sexual activity.

In fact, a national survey released this month by Child Trends found that almost half of all high school teenagers in the U.S. have had sexual intercourse at least once before the age of 18.

The featured speaker for this event is Motivational Speaker Rita ?RJ? Jackson, founder of Free To Be Me Children?s Network, Inc. “Teens are being bombarded with images, music and Hollywood lifestyles that encourage them to live below a higher standard of integrity, positive self-esteem and a strong moral code,” said Jackson.

According to the Child Trends survey, of teens who have had sexual intercourse, one-quarter have reported verbal abuse, with nearly one in ten teens reporting physical abuse within their relationship. The Free To Be Me Children?s Network is dedicated to empowering today?s youth with the necessary skills to maintain positive mental and emotional health based on core values of self-respect, honesty, and accountability.

“This conference is designed to offer youth a safe environment that is free of judgment to talk about hidden pressures and how to avoid the usual traps that so many teens fall into,” said Jackson.

The Conference will be held at the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ Gymnasium, 1932 Dewey Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, on Monday, August 25, 2003, 6:00 PM to 9:00 pm. There is no fee for admission and refreshments will be served.

C.A.R.E.S. Inc., and Warm Spirit Consultant Pamela Walker are sponsors of the event. The program offers self-help services to restore pride and dignity to families in the Evanston Community. More information about “RJ” and the Free To Be Me Children?s Network can be found at http://www.ritajackson1.com/.