Officials with Sanctuary, Inc., have announced Teen Summit 2023 — planned for 8 AM to 4 PM Friday, July 21, at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Boys and Girls Club.
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, their efforts impact most of the Pennyrile and often its adjoining counties.
It’s a free interactive summit that will feature educational workshops, engaging art and exercise sessions, a Teen Talk panel and a closing rally with a DJ, games and door prizes.
Looking to empower and educate local youth, morning workshops will be facilitated by trained Sanctuary advocates, and topics will include self-care and self-esteem, bullying, sexual assault and teen dating violence.
The point, according to Sanctuary education Kenyata Simmons, is to provide students with the tools and knowledge needed to bring positive change in community and to create an intolerance of violent culture.
Meanwhile, teens will get to share their perspective on these topics and more in an open-dialogue panel hosted by Simmons and six teen ambassadors.
Sanctuary Communications Director Zirconia Vansauwa likens this to the 1990s BET talk show “Teen Summit,” which allowed of-age children the opportunity to openly discuss pressures faced during current times.
Lunch is being provided by Little Caesars, courtesy of Living Water Ministries.
Then, the second half of the day will be filled with art and exercise sessions, including Cricut home craft creations, music and beat-making, sports, a hip-hop step class and some logo design.
Sanctuary Executive Director Heather Lancaster notes organizers and facilitators have provided a well-rounded event, with a focus on topics any teen can find relatable.
Registration is free, but required, and the event is already live online through Eventbrite planning by searching “Sanctuary, Inc. Teen Summit 2023.”
For more information, visit thesanctuaryinc.com or email zirconia@thesanctuaryinc.com.
