COUNCIL HOSTS GRANT WRITING CONFERENCE

The Community Caring Council is joining with Southeast Missouri State University to sponsor a day-long Grant Writing Conference on Sept. 26.

The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Show Me Center, and the deadline for registering is Sept. 19.

Shirley Ramsey, president of the Community Caring Council, explained that many agencies and organizations have been faced with budget cuts and dwindling resources. She said this conference is an effort to promote an awareness of new and creative ways to seek funding.

Larry Campbell, chief executive officer of the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Missouri, will be the keynote speaker for the conference.

State Rep. Mary Kasten, founder of the caring council, noted that Campbell is well qualified to talk about grants. "He has a wealth of first-hand knowledge of grant writing and will share his experience and expertise with conference participants," said Kasten.

There will be three break-out sessions for participants to join in.

Dr. Myra Norman, director of grants and research at Southeast, will discuss federal grants; Mary McBride, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Private Industry Council, and Barb Smith, executive director of Sikeston Regional Children's Services, will discuss state level foundations; and Craig Felzien, area manager of public relations for Southwestern Bell Telephone, will talk about corporate grants.

"We are utilizing local people for the conference because they are excellent resources," explained Kasten.

"In these challenging times, it is important that we learn from one another. The Community Caring Council will continue to develop and facilitate opportunities for networking such as this conference offers."

Registration for the conference is $25, which includes a noon meal. Checks should be made out to Community Caring Council; registrations should be mailed to the Council at P.O. Box 552, Cape Girardeau.

Anyone needing more information can call 290-5896.