Celebrate Safe and Healthy Families with Metropolitan Calumet

Oba William King, Dr. George Smith Part of City-Wide Week of Events on April 20

CHICAGO (April 14, 2010) – Celebrate efforts to promote safe homes and communities by joining master storyteller Oba William King and mental health professional Dr. George Smith for an evening of education, entertainment and food from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Metropolitan Family Services’ Calumet Center, 235 E. 103rd Street, Chicago.

The event is part of Mayor Daley’s Childhood Exposure to Violence Prevention Week, which runs April 19 – 23, 2010. Entering its fourth year, the week is a collaborative effort by numerous agencies and institutions to prevent and reduce childhood violence and to raise awareness of community violence.

Metropolitan Calumet’s event will include a presentation by Dr. Smith, who will discuss “The Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting.” Noted storyteller Oba William King will follow with tales that embrace African-American heritage and traditions – tales that also are designed to promote self-esteem as well as develop conflict resolution and team-building skills among listeners.

“This event provides an opportunity to strengthen the community by participating in an evening of fun, food and educational entertainment, while underscoring the need to reduce our children’s exposure to violence in our households and communities,” said Metropolitan Calumet Executive Director Audrena Spence.

Registration is required for this free event. To register or learn more about this and other programs at Metropolitan Calumet, please call 773-371-3600.

About Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services, one of Chicago’s first and largest human services organizations, strengthens more than 50,000 low-income individuals and families throughout Chicago and the suburbs each year.