Presented by Outreach - Center for Community Resources

2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference

Location

The Theater at North
1539 North Main Ave
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18508
United States
Get Directions

Date & Time

Wednesday, 04/15/2026
8:00am EST - 4:00pm EST
Add to Calendar 04/15/2026 08:00:00 AM 04/15/2026 04:00:00 PM America/New_York 2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference The 2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Theater at North, Scranton, PA. The theme for this year's conference is: What if….We united as one community for every child? Please join us for an engaging lineup of speakers representing state, regional, and local organizations, including an afternoon panel discussion.  The focus will be on community-based systems that support children and families, identifying the necessary system changes, and assessing the strength of the collaboration. An update will be given regarding what impact this conference has had on the community. What has been born from the discoveries at the last conference? What is continuing to happen moving forward with these changes? Three high school students will be featured and receive the Rise Above Achievement Award, which recognizes young people in our region who have overcome challenges and adversity to achieve their goals and become role models to their peers. We are thrilled to introduce these young individuals and highlight their remarkable achievements! The Theater at North 1539 North Main Ave Scranton, Pennsylvania 18508

About This Event

The 2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Theater at North, Scranton, PA. The theme for this year's conference is:

What if….We united as one community for every child?

Please join us for an engaging lineup of speakers representing state, regional, and local organizations, including an afternoon panel discussion. 

The focus will be on community-based systems that support children and families, identifying the necessary system changes, and assessing the strength of the collaboration.

An update will be given regarding what impact this conference has had on the community. What has been born from the discoveries at the last conference? What is continuing to happen moving forward with these changes?

Three high school students will be featured and receive the Rise Above Achievement Award, which recognizes young people in our region who have overcome challenges and adversity to achieve their goals and become role models to their peers. We are thrilled to introduce these young individuals and highlight their remarkable achievements!

About This Event

The 2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Theater at North, Scranton, PA. The theme for this year's conference is:

What if….We united as one community for every child?

Please join us for an engaging lineup of speakers representing state, regional, and local organizations, including an afternoon panel discussion. 

The focus will be on community-based systems that support children and families, identifying the necessary system changes, and assessing the strength of the collaboration.

An update will be given regarding what impact this conference has had on the community. What has been born from the discoveries at the last conference? What is continuing to happen moving forward with these changes?

Three high school students will be featured and receive the Rise Above Achievement Award, which recognizes young people in our region who have overcome challenges and adversity to achieve their goals and become role models to their peers. We are thrilled to introduce these young individuals and highlight their remarkable achievements!

Event Schedule Outline (Subject to Change)

Morning Session

  • Doors Open
  • Registration & Light Refreshments
  • Welcome - Fran Langan, Ph.D., Trustee Emerita, Keystone College
  • Update from Previous Conference - Carlene Gula, Keystone Family Alliance
  • "Holistic care of families and children"
    • Featured Speakers:
      • Stephen Long, Jr., M.D., Associate Program Director, The Wright Center
      • Manju Mary Thomas, M.D., Deputy Chief Medical Officer, The Wright Center
  • Break
  • Rise Above Awardee Highlight
  • Statewide Panel Discussion features:
    • Valerie A. Arkoosh, M.D., MPH, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
    • Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary of Child Development and Early Learning
    • Dr Carrie Rowe, Secretary of Education

Midday

  • Networking Lunch

Afternoon Session

  • Rise Above Awardee Highlight
  • Local Panel Discussion
    • Moderator: Lori Chaffers, Outreach President/CEO
    • Panel features:
      • Erin Keating, Scranton School Board Superintendent
      • Paul Stefani, Scranton School Board Member
  • Rise Above Awardee Highlight
  • "Community Collaboration: Having Difficult Conversations" Panel
    • Moderator: Elaine Donly
  • Collective Impact and Closing - Lori Chaffers, Outreach - Center for Community Resources, President/CEO

CEU credits available in social work, nursing, and education.

Rise Above Student Achievement Award

Throughout the day, you will be introduced to the three amazing recipients. Each awardee graciously allowed us to share their story through a short video presentation. These video presentations will be shown during the event and we hope you are as inspired as we all are! 

Getting There

The Theater at North
1539 North Main Ave
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18508
United States

Get Directions

Location

The Theater at North
1539 North Main Ave
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18508
United States
Get Directions

Date & Time

Wednesday, 04/15/2026
8:00am EST - 4:00pm EST
Add to Calendar 04/15/2026 08:00:00 AM 04/15/2026 04:00:00 PM America/New_York 2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference The 2026 Children's Issues in a Changing World Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Theater at North, Scranton, PA. The theme for this year's conference is: What if….We united as one community for every child? Please join us for an engaging lineup of speakers representing state, regional, and local organizations, including an afternoon panel discussion.  The focus will be on community-based systems that support children and families, identifying the necessary system changes, and assessing the strength of the collaboration. An update will be given regarding what impact this conference has had on the community. What has been born from the discoveries at the last conference? What is continuing to happen moving forward with these changes? Three high school students will be featured and receive the Rise Above Achievement Award, which recognizes young people in our region who have overcome challenges and adversity to achieve their goals and become role models to their peers. We are thrilled to introduce these young individuals and highlight their remarkable achievements! The Theater at North 1539 North Main Ave Scranton, Pennsylvania 18508