WHEELING, W. Va. — The 2013 Platform: Our Children, Our Future: Campaign to End Child Poverty is a statewide partnership that includes Catholic Charities West Virginia and WV Healthy Kids and Families is collaborating with Wheeling Jesuit University to offer a Family Fund Fair & Forum on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 11am – 12:30 pm. The event is open to the public but registration is requested. It will be at Wheeling Jesuit University’s Acker Science Center. The University is located at 316 Washington Ave, Wheeling, WV 26003.

The “Come help us sow the seeds of our future” forum will include discussion on topics related to: Child Care Cuts, Healthy Foods in Schools, Health Care for Working Families, Family Violence Prevention, and Bi-Partisan Prison Reform. Traci Kinney, Director of Catholic Charities WV’s Child Care Resource Center said, “We designed the forum with families in mind. While the parents, invited legislators and partner providers are learning more about these important topics the children are invited to participate in fun games and activities.” Wheeling Jesuit is hosting the event and providing lunch for participants. Beth Collins from the Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University said, “ As educators and community partners, Wheeling Jesuit University is pleased to host this unique forum.”

For more information about Our children, Our Future: Campaign to end Child Poverty visit www.catholiccharitieswv.org or http://www.facebook.com/ourchildrenourfuturewv . For more information about Saturday’s event contact Traci Kinney at 304-232-1603. To RSVP contact Lisa Garrison at 304-232-1603 or Lisa.M.Garrison@wv.gov.