Rochester

Internationally known abstinence speaker comes to Rochester

By Mary Beth Almond
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER — Pam Stenzel will talk to teens about sex — encouraging them to make healthy, responsible decisions — during a free presentation Nov. 19, sponsored by the Rochester Area Youth Assistance and the Rochester/Auburn Hills Community Coalition.

“She talks in a pretty straightforward way about a topic that can be sensitive to some families,” said RAYA caseworker Cathy Womack.

The free event, made possible through the generosity of several area churches, will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Stoney Creek High School in the auditorium.

Stenzel, an internationally known abstinence speaker, uses her insight, humor, passion and personal counseling experience to warn teens of the dangers of sexual activity outside of marriage, according to Womack.

Her program is designed for middle school through high school students and their parents. Because young people in that age group are growing and developing, Womack said Stenzel’s topic could be appropriate regarding issues they are facing or will face in the future.

“It helps the kids feel more empowered about the topic, so that as they are making decisions, they have good, sound, solid information,” she said.

Parents are encouraged to come to the event with their teens in the hopes that it will foster dialogue and open communication after the presentation.

“This is often a hard subject for parents to get into, so it’s good to have that chance to talk about it. I think it’s also good for the parents to have a good idea of what the kids are hearing,” said Community Coalition President Dr. Brad Barnes.

Before the event, Womack said parents could visit www.pamstenzel.com to learn more about what Stenzel’s message is and how she presents it.

After the presentation, teens and parents can learn more about the programs and services offered by the Youth Assistance and Community Coalition.

Barnes said the main concern of the two organizations is that young adults make good and healthy choices.

“The coalition is primarily concerned with substance abuse, but all the poor choices kids make are kind of interrelated, so we think that Pam’s message is a good one for the kids to be hearing,” he said.

Stoney Creek High School is located at 575 E. Tienken Road in Rochester Hills.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at malmond@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1060.