Harris said the goal of the program is to help young people and make a difference in the lives of residents here in Jones County.

Steps to Excellence ... Positive Sisters is a comprehensive community-based mentoring program designed to reach young teen mothers, other teen girls and young teen boys who often find life challenging, difficult and sometimes overwhelming.

Established in 1994, Steps to Excellence ... Positive Sisters has provided opportunities for many teen girls and boys to view life’s situations and circumstances from direct perspectives and assisted these individuals in developing a positive action plan for their future.

Harris said it’s important for participants to realize that they are “making a commitment to leave the world better than we found it.”

She said the symposium should be the beginning of what should be a long-term local effort to make an impact on the lives of the young people in Jones County and its surrounding area.

For more information or to register for the symposium, call Harris at (601) 428-5521 or (214) 374-7443 or e-mail her at happylov@flash.net