As the 2009 board president for Parent Services Center, Inc., Orrin Latch will lead this organization in its mission to improve the quality of life for families through programs designed to develop or improve parenting skills, interpersonal relationships, and family life.

After many years of focusing his volunteer and philanthropic efforts toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Jerry’s Kids and local toy drives, Mr. Latch also began to support proactive parenting and education programs with the potential to decrease difficult or tragic family situations.

“I believe in the philosophy of Parent Services Center, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” Mr. Latch said.

On February 21, 2009, Parent Services Center will present their 2009 Parenting Conference entitled How Am I SmArt? Releasing Your Child’s Multiple Intelligences. The program, held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ornelas Activity Center, will be presented by Kathy Koch, PhD, noted author and founder of Celebrated Kids, Inc.

 “This is my sixth year as a volunteer for Parent Services Center and we have accomplished many goals,” Mr. Latch said. “We’ve increased the number of parents and childcare providers that we serve, and under the direction of the executive director, Jana Sisk, the annual Parenting Conference has allowed local teachers, childcare providers, and parents to have access to nationally published experts on children and parenting.”

Mr. Latch has resided in Tyler for 14 years.  He and his wife Bennie are the parents of Lauren Peveto, a student at Tyler Junior College. Mr. Latch earned his bachelors degree from Southern Methodist University.

“Tyler and all of East Texas has been an excellent area to live, work, and raise a family. The generosity of the East Texas people never ceases to amaze me,” Mr. Latch said.

For more information on the 2009 Parenting Conference, please call 903-595-2235.