Families as Allies

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-11-19 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
You may access the meeting online or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83452343575?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting by Phone:
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
One tap Mobile
+13092053325,83452343575#, *184280#
Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Written comments may be submitted to Michelle McClain at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: mmcclain@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Michelle McClain or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Getting and Keeping the First Job
2025-11-21 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Participants will learn why disability self-awareness matters and how families can support youth during career planning. The session covers simple strategies for building resumes, preparing for interviews, and understanding job accommodations. We also highlight how families can guide youth through career exploration and the job search process.
The main message is clear: when families understand the world of work and hold high expectations, they play a powerful role in helping youth with disabilities succeed in employment
Register here>>

Helping Our Kids Thrive: The Power of Families in Social-Emotional Learning
2025-11-24 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, build positive relationships, and make caring, responsible choices. These lifelong skills begin at home and continue to grow through experiences in school and the community.
Join us for a short and informative session to learn more about SEL and explore how families play a vital role in nurturing healthy emotional development and supporting learning at home, in school, and beyond.
Register here>>

Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2025-11-24 12:00 - 13:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Having a child with a disability can be challenging. Your child’s IEP and how to monitor it can be confusing. How to be the best advocate for your child, the importance of communication, and how to resolve conflicts are important pieces of this puzzle. Join us for an advocacy academy that will provide you with the tools to understand the special education process.
Register here>>

Mississippi Minority Mental Health Symposiums
2025-12-04 08:00 - 2025-12-05 17:00
Mississippi Minority Mental Health
Join us for two powerful days of connection, learning, and advocacy at the Mississippi Minority Mental Health Symposium 2025. This event is dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals in mental health and advancing equitable, community-driven change throughout Mississippi.
Expect engaging sessions, meaningful dialogue, and opportunities to contribute to the growing movement for minority mental health awareness and action.
Mark your calendar and stay tuned — more details coming soon!
Register here>>

Season of Self-Care
2025-12-05 09:00 - 11:00
Humphreys County High School
Join Humphreys County High School for a festive Season of Self-Care Health Fair on December 5, 2025. This joyful community event focuses on mental wellness, emotional support, and healthy coping skills during the holiday season. Open to students, families, and community members!
Register here>>

Cultivating Relationships: The Power of Early Childhood Systems
2025-12-10 08:30 - 16:30
Mississippi Families for Kids
Join the Mississippi Families for Kids for their Virtual Infant Mental Health Conference on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Register here >>

Advocacy in Action: Exploring the MS Client Assistance Program (CAP)
2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
The MS Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a statewide, federally mandated program that advocates for and provides information to clients or potential clients of vocational rehabilitation services and centers for Independent Living. Join us to learn about this program.
Register here>>

Virtual Community Engagement & Listening Session
2025-12-16 13:00
National Federation of Families
The National Federation of Families invites you to join them for this Virtual Community Engagement & Listening Session. A group of national experts will be convening in January 2026 to set a foundation for a unified course of action to promote rights and recovery for all people who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges – including families and youth. As we prepare for the summit, we want to ensure that the voices, experiences, and wisdom of the entire recovery and peer community help shape the vision and priorities that emerge from the gathering. While only a small group will be able to attend the in-person summit, your perspective is essential to building a unified national movement for rights, recovery, and peer support.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-12-17 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday,December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
The Zoom link will be sent closer to event time.
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: scoon@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Tips for Effective IEP Meetings: Before, During and After
2026-01-14 11:30 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
It’s hard to remember everything you need to know for an IEP meeting. Join us and learn the steps on how to prepare before, during, and after the meeting.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2026-01-21 10:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83452343575?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575 Passcode: [REDACTED] Join Zoom Meeting by Phone: Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
One tap Mobile +13092053325,83452343575#, *184280#
Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Mona Spells-Adou at the Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771. email: “Mona Spells” <MSpells@mdek12.org> or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

24th Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference (MCWIC)
2026-02-05 - 2026-02-06
Mississippi Child Welfare Institute

The Mississippi Child Welfare Institute would like to invite you to its 24th Annual In-Person Conference (MCWIC).
📅 Dates: Thursday and Friday, February 5–6, 2026
🎯 Theme: Advancing Child Welfare Through Innovation and Resilience
📍 Location: Hilton Jackson, 1001 East County Line Road, Jackson, MS 39211
This year’s conference will offer 9 Continuing Education (CE) hours, including:

Cultural Diversity
Mandated Reporting
Supervision
Professional Ethics
General CEs

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Candace L. Riddley (MCWIC Chair): 601-979-2631
Dr. Angela Savage (MCWIC Co-Chair): 601-979-8896
We look forward to your participation in this impactful event!

Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference
2026-02-05 - 2026-02-06
Mississippi Child Welfare Institute
The Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference returns February 5–6, 2026, in Jackson, MS. Attendees can earn continuing education hours in areas such as cultural diversity, ethics, mandated reporting, and supervision.
This year’s conference will offer 9 Continuing Education (CE) hours, including:

Cultural Diversity
Mandated Reporting
Supervision
Professional Ethics
General CEs

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Candace L. Riddley (MCWIC Chair): 601-979-2631
Dr. Angela Savage (MCWIC Co-Chair): 601-979-8896
We look forward to your participation in this impactful event!
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2026-02-18 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday,February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
The Zoom link will be sent closer to event time.
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: scoon@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2026-02-25 12:00, 2026-03-25 12:00, 2026-04-22 12:00, 2026-05-27 12:00, 2026-06-24 12:00, 2026-07-22 12:00, 2026-08-26 12:00, 2026-09-23 12:00 and 1 more date
Families as Allies
This group focuses on understanding current policy issues and also opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making committees. Leadership training graduates are strongly encouraged to attend, but the meetings are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about policy.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2026-03-18 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday,March 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
The Zoom link will be sent closer to event time.
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: scoon@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2026-03-18 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
The Zoom link will be sent closer to event time.
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: scoon@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2026-04-15 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday,April 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
The Zoom link will be sent closer to event time.
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: scoon@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2026-04-15 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday,May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
The Zoom link will be sent closer to event time.
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: scoon@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Annual South Jackson Parade
2026-04-18 09:00
The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods
The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) invites the community to attend the Annual South Jackson Parade on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This family-friendly event celebrates community pride and togetherness with a parade, vendors, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
The parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Little Caesars parking lot on McDowell Road and will conclude at Cordoza Middle School. Following the parade, attendees can enjoy festivities and a fun zone at Cordoza Middle School, located at 3180 McDowell Road Extension, Jackson, MS.
Vendors, bands, and dance or cheer groups are welcome to participate. Vendor setup begins at 7:00 a.m. at Cordoza Middle School.
This event is shared for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the organizers.
For additional details, please contact:

Ernest Ward: 601-201-3020
Johnny Byrd: 601-720-9965

Mississippi Behavioral Planning and Advisory Council
2026-08-14 10:00 - 12:00
Department of Mental Health
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to make recommendations;
To serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses; and
To monitor, review, and evaluate, not less than once yearly, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Meeting Location-in person

Mississippi Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council
Thursday, August 14, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mississippi State Hospital – Building 56
