Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2023-11-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Please join us in congratulating our newest class of parent-peer support graduates. In addition to celebrating their accomplishments, this is a great opportunity to build the parent-peer support community. We encourage friends and families of the graduates, as well as anyone who supports parent-peer supporters or is interested in learning more about being a parent-peer supporter, to attend.

Register here>>

WHAT IS UDL (UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING)? ﻿AN INTRODUCTION FOR FAMILIES
2023-11-28 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center
ProjectUniversal Design for Learning (UDL) is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that helps give all students an equal opportunity to succeed.
This approach offers flexibility in the ways our students access material, engage with it, and show what they know. Join us for a look into a framework that helps create a fully accessible curriculum for all our students.
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Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-12-01 12:00
Be Strong Families
HoliDaze: (Parent Café)
Friday, Dec 1, 2023, 12:00 pm CT
Staying Strong Amidst the Holiday Bustle: Ahh, the holidays: the special time of year when friends and family gather to celebrate the season. Too much to do and too little time can make what is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year” less than enjoyable. Let’s get together to talk about how to create a holiday tradition that gives us genuine joy.
Register Here>>

INTRODUCTION TO WORK WEBINAR SERIES
2023-12-05 11:00 - 2023-12-14 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in the journey toward adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is often a time filled with questions, challenges, and uncertainty. Join us for a four-part Introduction to Work series.
Introduction to Work: Work and Disabilities
Tuesday, December 5
11 AM – 12 PM
In session one, we will explore skills and information that help parents, youth, and professionals know where to start and what to work on in their journey toward employment. We will discuss the importance of self-advocacy and what families can do to help youth and young adults prepare for the workforce.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Laws and Disability
Tuesday, December 7
10 AM – 11 AM
In session two, we’ll discuss information to help parents, youth, and professionals understand the laws related to employment for individuals with disabilities.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Skills Needed
Tuesday, December 12
11 AM – 12 PM
In session three will talk about key employment skills that youth and young adults need to get ready for the workforce.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Overview of Resources
Tuesday, December 17
11 AM – 12 PM
In session four, we will explore resources that can help youth and young adults get ready for the workforce.
Register here>>

To learn more about Independent Futures That Work, visit them online at: https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-12-06 18:00
Be Strong Families
HoliDaze: (Parent Café)
Friday, Dec 6, 2023, 6:00 pm CT
Staying Strong Amidst the Holiday Bustle: Ahh, the holidays: the special time of year when friends and family gather to celebrate the season. Too much to do and too little time can make what is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year” less than enjoyable. Let’s get together to talk about how to create a holiday tradition that gives us genuine joy.
Register Here>>

Family Connections: Finding Joy in Holidays & Special Days
2023-12-07 12:30 - 13:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
It’s the most wonderful day of the year! Or is it? Join our next Family Connections on December 7th as we head into the busy season. It’s not just the holidays: special days – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and the like – can also stir up worry or anxiety. We’ll take a look at practical solutions and strategies to mitigate our perceptions and expectations of upcoming events.
While we want to celebrate with the people we love, it’s not unusual to get overwhelmed just thinking about our loved ones. There may be tension or disagreements with a family member, whether it’s the family you are born into or the family you choose. Instead of opening gifts, some may open up old hurts, arguments, or mistakes with a side dish of opinion.
Register here>>

Parent/Peer Support Conversation for Anyone Working with Parent Peer Supporters
2023-12-07 13:30 - 14:30
This conversation is for anyone working with parents providing peer support to other parents in any system, such as Children’s Services Directors, MAP Team Coordinators, Care Coordinators, and Center Directors. We will share an overview of Families as Allies’ parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. We want to hear your feedback on how we’re doing from your perspective and how we can most support you. We will also discuss issues in parent-peer support and how to address them.
Register here>>

Holiday Hello
2023-12-12 11:00 - 13:00
NAMI Four Rivers
NAMI will be hosting a mental health resource fair for the community to come and learn about businesses and organizations whose mission and values focus on mental health. This is a FREE community event.
Organizations are invited to come out, learn about mental health resources, and enjoy light snacks.
For more information contact Megan Hamm at (601) 207-9531 or b email: 4riversmsnami.org

Introduction to Work Webinar Series
2023-12-13 10:30 - 2023-12-14 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in the journey toward adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is often a time filled with questions, challenges, and uncertainty. Join us for the second part of our Introduction to Work series.
Introduction to Work: Skills Needed
Wednesday, December 13
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
In session three, attendees will talk about key employment skills that youth and young adults need to get ready for the workforce.
Click here to register!
WEEK 2
Introduction to Work: Overview of Resources
Thursday, December 14
11 AM – 12 PM
In session four, attendees will explore resources to help youth and young adults prepare for the workforce.
Click here to register!
To learn more about Independent Futures That Work, visit them online at: https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/

Holiday Ornament Decorating
2023-12-14 16:30 - 18:00
Nfusion Metro
Come join Nfusion Metro – Hand And Hand on December 14th at the Large Conference Room of Hinds Behavior Health Services to decorate holiday ornaments from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM.
Location:
3450 Hwy 80 W
Jackson, MS 39204

Operation Shoestring’s Annual Angel Tree
2023-12-15
Operation Shoestring
This holiday season, we invite you to participate in Operation Shoestring’s annual Angel Tree event. You, your loved ones, and your places of faith and work are welcome to sponsor a child and volunteer for Angel Tree on December 15th!
Please feel free to drop off gifts at Operation Shoestring anytime before December 12th during the weekday hours of 10 am to 5 pm. Wrapped or bagged gifts are preferred but not required. If you cannot drop off your gift during those hours, please call 601-353-6336 to arrange a pickup or an alternate time.
We also offer the opportunity to sponsor classes or grade levels! To do so, please email Tolanda Jones at tjones@operationshoestring.org or call Operation Shoestring at 601-353-6336.
We welcome volunteers to help us hand out these gifts and to help us host the festivities as well. Please sign up at the link below and specify you’d like to volunteer for Angel Tree.
Register here>>

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-12-15 12:00
Be Strong Families
Push Pause (Vitality Café)
Friday, Dec 15, 2023, 12:00 pm CT
It’s easy to get caught up in the end-of-year rush. The anticipation of looming expectations can raise our anxiety levels. Sometimes, you just need to hit the pause button and take a moment to reflect on the good things we have gained in the past year. Please join us for a reflective conversation on regaining your vitality.
Register here>>

FREE JOY TOY DRIVE
2023-12-23 10:30 - 13:00
Dominion and Power FLC Church

The DP Cares’ annual JOY TOY DRIVE is bigger and better than ever and will be a blessing to hundreds of children this year.

Location:
319 Old Richton Road
Petal, MS 39465

WRAP Wellness Recovery Action Plan
2024-01-10 08:30 - 2024-01-11 17:00
Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
Join the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi for a FREE two-day retreat to work on your self-care!
Enjoy these simple, safe, and free ways to get and stay well in a mutual learning group environment. Coping skills, stress reduction, self-care, burnout avoidance. These skills are useful in many situations, such as illness maintenance, relationships, conflict resolution, work, daily living, and crisis situations.
12 CEUs available for DMH disciplines.
Contact kdaneault@msmentalhealth.org for questions.
Choose your dates: January 10-11 or March 6/7.
Register here>>

Navigating the IEP
2024-01-16 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training And Information Center Project
As a parent, the IEP process can often seem like a maze. There are so many parts to the process it’s often overwhelming. Join us to learn how to navigate this journey.
Register here>>

Special Education Records: What to Keep and How to Organize
2024-01-18 11:00 - 23:30
Mississippi Parent Training And Information Center Project
What do I do with all these papers? Join us for tips on what to keep and ideas for organizing your child’s special education records.
Register here>>

Special Education Boot Camp Gulfport
2024-01-19 09:30 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You don’t want to miss our upcoming Special Education Boot Camp in Gulfport, Mississippi on Friday, January 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Harrison County Advocacy Center.
Topics will include:

advocacy
communication/documentation
conflict resolution
IEPs.

Registration is not required but is preferred so we’ll know how many to plan for.
For more information, contact Leslie Junkin at leslie@mspti.org or Jeannie Herrin at jeannie.herrin@co.harrison.ms.us or call (228) 241-1837.
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-01-24 12:00 - 13:00
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>>

TENTH ANNUAL FAMILIES AS ALLIES COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATION
2024-01-29 17:00 - 20:00
Families As Allies

Please join us at Bravo Italian Restaurant and Bar on Monday, January 29, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 for our Tenth Annual Community Partnership Celebration to celebrate the work we do together and make sure that it continues. We hope all of you can join us, but if you cannot, please consider donating.

Monday, January 29, 2024
5:00 to 8:00 PM
Bravo! Italian Restaurant

Tickets are $50.00 each, and sponsorships are available.

Register here>>

Section 504: Students with Special ﻿Healthcare Needs
2024-01-30 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
When people think about educating students with disabilities, the first thing that may come to mind is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although students can receive accommodations, related services, and special education under both Section 504 and IDEA, the two laws vary in several important ways. This presentation will give parents information to help them understand the law and what it means to their child or youth with special healthcare needs.
Register here>>

Promoting Positive Behavior in Your Child
2024-01-31 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Effective discipline is essential to raising children who behave well with peers and adults, demonstrate self-control, and choose to avoid risky behaviors. Join us as we discuss PRACTICAL, POSITIVE, and PROACTIVE ways to achieve this with your child and ways to support them in learning to maintain these critical skills for the rest of their lives.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Procedural Safeguards
2024-02-01 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Procedural safeguards may seem like a dry topic, with long explanations and terms that are confusing or hard to understand for your family. Why are procedural safeguards important, and how will they help your child? Procedural safeguards are the rights that protect you. When you know your rights, you can be an equal participant in your child’s educational process and know what to do when something isn’t working.
Register here>>

2024 Early Childhood Capitol Day
2024-02-06 09:00 - 13:30
Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
Join the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance as they host their annual Early Childhood Capitol Day on February 6, 2024.
Enjoy a networking breakfast and hear legislative panelists discuss early childhood education and early intervention, 2024 policy updates, and the importance of strengthening the childcare workforce through increased teacher wages. This event will be at the Walter Sillers Building near the Capitol beginning at 9:00 a.m. For those unable to attend in person, information will be sent about upcoming webinars sharing the Capitol’s legislative agenda and how you can use your voice virtually.
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Written State Complaints
2024-02-06 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You have important rights if your child receives First Steps Early Intervention services. If you disagree about whether the requirements of Part C of the IDEA are being followed, there’s a formal process to follow. Under Part C of the IDEA, you can file a written state complaint when you want the state lead agency to investigate if the IDEA has been followed. This process is in place to ensure that your child receives the services they need and deserve
Register here>>

Transition Exit Summary of Performance: What is It?
2024-02-06 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
IDEA 2004 mandates that students with an IEP complete an exit Summary of Performance (SOP) at the end of high school. Join us and learn what it is and how it’s used.
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Mediation
2024-02-13 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Mediation is a voluntary process under Part C of the IDEA that brings people together to resolve disagreements. This session will provide information and resources to guide families through this process.
Register here >>

Office Hour
2024-02-13 16:00 - 17:30
National Federation of Families
Join the National Federation of Families this month to hear about how MIKID shares person-centered resources and highlights families’ natural supports to build strengths-based relationships between family peers and the families with whom they work and within families. Gain strategies to apply now!
Register here>>

iNFUSE-A-Heart
2024-02-13 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
Join NFusion Metro for an enchanting evening of creativity, connection, and heartfelt expressions at their “Infuse-a-Heart” event!
This unique gathering invites the youth to immerse themselves in the art of self-expression as they convey their deepest emotions through the written word.
Register here>>

The Family Room with Sue Badeau
2024-02-15 15:00 - 16:00
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
A Family Room is often defined as an “informal gathering place for all members of a family” or “a comfortable space.” We hope you find that at our new online event for parents, caregivers, and family members to connect on a more personal level in a small group setting. NFSTAC’s Family Room launches this Thursday, February 15th, from 4 pm ET to 5 pm ET.
Last summer, NFSTAC convened two listening sessions to get feedback from the many people who join our webinars and events. We heard about topics they wanted to discuss, what issues face their families, and a space where they could “dig deeper” with a smaller group.
Your host is Sue Badeau, an author, trainer, speaker, and family peer expert with lived experience as the parent of 22 children. For February, Sue facilitates the first discussion inspired by our January Family Connections, “Supporting Families with Emerging Adults in the Transition Years.”
Registration is limited to ensure a more personalized experience for participants.
Register here>>

Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith 14th Annual Teen Dating Violence Awarness Summit
2024-02-17 10:00 - 14:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith (BBGDF)
FEBRUARY MARKS NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Each year, advocates come together to raise awareness about teen dating violence and educate our youth. This event is free to all interested teens and includes a teen panel. This is a very serious issue that impacts everyone- not just teens- but their parents, friends, and communities as well. Together, we can raise our voices about teen dating violence and promote the building of healthy relationships. Dating violence is more common than you think, especially among teens and young adults.
SPEAKERS! RESOURCE TABLES! GIVEAWAYS! LUNCH!
Cost: Free of charge (pre-registration is required). Learn more information or register to attend at www.bbgdf.org
(Registration begins at 9:30 am)
Calling all Resource Fair Exhibitors!!! Please send us an email or text to reserve your table.

Should you have any questions or require further information, contact Eva Jones at 601-953-5747.

Register here>>
