Families as Allies

Training: How to Talk to Parents and Caregivers about the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids
2021-11-04 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago)
Made to Save Coalition
(Español a continuacion) Pfizer has submitted their application to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for Emergency Use Authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for kids age 5-11! Join the Made to Save Coalition, Parents Together, and Voices for Vaccines for a workshop about how to talk to parents and caregivers about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Talking to parents and caregivers about vaccination is one of the best ways we can help our communities get the information they need to make a plan to get themselves or their children vaccinated.
Participants attending this training will learn some basic skills and talking points on how to talk to parents and caregivers about the COVID-19 vaccine through active listening practices, and tactics on how to reach out to them digitally. Participants will also learn some information about the COVID-19 vaccine and what the Emergency Use Authorization means.
This training will be recorded. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Live transcription will be available.
Register here >>

Mississippi Forum for the Future - The State of the State
2021-11-04 13:30 - 17:00
Mississippi Forum for the Future
It’s a big goal, and one we know Mississippi can’t achieve without the participation and support of people like you! We need your help to build a vision for the future of child care in Mississippi – to help us get it right and make it happen. To get started, we’re hosting a Collective Impact kick-off event in November: The State of the State.
During this virtual and interactive event, you will: Learn how the Mississippi Forum for the Future is using a structured approach to break down silos and achieve meaningful, results-oriented collaboration across sectors.
Hear and discuss findings from interviews we conducted with Mississippi childcare providers, early childhood system leaders, and parents. We’ll also discuss how our findings align with existing quantitative and qualitative data on early childhood in Mississippi.
Help us begin to map out a pathway forward, and determine where you and your organization fit in!
Register Here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2021-11-04 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Join here>>

2021 Virtual NFFCMH Conference - Nov. 4-6
2021-11-04 08:00 - 2021-11-06 17:00
The National Federation of Families
Did you know that 1 in 5 children in America experiences social, emotional and behavioral and/or substance use challenges? One undisputed constant in our society is that all children who survive childhood and adolescence will become adults. For children and youth who experience untreated behavioral health and substance use challenges, this typically results in adults who continue to struggle with symptoms, who become parents and who perpetuate this cycle. The impact of this reoccurring cycle is felt throughout our society.
For more than 30 years, the National Federation of Families has been the nationwide advocacy organization with families as its sole focus, playing an important role in helping parents, caregivers and families of children – of any age – whose lives are impacted by mental health and substance use challenges. This important work is supported largely by the generous supporters and donors like you who contribute to our cause.
Our 2021 Conference will feature many great workshops and speakers this year, joining hundreds of mental health advocates and professionals from across the nation as we work to educate and empower families!
The annual conference is a dynamic event full of valuable opportunities to learn, connect and gain exposure for all who attend. Below are some basic facts about the event for sponsors, exhibitors, presenters and attendees.
Typically, the annual conference:

Is attended by 700 to 1,000 people
Draws representatives from 30 to 40 of the United States, Guam and Canada
Draws representatives from 40 to 50 Federation of Families affiliates/chapters
Features 175+ speakers
Offers over 85 breakout sessions

Register here>>

2021 Bridging-the-Gap HYBRID Style
2021-10-30 09:00 - 12:00
Living Independence for Everyone (L.I.F.E.)
Living Independence for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) is excited to invite you to take part in our upcoming annual 2021 Bridging-the-Gap 5K Walk/Run/Stroll or Roll-a-Thon. This year we will be hosting our walk HYBRID STYLE! We want to do our part in keeping all of our consumers and supporters safe during this time. Participants will have the opportunity to walk with us at the historical Mississippi River Bridge or from their favorite trail! Participants will be able to support and participate the way they feel comfortable.
We will be hosting a ZOOM on event day to kick-off the walk from each of our office locations.
Register here>>

Training: Talking to Friends and Family About COVID-19 Vaccines!
2021-10-28 17:00 - 18:00
Made to Save Coalition
Join the Made to Save Coalition for a workshop about how to talk to your friends and family about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Talking to your friends and family about getting COVID-19 vaccinated is one of the best ways you can help the people you care about get the information they need to make a plan to get vaccinated. Studies show that people are 40% more likely to get vaccinated if they know a friend or family member who was vaccinated, too. That’s why you’re one of our most important messengers to increasing trust and access to the vaccines.
Participants attending this training will learn some basic skills and talking points on how to talk to their friends and family about the COVID-19 vaccine through active listening practices. Participants will also learn some information about the COVID-19 vaccine and what the FDA approvals mean.
This training will be recorded. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Live transcription will be available.
Register here >>

Drop In Leadership and Policy Discussion
2021-10-28 12:00
Join us to discuss the latest policy updates and what they mean for our children. Leadership training graduates are especially encouraged to attend, but anyone interested in policy is welcome to join. You do not have to register – just drop in at noon on October 28th.
Join Here >>

Cafe' Ta Center | A Program of the Family Cafe
2021-10-27 13:00
The CAFÉ TAC
Want to talk about the challenges of supporting a family member with a mental health condition?
Join The CAFE TA Center‘s upcoming Family Mental Health Learning Community conversation! The first session is set for Wednesday, October 27th at 2:00 PM ET.
Join us on Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88114382447
If you have a youth, young adult, or family member with a mental health condition, and want to learn how to effectively support their recovery and your own wellness, this is the conversation for you!
The theme for this first Learning Community conversation will be
What is Happening with Your Youth or Adult Child is Not a Result of a Parenting Failure
This is an opportunity to

Hear from other family members about their family recovery paths
Learn about strategies others have employed in trying to change their thinking about mental health
Share your own story
Ask questions about your own family situation

Getting and Keeping the First Job
2021-10-27 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Participants will learn the importance of disability self-awareness, how families can help youth with career planning, and strategies to navigate resumes, job interviews, and job accommodations. Particular attention is paid to the role of families in the career exploration and job hunting process. The message of the session is simple: families who understand the world of work, and who maintain high expectations of their youth, can play a pivotal role in the employment success of youth with disabilities.
Register Here>>

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2021-10-27 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.

Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89185899924…
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
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)
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]

The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: atell@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 Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.

Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2021-10-26 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Do you often leave your child’s IEP meeting feeling as if your concerns were not heard or addressed and that nothing has changed? You may be missing one of the steps covered in this training. Join us to learn how you can avoid some of the most common hurdles and how to have more productive IEP meetings and better outcomes for your child.
Register Here>>

Saving your income with a Mississippi ABLE account
2021-10-25 11:30 - 12:30
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are now available to help individuals with disabilities save and invest money, as they have not been able to before. This session helps you understand ABLE, determine if it is right for you/your child/your family, and shows you where to get more information or sign up. Considering ABLE or just learning about it, you won’t want to miss this session designed just for parents.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >>

Bullying Prevention: How Parents and Families Can Help!
2021-10-25 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center

Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and everyone can do something to help prevent bullying; individuals, schools, and communities each have an important role!

Learn what you can do! Bullying is real. It happens every day. Bullying hurts, emotionally and physically. Sometimes bullying even kills. But YOU can help the kids in your life to stop school bullying. We have the power to make a difference. Every adult who is raising a child can help in the effort to eliminate bullying by talking honestly and openly with that child about bullying experiences at school.

Join us as we discuss ways family members using strong adult guidance are helping to stop school bullying.

Register Here>>

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2021-10-21 10:00 | Central High School, Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room, Jackson, MS
Mississippi State Board of Education

The Mississippi State Board of Education meeting can be viewed via live stream.

Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

8th Annual Virtual Black Family Summit
2021-10-21 09:00 - 16:00
Join Mississippi Families for Kids for a Virtual Black Family Summit with keynote speaker Dr. Rashad Ali, MD, JD, FACOG Chief OB/GYN at the Family Medical Health Center, Inc.

Topic: The Economic Impact of Health Inequity and Racial Justice

6 social work CEU credits included in general admission- $30. Students pay only $10!

The Black Family Summit exists to gather members of our community from ALL walks of life to discuss issues that affect the Black community. Join us to become educated and equipped to change our community for the better.

Families as Allies Quarterly Board Meeting
2021-10-20 18:30 - 19:30
Quarterly board meeting of the board of Families as Allies. All meetings are open to the public and include time for public comments. Public comments can also be emailed to info@faams.org or faxed to 601-355-0919.

Register Here >>

Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Privacy Rights for Individuals and Families
2021-10-20 14:30 - 16:00
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
Join the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC) to learn more about the privacy protections for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health (MH) information, including how families and caregivers can:

Identify how federal health privacy laws protect individuals’ SUD and MH treatment information, especially when family members are involved in care
Understand how individuals receiving services and their families can work together in a way that supports recovery and respects the individual’s privacy and their individual choices
Recognize key points for individuals and families to consider when sharing or requesting SUD/MH treatment information

Register Here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-10-20 12:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants and parent educators are especially encouraged to attend. We will share ideas, brainstorm and support each other. Coaching is based on the competencies and ethical code of the National Federation of Families Certification model for parent peer support.

Join here >>

Wear and Share Orange
2021-10-20
Wear and Share Orange to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. Unity Day is an opportunity to not only wear and share orange but to showcase orange in creative ways, making the day uniquely your own.
Click here for other ways to participate:

Hill Day at Home
2021-10-19 13:00 - 17:00
Hill Day at Home is your opportunity to urge lawmakers to invest in lifesaving funding for mental health and substance use treatment programs – from your computer, without ever leaving the comfort of your home or office!

Register here>>

Job Placement Services
2021-10-18 11:30 - 12:30
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
Finding a job may be easy on your own, but finding a career and a support system to sustain you may not be. That is where the resources and expertise of the MDRS Team comes in and works for YOU. Your plan, their help. It’s a win/win all the way around!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >>

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Advisory Council
2021-10-14 13:30
Department of Mental Health

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Advisory Council
Hinds Behavioral Health 3450 Hwy. 80 West
Jackson MS 3920

CONTACT INFORMATION
Belen White
601-359-6228
belen.white@dmh.ms.gov

MS Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Who Are We?
2021-10-14 11:30 - 12:30
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
MDRS is often referred to as state government’s “best kept secret”. This session provides you with a look into each of the agency’s four major programs (Vocational Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Office of Special Disability Programs and Disability Determination Services) and points you to valuable resources available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >>

Pre-Employment Transition Services
2021-10-11 11:30 - 12:30
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), MDRS works with students with disabilities beginning at age 14. MDRS helps them transition from college to career, depending on their own personal goals. These services are invaluable to parents and potentially life changing for students. This one-hour session could save you time and money down the road.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >>>

NAMIWalks Your Way Mississippi
2021-10-09 08:00 - 12:00
Join the NAMIWalks for A United Day of Hope
Our NAMIWalks event will be a little different than what you might expect from a walk event— while making a lot of difference. It’s going to be “your way,” meaning you choose what you want to do on event day.
Our collective mental health needs are at their greatest now. One in three U.S. adults reported experiencing depression or anxiety since the pandemic began. NAMI’s programs and advocacy are needed more than ever, and with your help, we are pleased to present NAMIWalks Your Way on Saturday, October 9, 2021.
What is NAMIWalks Your Way?
On October 9, 2021, NAMIWalks will be a virtually virtual experience, united with NAMIWalks across the country. NAMIWalks Your Way means instead of putting one foot in front of the other, you get to put one feat in front of the other: participants get to use their creativity, with the main rule that we continue to advance towards our goal by leaps and bounds. The choice is yours on how you want to make this spring’s event fit into this spring’s reality.
Creativity Rules: What participants are doing on event day
– Walking 7,000+ steps for a 5K their way
– Planning a craft day with their kids
– Holding a virtual bake-off with their team
– Practicing self-care with a favorite hobby: yoga, gardening, knitting
– Doing a 5K on the treadmill or stationary bike
– Creating a safe and socially distanced stroll in their neighborhood
– Take photos and videos and share your activity on favorite social media with the link to your walk fundraising page and the hashtag #NotAlone.

Together, we can make a difference for people affected by mental illness.
The only limit of NAMIWalks Your Way is staying safe, healthy, and inspired. Share your ideas with us!
Remember: United, we insist on Mental Health for All.
Register here>>

Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day : Making Things Better for Our Children and Our System
2021-10-08 10:00
This webinar will highlight the history and meaning of both Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day. Supports to help our children during mental illness awareness week will be shared, as will opportunities to improve our system using the principles of World Mental Health Day. This webinar is appropriate for families, youth, anyone working with families, policy makers and anyone who cares about mental health and our children.

Join here>>

Drop In Family Support Time
2021-10-07 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group..
Join here>>

Mississippi Parent Conference
2021-10-07 09:00 - 16:00
Mississippi Department of Education
Building Partnerships…Working Together Mississippi Parent Conference. This event will provide guidance and training for parents, teachers, advocates, and others as it pertains to children with disabilities.
Training will provide guidance and training for parents, teachers, advocates, and others as it pertains to children with disabilities.
The conference will be held in person at the Hilton on County Line Road in Jackson. Guests will also have the option to attend virtually. Please share the registration link with parents of children with disabilities. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Armerita Tell (atell@mdek12.org)
Registration here>>

Virtual Leadership Training - Sept. 30 & Oct 1 - Families as Allies
2021-10-01 09:00 - 11:30
This training is for parents, caregivers and staff members who are interested in learning to serve on decision-making groups and committees. There will be 2 sessions, and each session will last 2.5 hours. Participants must attend all sessions for the entire session in order to receive their certificate. They also must be able to join the sessions from a device that has a camera and stay on camera throughout all sessions. Parents and caregivers who are receiving a stipend for completing this training must also turn in all course evaluations in addition to completing the other requirements in order to receive their stipends.
Register now >>

Stabilizing Housing for Families of Children Who Experience Mental Health and/or Substance Use Challenges
2021-09-30 13:00 - 14:00
Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC) and National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC)
Childhood is a crucial time for brain development and disruptions during these key stages can have a lasting negative impact. According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, approximately 1 in 45 children experiences homelessness every year. Contributing factors include traumatic stress, mental health challenges (especially depression) and substance use. To further complicate matters, the experience of homelessness itself is considered a traumatic experience and is likely to exacerbate symptoms of mental illness and addiction in both children and adults.
Families who have children of any age living with them who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges are more likely than others to experience homelessness. Additionally, during times of stress or crisis, children are less likely to be engaged in mental health and substance use support services – times when they and their families need help the most. Often, these children may act out by being loud or engaging in destructive behavior while symptomatic on the property. These behaviors may result in families facing eviction and homelessness.
In this 2-part series presented by the Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC) and National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC), we will share important information about family homelessness and the supports available to help families regain housing stability. Our goal is to equip parents/caregivers, the family peer support workforce and mental health and substance use professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to assist families who experiencing homelessness and/or to protect them from this traumatic experience before it occurs.
Register here>>
