Talk Lead with MELR and MSDH
2024-10-15 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
It’s Lead Prevention Month! The Mississippi Early Learning Resources and the Mississippi Department of Health are coming together to discuss all you need to know about lead.
Join us via Zoom on October 15th at 11:00 AM to learn about lead poisoning, sources of lead, prevention strategies, the Healthy Homes Program, and more.
Register here>>

Heart Work Series: Am I Just Another Number? Healing-centered Re-unification for Young People who are Justice-impacted
2024-10-15 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-10-22 11:00 - 12:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health

State studies by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reveal a 55% re-arrest rate for youth within a year of release, compared to a 24% reincarceration and re-confinement rate. This series challenges the traditional focus on re-entry plans, which often fail to address the underlying needs of young people. We’ll explore how cross-systems of care can help young people transition from re-entry to re-integration with their communities and families.
In each session, you’ll hear from national and international leaders working on the frontlines of youth justice championing healing-centered approaches. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new paradigms for youth justice!

Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-10-16 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., via Zoom. You may access the meeting in person, online, or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83452343575pwd=[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)
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to:
Mississippi Department of Education
Attn: Sharon Strong Coon
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.

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Understanding the Law: Special Education
2024-10-16 10:00 - 15:00
William Carey University School of Education
Educators and administrators struggle with the ever-changing dynamics of special education requirements. The Carey Institute for Excellence is hosting a one-day seminar on October 16, with attorney Ms. KaShonda Day, an experienced educational law practitioner. She will be joined by school psychologist, Dr. Sarah Seabrook.
This seminar was designed specifically for school administrators, board members, special education directors, case managers, lead teachers, etc., who face day-to-day mitigation of risks for students with special needs. A portion of the seminar will include a Q & A session specifically for participants.
This is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, from 9 am until 3 pm, at the Hattiesburg Train Depot. The cost is $75 with lunch provided. Registration and fees must be confirmed by October 9 for registration to be held due to limited capacity.
Register here>>

Meeting Families Where They Are: Developing and Implementing a Tiered Care Coordination System for Youth Behavioral Health Needs
2024-10-16 13:00
National Wraparound Initiative
This webinar is intended for educators, mental health professionals, clinicians, care coordinators, and system leaders interested in learning how a tiered care coordination model could benefit the families they serve. The session will also provide an overview of key considerations for implementing a tiered care coordination model. Attendees will gain actionable insight into the latest and most effective practices for implementing a tiered care coordination model. Whether you are seeking to enhance an existing system or start from scratch, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth and their families.
Register here>>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2024-10-17 09:00 - 10:00
Department of Mental Health
The Department of Mental Health Regular Board meeting will be held on October 17, 2024, at 9:00 am.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
1818 College Drive
Meridian MS 39307

Contact Information
Suzanne Marler
6013596260
suzanne.marler@dmh.ms.gov

Purple Dress Run 2024
2024-10-17 18:00
Race Roster
Grab your shoes and best purple running “dress” and join us at The District at Eastover for a 5K run/walk through Jackson to benefit Catholic Charities Shelter for Battered Families. Plan to stay for the after-party on the Green!
Register here>>

Families as Allies Board Quarterly Board Meeting (POSTPONED)
2024-10-17 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 >>

Purple Thursday
2024-10-17 18:30 - 20:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith (BBGDF)
Let’s all come together and wear purple to show our support for survivors of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and on Purple Thursday (October 17, 2024), we can make a difference by wearing purple to raise awareness and stand with those affected by domestic violence. Let’s unite in our efforts to end domestic violence and let survivors know that they are not alone.
While this event is FREE, registration is required. All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear PURPLE during this event.
Register here>>

Fall Movie in the Park
2024-10-19 20:00
Tupelo Parks and Recreation
Fall Movie Night at Ballard Park showing Inside Out 2. This event is free and will have resources on mental health available for families.
Ballard Park Soccer Fields near the concession stand.

21st Annual ADHD and Related Concerns Conference
2024-10-21 00:00 - 2024-10-22 00:00
Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium, Inc.
The ADHD and Related Concerns Conference draws an audience of at least 500 professionals and is a popular resource for school administrators, educators, counselors, marriage and family therapists, health care providers, nurses, psychologists, social workers, dyslexia therapists, speech-language pathologists, parents, and caregivers.
This year, a variety of sessions will be offered and will include topics related to ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, behavior disorders, behavior management strategies, individualized educational best practices, social and emotional learning, suicide prevention, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning/behavioral difficulties experienced by children and adolescents.
The Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium (GCEIC) will again serve as conference directors for 2024 and will provide the Conference Tracker app, allowing sponsors and vendors the ability to set up profiles and interact with conference participants.

Register here>>

The Literacy Hour
2024-10-21 07:00 - 08:00
Test-Taking Solution (TM) Foundation
The Test-Taking Solution Foundation is results-oriented. We strive for our members’ achievement and are committed to their success. They believe literacy and teamwork are vital to success and essential to the health of any community.
The Test-Taking Solution Foundation invites you to its Literacy Hour every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.

State of the Child Address & Awards Ceremony by Judge Hicks, Hinds County Youth Court
2024-10-21 15:00
The Hinds County Children’s Coalition
Please save the date and plan to attend the Hinds County Youth Court’s State of the Child Address on October 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Henley-Young-Patton Juvenile Justice Center lobby at Hinds County Youth Court.
We look forward to celebrating our 2024 Champions for Children and Families with each of you, sharing information about the status of youth served by your Youth Court, and engaging our stakeholder community on opportunities for youth and families in Hinds County.
To join us, RSVP to Cynthia Moore, Court Administrator, no later than October 17th at cmoore@co.hinds.ms.us.

Building Social Connections: An Introduction to the PEERS Program
2024-10-22 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
PEERS is the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills. This program was developed by psychologists at UCLA and has proven to be effective at raising the social skills of children, youth, adolescents, and young adults. Typically, individuals with autism benefit from this program, but anyone that could improve their social skills would benefit in participating.
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-10-23 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>>

Stomp Out Bullying
2024-10-24 17:00 - 20:00
Nfusion Metro
Join NFusion Metro for the ‘Stomp Out Bully Youth Showcase’ hosted by Jim Hill High School Ms. Junior, Kennedi Howard! Get ready to be wowed by talented performers like Lanier Rangerettes , Provine Cheer Team, Central MS Kappa League, and More. Let’s stand up against bullying together!
Register here>>

MCADV Candlelight Vigil
2024-10-24 18:00 - 19:00
Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence
We invite you to join us as we gather in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Our vigil will take place at 6 PM on the South steps of the State Capitol.
If you have a loved one whose life was taken too soon due to domestic violence and would like their name read aloud during the vigil, please click the link below to share their information with us.
If you have any questions or need support regarding the candlelight vigil, please don’t hesitate to call 601-981-9196. We are grateful for your support as we come together in solidarity.
Register here>>

Save the Date: Annual Community Health Fair
2024-10-26
Community Counseling Services
Save The Date:
What: Annual Community Health Fair
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Where: St James United Methodist Church
722 Military Road
Columbus, MS 39701
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

14th Annual SHERO Gala Awards Dinner
2024-10-26 06:30 - 22:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith (BBGDF) is pleased to invite you to join us at the 14th Annual SHERO Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 6:30 pm for a special evening celebrating our 14th anniversary and honoring this year’s recipients of advocates, survivors, and change makers.
The theme of the night is “It Is Necessary.” All proceeds from the gala will fund our programs which offer educational workshops and practical workshops & resources at no cost to women in our community.
Join us in this extraordinary celebration of the tireless advocacy and passionate work of BBGDF on behalf of domestic violence.
Register here>>

Out of The Darkness Walk at Ballard Park
2024-10-26 11:00
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The Community Walks, held in hundreds of communities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their connections to the cause and a platform to create a smarter culture about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.
It’s more important than ever for us to stay connected. Register Today and help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Register here>>

October Fest 2024
2024-10-26 12:00 - 17:00
Jayne Avenue Community Center
October Fest 2024 is on October 26. It will feature food, fun, live entertainment, a youth talent show with cash prizes, and more. It is free and open to the community!

We are encouraging our community members to Get Out the Vote this November. Candidates are invited to come. We are also calling for vendors!

Circle of Color Book Club will also be there to give out FREE BOOKS!

Belmont Baptist Church October Fest
2024-10-26 17:00 - 19:00
Belmont Sunday School and Youth Fellowship Ministries
Enjoy family, food, fun, and fellowship at the Belmont Baptist Church October fest, which will be held on October 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Raymond, MS.

What Is UDL (Universal Design for Learning)? An Introduction for Families
2024-10-28 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Universal 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.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Children and Lead: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Them
2024-10-29 12:30 - 13:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Children under 6 are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning. The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. In this fun and informative session, participants will learn about the dangers of lead, common sources of lead, lead exposure prevention, and community resources for families.
Register here>>

Family Exchange - October Session
2024-10-30 13:00 - 14:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
This presentation focuses on the importance of sustaining passion and commitment while engaging in the difficult yet rewarding work of advocating for and supporting families navigating the mental or behavioral health system. Attendees will gain insights into balancing the personal and professional demands of this field while protecting the passion that drives their work.
Register here>>

Ambetter Health Day
2024-11-02 11:00 - 14:00
Ambetter from Magnolia Health
Come join the fun at our Ambetter Health Day! This FREE family-friendly event is open to Ambetter from Magnolia Health members and the public. Ambetter from Magnolia Health, along with our community partners, will share health and wellness resources for the whole family.
Supplies are limited, so come early!Join Ambetter

Below the Surface (Vitality Café)
2024-11-06 18:00 - 19:00
Be Strong Families
Our A Taste of Cafés series previews Cafés—Be Strong Families’ internationally known, structured, small group conversations! Join Be Strong Families for a free session where you can participate in peer-to-peer discussions that facilitate transformation, healing, and strength within families.
The theme of this meeting is Below The Surface. The story goes that while we can see the swan gliding gracefully across the water, what we cannot see is how furiously it is paddling beneath the surface so that it can stay afloat. It isn’t easy to show the world our struggles. But how does this affect our vitality? Let’s talk about it at this vitality café.
Register here>>

Registration is Live! NFF 35th Anniversary Conference
2024-11-07 - 2024-11-09
National Federation of Families
For 35 years, the National Federation of Families has brought together families, parents, community leaders, providers, partners, and legislators at our Annual Conference. We work to leverage our lived experience and learned solutions for the support and advancement of families whose children—of any age—experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. To accomplish this, we welcome diverse expertise and voices of lived experience to learn from and alongside at our annual conference.
This year, join the National Federation of Families for their 35th Annual Conference in Orlando, FL! Don’t miss valuable breakout sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities to network and promote your support services.
Register here>>

Employability Job Extravaganza
2024-11-07 09:00 - 13:00
Arc of Northeast Mississippi
With sponsorship and support from the Arc Northwest Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Arc of Northeast Mississippi is thrilled to host this Inclusive Job Fair in Northeast Mississippi. The fair aims to provide students with invaluable educational experiences while showcasing their potential to local businesses.

Please note: This event is not open to the public. Students will be transported to the venue by bus.
