Families as Allies

End The Cycle Stop Gun Violence
2025-04-26 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Jackson Police Department
Join the Jackson Police Department in taking a stand against gun violence.
Be a part of the Youth March Against Violence and help end the cycle. Together, we can raise awareness and promote peace in our community. The march kicks off at 810 Cooper Road Precinct 1 and will conclude at Sykes Park.

Girl Talk: A Purple Talk Table Event
2025-04-26 11:00 - 12:45
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
Join Butterflies BBGDF for Girl Talk: Purple Table Talk Edition, an empowering and private space for women to discuss important topics like Pleasure, Sensual Love, and Body Shaming. This session is designed to foster conversations about womanhood, survival, and healing, all in a safe and supportive environment.
Our keynote speaker, Keiona Cavett, M.A., brings her expertise as an educator, sex educator, and community outreach coordinator to guide these meaningful discussions.
Register here>>

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
2025-04-27 14:30 - 16:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Join BBGDF by participate in a one-mile walk to raise awareness around the issues of rape, sexual assault and gender violence.
The goal of this march is to empower men to join the efforts of women by literally walking in their shoes. We aim to make our communities safe places for all and to provide an opportunity for communities to discuss these important issues. We want our clergy community, churches, coaches, political members, first responders, and all to participate in this year’s walk.
Register here>>

Autism Screening Day
2025-04-28 10:00 - 18:00
MS LIFT
Join us for MECIC Statewide Autism Screening Day, a free event offering screenings for children aged 5 and under. Families across Mississippi can access expert evaluations to support early childhood development.
Take advantage of this opportunity to support your child’s growth and development. Early detection can make a difference!
Call to schedule an appointment: 601-266-4745

Keys to Building Effective Communication Skills
2025-04-28 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Effective communication is essential for creating meaningful relationships, reaching common goals, and navigating conflicts – whether in personal life or the workplace. It includes expressing ideas clearly, listening attentively, and picking up on nonverbal signals. When people develop effective communication skills, they build trust, empathy, and teamwork, which positively impact many areas of life. Join us as we explore these invaluable life skills.
Register here>>

Operation Shoestring Spring Fling 2025
2025-04-30 17:30 - 19:30
Operation Shoestring
Join Operation Shoestring Families and Friends for an evening of community, music, and delicious food at the Spring Fling Celebration!
Enjoy live music, great food, and a special moment to celebrate the incredible volunteers and community members who make a difference daily.
Register here>>

Denim Day 2025
2025-04-30 18:30 - 20:45
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
DENIM DAY is about bringing awareness to sexual violence issues, supporting survivors, and educating ourselves and others. Join millions of people across the world in wearing jeans with a purpose- support Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in protest against injustice and rape culture.
Join BBGDF and community partners for an evening honoring and empowering survivors of sexual violence. We encourage all parents, youth, and community members to show solidarity with survivors.
Register here>>

Bridging The Gap: Mental Health & Crisis Intervention Teams
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-02
NAMI Mississippi
Mental health crises are increasing in communities everywhere, placing unprecedented pressure on law enforcement, healthcare systems, and families. Addressing these challenges requires more than resources—it demands understanding, collaboration, and a shared commitment to care.
Community: Empowering individuals and families with resources and support as they navigate mental health.
Law Enforcement: Training and tools to support officers in responding to mental health crises with care and expertise.
Healthcare Systems: Enhancing partnerships to facilitate more seamless and effective crisis management and recovery care.
2025 marks a historic milestone in Mississippi for the first-ever joint state-wide conference. Themed “Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Teams,” this groundbreaking event aims to transform how mental health crises are handled in our communities.
Register here>>

Empower Together
2025-05-02 13:00
The Arc
Don’t Miss This Unique Opportunity! The Arc is proud to host a free training session led by Dr. Jeanfreau from USM, a renowned expert in relationships and sexuality in IDD. Using a nationally recognized curriculum, Dr. Jeanfreau will guide participants in building awareness and understanding.
This training is open to both service providers and those who receive services, and it’s absolutely FREE! Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly.
Important: Be sure to note the two locations and different training dates.
Empower yourself with knowledge—because knowledge is powerful and essential for safety.
To reserve your spot, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lisa Burck at lisa@arcms.org

Family Fun Day
2025-05-05 13:00 - 16:00
Pearl River Valley
Join the Fun at Family Fun Day in Hattiesburg!
Looking for something exciting to do with the family? Head over to Vernon Dahamer Park in Hattiesburg, MS, on Monday, May 5th, from 1 PM to 4 PM for a day packed with fun, food, and community celebration!

Kindergarten Readiness Working Group
2025-05-07 14:00
Mississippi Early Childhood Development Coalition
Would you like to join an ECDC working group that focuses on how public school districts can help prepare children and families for kindergarten and support families in building babies’ and toddlers’ brains? We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 via Zoom. Our first meeting was on April 2, 2025.
Register here>>

A Bridge of Hope Where Faith and Mental Health Connect
2025-05-08 08:00 - 15:00
Mississippi Public Health Institute
Join the Mississippi Public Health Institute on Thursday, May 8 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm for A Bridge of Hope a Mental Health Faith Based Summit where Faith and Mental Health meet.
Register here>>

Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council
2025-05-08 10:00 - 12:00
Department of Mental Health
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

Review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and 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.

Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Mississippi State Hospital
3550 Highway 80 W
Whitfield, MS 39193
Contact Information
August Irving
601-359-6204
august.irving@dmh.ms.gov

Jefferson Davis Health and Wellness Community Fair
2025-05-10 09:00 - 13:00
Damionh Jones
Join Damionh Jones at the Jefferson Davis County Health & Wellness Fair! Let’s come together to revitalize physical education and community engagement in our area because we all deserve access to fun activities, love, and opportunities to grow!
Register here>>

The Magical Road to Sweet Surprises
2025-05-10 10:00 - 14:00
Help Me Grow Mississippi
Mark your calendars for “The Magical Road to Sweet Surprises”, hosted by Be Undefeated Therapeutic Solutions! This event is a wonderful way to learn about your child’s developmental milestones while enjoying a fun and interactive environment.

Overcoming The Obstacles
2025-05-10 11:00 - 15:00
MS Alliance to End Suicide
Join the MS Alliance to End Suicide for Overcoming the Obstacles, a special event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness for youth and adults. Families can enjoy a day filled with fun activities.
The event begins with sign-up at 10 AM and an opening ceremony at 10:30 AM.
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by making a difference—register early and learn more by texting “May Event” to 601-573-4195.

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-05-12 - 2025-05-16
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

May 12-16, 2025

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

July 14-18, 2025
September 15-19, 2025
November 17-21, 2025
January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Advocacy Academy (Part 1)
2025-05-12 08:00 - 17:00
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>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants, parent educators, and parents who have completed parent peer support training are strongly encouraged to attend. We will discuss current trends in parent peer support, national standards for parent peer support, continuing education opportunities, and local and state issues affecting parent peer support. The group also provides support and coaching for any specific issues participants share. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.
Register here >>

Clothing, Hygiene & Pantry Donation Drive
2025-05-16 - 2025-05-26
Fieldhouse for the Homeless
Help support Fieldhouse for the Homeless in Hattiesburg, MS by donating essential items to individuals experiencing homelessness. Donations are being accepted now through May 26 at the Prentiss Public Library.
Items Accepted:

New socks and undergarments.
Gently used men’s and women’s clothing
Hygene items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, feminine products
Pantry items: canned goods, dry goods, and bottled water

Drop-off Location: Prentiss Public Library
Need help donating? Email Mariah Evans at mariahdionne.evans@gmail.com to arrange a pickup or discuss other donation options.

Caregiver / Parent Peer Support Specialist Training Graduation
2025-05-16 13:00
Families as Allies
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 the graduates’ friends and families, 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 >>

Mind, Body & Heart
2025-05-19 09:00 - 11:30
Woolfolk Middle School
We invite you to be a part of this empowering event on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Woolfolk Middle School, located at 209 W. 5th Street, Yazoo City, MS. The fair will take place from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and is designed to focus on the Mind, Body & Heart of our students.
This exciting health and wellness fair promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Guests will be able to engage in activities, gather valuable health information, and connect with resources supporting a healthy lifestyle. Whether learning about nutrition, participating in physical activities, or understanding heart health, this event offers something for everyone.
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your health and well-being!
For more information, contact Zina Allen at 662-571-6828 or zallen@masd.k12.ms.us.

What is SEL (Social Emotional Learning): An Introduction for Families
2025-05-19 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process through which people build awareness and skills in managing their emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life. SEL is a critical part of our development that starts in the home and continues in our schools and communities. Join us to learn more on the essential roles we as family members play in supporting healthy child development and in allowing student learning to continue across the many settings in which our children learn.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2025-05-19 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Let’s talk about the importance of self-advocacy, what families/parents can do to help youth with planning for the future. The message of the session is simple: Access to information and resources will strengthen families/parents ability to participate in the process and improve transition into the community for youth and young adults.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-05-21 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, May 21,, 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.
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.

Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral at MSU Extension
2025-05-21 10:00 - 12:00
Mississippi LIFT
Families are invited to attend a local Community Event hosted by Mississippi LIFT in partnership with MSU Extension. The event will provide resources, referrals, and support for families in the area.
Location:Co-Lin Simpson R&R151 Co-Lin DriveMendenhall, MS 39114
Phone:
601-849-0118
Date & Time:Wednesday, May 21, 202510:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST
This is a great opportunity to connect with community programs and services that support children and families.

Community Resource Fair
2025-05-23 11:00 - 14:00
Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc.
Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. invites you to a Community Resource Fair on May 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Danny Hinton Community Center, located at 225 Tatum Rd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
This event will bring together a variety of community partners and agencies to provide valuable information and resources to individuals and families. Representatives will be available from:

Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Regions
PRVO – Forrest County CSBG/LIHEAP
PRVO – Head Start
SEMRHI
South MS Housing Authority
Dream Center
Edward Street Fellowship Center
Cadence Bank
…and more!

Come explore local programs, ask questions, and connect with services that can support your family’s needs and goals.
For more information, visit www.prvoinc.org or call 601-545-8110.

Pathway to Employment: Essential Skills for Youth with Disabilities
2025-05-27 11:30 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Join us for a dynamic training session designed to equip young adults with disabilities with key skills for future employment. This session will provide hands-on strategies to build confidence and workplace readiness, with a focus on summer activities that support personal and professional growth.
Register here<<

Donate Blood: Mississippi Blood Bus
2025-05-27 14:00 - 18:00
Harrisville Public Library
Join the Harrisville Public Library as they host the Mississippi Blood Bus for a community blood drive on Tuesday, May 27, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Donating blood is a powerful way to give back — one donation can potentially help save up to three lives.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2025-05-28 12:00
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>>
