Families as Allies

Out of the Darkness Community Walks | MS Gulf Coast Walk
2025-11-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Register here>>

Holiday 2025 Parent Support Group
2025-11-10 17:00 - 18:30
Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
This one-time group is for parents of adoptees and foster parents to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Together, we’ll explore how to navigate both the joys and challenges that can arise during the holiday season.
Participants will gain practical strategies, discover new ways to understand the holidays from their child’s perspective, and receive valuable resources to help support their families throughout this time of year.
This Holiday 2025 Parent Support Group will meet on Zoom, Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:00 – 7:30pm EST. (5:00 – 6:30 pm CST).
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-14 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 each month at 12:00 p.m. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.
Register here >>

Health & Wellness Resource Fair
2025-11-12 12:30 - 15:00
Yazoo City High School
Join us for the Health & Wellness Resource Fair at Yazoo City High School on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM. This community event will feature free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, glucose testing, and BMI assessments. You can also connect with local community resources and take part in fun fitness challenges.
The fair is open to everyone, with a focus on promoting health, education, and outreach. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about your health and discover valuable resources for you and your family.
To register for the fair, please confirm your commitment by email. ztallen@yazoocity.k12.ms.us.

Health & Wellness Resource Fair
2025-11-12 12:30 - 15:00
Yazoo City High School
You’re invited to the Health & Wellness Resource Fair at Yazoo City High School—a free community event focused on health, fitness, and wellness.
Location: 1825 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Yazoo City, MS 39194 Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This fair offers free health screenings and fun activities for all ages. Services include blood pressure checks, glucose testing, BMI assessments, fitness challenges, and access to local community resources.
Hosted by Zina Allen, RN, Director of Student Health Services, this event is a great way to learn about your health and connect with wellness professionals.
Contact Info:

Phone: 662-571-6828

Email: ztallen@yazoocity.k12.ms.us

Fall Health & Resource Fairs | Save the Date
2025-11-13
SEMRHI

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SEMRHI) has been delivering quality healthcare to communities across the region since 1980. Their commitment ensures that no one is turned away due to inability to pay, with a sliding fee scale available based on family size and income.
You’re invited to SEMRHI’s Fall Health & Resources Fair! Explore local health services, resources, and support—all in one place.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Resource Fair
2025-11-15 08:30 - 15:30
UMMC Center for Advancement of Youth
Come join us at the Family Friendly Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Resource Fair—a free event designed to support families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Location: Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
This fair brings together trusted organizations, expert resources, and fun activities in a welcoming, family-friendly space. It’s hosted by the UMMC Center for Advancement of Youth, in partnership with the COA Foundation, MCARDD, and SPARK for Autism.
Why Attend?

Learn about autism support services
Connect with professionals and other families
Enjoy a day of learning, sharing, and community

Important Deadlines

Participant Registration: by October 15, 2025
Vendor/Organization Registration: by October 31, 2025

Everyone is welcome and admission is free!
Register here >>

Together for Tomorrow: ﻿Autism & Learning Workshop
2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Join MSPTI on Saturday, November 15th, for their FREE event, Together for Tomorrow: Autism & Learning Workshop, taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Picayune Church of God, located at 2464 Hwy 43 S in Picayune, MS.
Topics covered include:

Understanding autism and developmental delays
Classroom and group management strategies for teachers and church leaders
Supporting parents during challenging moments
Resources available for families in Pearl River County and Mississippi
Testimonies and encouragement from community and church leaders

This event, which is hosted by Picayune Church of God, is open to the public, and childcare will be provided. Light refreshments will be served, and parking will be available on-site.
For more information, contact Lacey Odom at (662) 417-8559 or email laceyodom@aol.com.
Register here>>

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-21
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:

November 17-21, 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:

January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-11-19 10:00
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.

BSF Parent Cafes
2025-11-20 09:00, 2025-12-11 09:00
Be Strong Families
If you ever needed a place to learn how to keep families strong—this is it! This information session will give you a complete overview of the Be Strong Families’ Parent Cafés and the process of how to make them a part of your parent outreach.
Register here>>

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>>

Caregiver / Parent Peer Support Specialist Training Graduation
2025-11-21 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 >>

Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Advisory Committee
2025-11-21 13:00
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee (EHDI-AC), established by state statute (MS Code 41-90-7), is an advisory committee appointed by the State Health Officer to advise and assist the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention on the identification of infants and toddlers with hearing impairments and linking them with early intervention services.

Work. Family. Children. Holiday Blues? Workshop
2025-11-24 10:00 - 12:00
Women United Healthcare and Consultants LLC
Feeling the weight of work, family, children, and the holiday blues?You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Join us for an uplifting and empowering session designed to help you reset, recharge, and reclaim your joy.
Register by email and pay at the event. Come join the fun! Make a Thankful Wreath and focus less on the depression and more on gratitude!
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>>

Pathways to Possibilities: Transition to Triumph Conference
2025-12-04 08:30 - 16:30
Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Special Education
The Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Special Education, is excited to host the Pathways to Possibilities: Transition to Triumph Conference on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Hilton in North Jackson.
This one-day event is designed for educators, administrators, early childhood professionals, families, service providers, and community partners. Together, we will explore strategies to support children and students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.
The conference will feature an inspiring keynote speaker and breakout sessions covering topics such as early childhood, K–12, postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
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.

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2025-12-18 09:30
Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health Regular Board meeting will be held on December 18, 2024, at 9:30 am.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location
967 Regional Center Dr.
Oxford MS 38655

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

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2026-01-12 - 2026-01-16
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:

January 12-16, 2026

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:

March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Families as Allies Board Quarterly Board Meeting
2026-01-15 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 >>
