Families as Allies

Back to School Give Back Day
2024-07-31 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
CANOPY Children’s Solutions
Celebrate the start of the new school year with a Back to School Give Back day!
Back-to-school supplies are exclusively available for LINK families. Additionally, a mattress giveaway will be held for families who bring their children and have a means of transporting the mattress.
To become a vendor, please email Traci Stewart at traci.stewart@mycanopy.org. Canopy is also asking vendors to bring a baby item.

SAMHSA-Sponsored Webinar Informal and Formal Family Peer Support: The Impact and Evidence
2024-07-30 12:30 - 14:00
National Federation of Families
Family peer support provides hope and community for families of loved ones of any age with mental health and substance use challenges, serious mental illnesses, and/or serious emotional disturbances. The growing evidence base reaffirms an abundance of stories from families who have benefitted from peer support.
Register here>>

Special Education Law Conference & CLE
2024-07-30 09:00 - 17:00
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
The 2024 Special Education Law Conference & CLE will focus on dispute resolution in special education and will include recent rulings and decisions under both IDEA and Section 504, ethics, and a panel discussion.
July 30, 2024
Mississippi College School of Law
151 E. Griffith Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
For more information, contact
Jennifer Johnson at jennifer@mspti.org or 601-969-0601
Register here>>

Juvenile Justice Town Hall Series: Community - Led Juvenile Justice Convening
2024-07-27 10:00 - 14:00
Hinds County Children’s Coalition
The Hinds County Children’s Coalition, in collaboration with The Honorable Carlyn Hicks, Hinds County Youth Court Judge, invites you to be part of the Juvenile Justice Town Hall Series.
This is a unique opportunity for the community to engage in meaningful dialogue about juvenile justice.
School Supply Giveaway Don’t miss out on our special school supply giveaway, which is perfect for gearing up for the new school year!
Enjoy refreshments as you participate in this important event.
We welcome everyone to join this public event and contribute to the conversation.
Register here >>

Parent Resource Fair
2024-07-26 10:00 - 14:00
Delta Health Alliance’s Leflore Promise Community
This event will equip parents with the resources to successfully support their children during the 2024-2025 school year.
FREE to register. Deadline: July 25, 2024
Join us for onsite demonstrations showcasing our programs! Plus, Live Music, Food, and Door Prizes.
Register here>>

Learning how vicarious trauma affects us is the first step to improving our well-being and ability to sustain positive relationships.
2024-07-24 12:00 - 2024-07-25 16:00
Be Strong Families
Trauma impacts our well-being, whether the other people are our friends, clients, co-workers, or family members. Learning how vicarious trauma affects us is the first step to improving our well-being and ability to sustain positive relationships.
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-07-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-26 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>>

Project SEARCH: What's Happening in Mississippi
2024-07-23 11:30 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
The Project SEARCH Program is a unique, business-led, nine-month employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Up to 12 students with disabilities experience total workplace immersion, classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through three different worksite rotations. The goal for each participant is competitive employment. To reach that goal, the program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent-living skills to help young people with significant disabilities make successful transitions to productive adult life.
274 individuals with disabilities have graduated from Project SEARCH Mississippi since Project SEARCH UMMC launched in August 2018. 162 of those individuals have gained employment. There are 53 graduates currently seeking employment. Mississippi currently has 28 Project SEARCH sites across the state. Over 200 interns will be participating in Project SEARCH beginning in August, 2024.
Register here>>

Community Health Fair
2024-07-23 10:00 - 14:00
The City of Hattiesburg Community Development Division and the South Mississippi Housing Authority
The City of Hattiesburg Community Development Division and the South Mississippi Housing Authority is hosting a Community Health Fair. We want to encourage healthy lifestyles and prevent and manage diseases. If you have health and medical information to share or services to offer the community, the health fair is the place to be. The health fair will be on Tuesday, July 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Train Depot.
There is no fee to register and we are asking your company to donate a door prize. We will provide you with a table and chairs for your area. We ask you to RSVP by July 16th.
Register here>>

Back to School Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair
2024-07-20 09:00 - 12:00
Mississippi SHINE Project & Sister Prints
Join Mississippi SHINE Project and Sister Prints for their Back to School Backpack Giveaway, School Supplies & Resource Fair on Saturday, July 20th, in Collins.
Enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by Grade A Smokes!
While supplies last, Children must be present to receive a backpack.
Register here>>

Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2024-07-19 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>>

Families as Allies Board Quarterly Board Meeting (POSTPONED)
2024-07-18 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 >>

Let's Get Ready for Your Adventure Community Health Fair
2024-07-18 13:00 - 18:30
Grace Christian Counseling Center
Join Grace Christian Counseling Center for an enlightening afternoon at the Warren County—Vicksburg Public Library. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in demonstrations, participate in panel discussions, and win door prizes. There will also be various valuable resources.
The Special Guest for the day is MOVE to LEARN’s Coach Calhoun.
Mark your calendars and be a part of this enriching experience. We look forward to seeing you there!

First Steps to Next Steps: Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education
2024-07-16 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
What is transition? What are the next steps? Families are often overwhelmed with all the changes when their child turns three. This session will provide an overview of the process, resources, and information on preparing for the future.
Register here>>

Marion County Education & Health Fair
2024-07-13 11:00 - 14:00
United Way of Southeast Mississippi
Join us for this free event, which will highlight the education and health resources in Marion County. Other things to look forward to: kid haircuts, school supplies and uniforms, health screenings, refreshments, children’s books, and a Touch-a-Truck area!
Register here>>

Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
2024-07-11 10:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
Councils on Developmental Disabilities are federally funded, self-governing organizations identifying the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in their state or territory.
The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities meets quarterly, usually on the second Thursday of the month beginning in January of each year. Please contact the Council office for the location. The time is usually 10 am—2 pm.

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-07-10 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, 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.
Visit our website for more information and to register:

Register here >>

Mental Health and Substance Use Challenge Prevention and Recovery: Poverty as an Equity Issue
2024-07-09 12:30 - 14:00
National Federation of Families
Poverty creates barriers to equity within the Social Determinants of Health—economic stability, safe environment, social and community well-being, and access to quality education and healthcare. In this panel discussion, the Association of State Health Officials and the National Federation of Families bring together individuals with professional and lived expertise to discuss the impact of poverty, particularly on access to behavioral health services along the continuum of prevention, crisis intervention, and sustained recovery.
Register here>>

Children and Lead: What You Don't Know Can Hurt Them
2024-06-27 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>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-06-26 10:15
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in the East Building’s Conference Room on the 3rd floor and via Zoom. You may access the meeting either in person, online, or by phone.
You may access the meeting in person, online, or by phone.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
East Building-Large Conference Room: 3rd floor
1281 Hwy 51 North
Madison, MS 39110
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)
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.

Add to calendar

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-06-26 10:15
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in the East Building’s Conference Room on the 3rd floor and via Zoom. You may access the meeting either in person, online, or by phone.
You may access the meeting in person, online, or by phone.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
East Building-Large Conference Room: 3rd floor
1281 Hwy 51 North
Madison, MS 39110
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)
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.

Add to calendar

Teaming and Collaborating Part 3: Sharing What You Know with Professionals
2024-06-25 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You know your child best. Sharing what you know with professionals can help them provide the most appropriate services and support. As a parent or family member, you have much to contribute to the team. Join us and learn tips on how to share and other important tips.
Register here>>

Virtual NAMI Peer-to-Peer (NAMI Central Mississippi)
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00
NAMI
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who’ve been there, the program includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. Specific dates will be provided, but sessions will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
This virtual group experience provides the opportunity for mutual support and positive impact. You can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who relate to your experiences. Through your participation, you have the chance to help others grow. This is a confidential place to learn from shared experiences in an environment of sincere, uncritical acceptance. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope for all people living with mental illness.
Register here>>

Community Outreach and Engagement Training
2024-06-22 10:00 - 11:00
Families as Allies
Families as Allies is training interested parents and caregivers to help with outreach in communities across MS. These trainings will focus on outreach at conferences and events, presenting to community groups about FAA, and supporting families with school and other types of meetings within communities.
Our second training will focus on how to give a basic talk in the community about FAA and is scheduled for June 22 from 10 am to 11 a.m. via zoom. We will pay a training stipend to parents and caregivers who attend. You can register at this link. If you have questions, please contact Jackie Taylor at 601-519-4161.
Register here>>

A Taste of Cafés: Like Riding a Bike (Dad’s Café)
2024-06-21 12:00 - 13:30
Strong Families
Helping your child learn to ride a bike is about encouraging them and helping them up when they fall. Success in life is just like riding a bike: having someone to cheer you on and help you up when you stumble can make a difference. Join us as we celebrate fathers’ presence in their children’s lives.
Register here>>

Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:00
Does your school ever call and ask you to come pick up your child who has an IEP because your child is upset?
Has the school told you to take your child for an evaluation and not bring them back to school until you get an evaluation?
Do you ever wonder if your child needs an IEP? Does your child have an IEP, and you wonder whether or not it is working?
If you said yes to any of these questions, or you have other questions about things going on in your child’s school, then come join us.
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school 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.
Register here>>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2024-06-20 09:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health
Board Committee meetings will be held prior to the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.
Click here for notice information:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/991db1c4-6b2f-4279-be01-e239b53d8c90
Meeting Location

North MS Regional Center
967 Regional Center Dr.
Oxford MS 38655
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

CCDF 2025 2027 Triennial State Plan Public Hearing
2024-06-19 10:00
Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services will host its CCDF 2025 2027 Triennial State Plan Public Hearing Virtually on June 19th, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Register here>>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2024-06-19 09:00
Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health Regular Board meeting will be held on June 19, 2025, at 9:00 am.
Click here for notice information:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/991db1c4-6b2f-4279-be01-e239b53d8c90

Meeting Location

1049 Simpson Hwy 149
Magee MS 39111
