Families as Allies

Bloom and Grow Family Fun Day
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
The Mississippi Early Childhood Association (MsECA) and United Way of Southeastern Mississippi
Join MsECA for a Special Needs Resource Fair & Training Event!
The Mississippi Early Childhood Association (MsECA) and United Way of Southeastern Mississippi are partnering to host “Bloom and Grow Family Fun Day,” a training and resource fair for children with all abilities.
Parents and educators of children with special needs are especially encouraged to attend. Attendees will have access to training, free developmental screenings, and vendors providing valuable resources for families and early childhood providers.
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, Hattiesburg, MS
Cost: FREE & Open to the Public!
This event is a fantastic opportunity for parents, caregivers, and early childhood providers to access expert guidance and practical tools in a friendly, community-driven environment.
Don’t miss out—join us for a day of learning, support, and fun!

Annual South JXN Parade
2025-04-10 09:00
Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods
Join the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) for the Annual South Jackson Parade on Saturday, April 12, 2025! The parade starts at 9 AM from the Little Caesars parking lot on McDowell Rd and concludes at Cordoza Middle School.
Post-Parade Fun: Stick around for festivities and a vibrant fun zone at Cordoza Middle School, located at 3180 McDowell Rd Ext., Jackson, MS.
Get Involved: Vendors, bands, dance/cheer groups, and more are welcome to participate!
For more information, contact:
Ernest Ward – 601-201-3020
Johnny Byrd – 601-720-9965

Mississippi Early Childhood Development Coalition
2025-04-10 09:00
Early Childhood Development Coalition
Join the Mississippi Early Childhood Development Coalition to connect, collaborate, and plan for the future.
We look forward to a meaningful conversation and collective progress.
Register here>>

What’s a Café? Come Find Out!
2025-04-09 18:00 - 19:30
Be Strong Families
The mission, should you embrace it, involves shaping young lives while juggling responsibilities, emotions, and unpredictability. It’s about being a guide, a cheerleader, a disciplinarian, and a source of comfort. Despite the sleepless nights, tantrums, and self-doubt, the rewards—seeing your child grow, learn, and thrive—make every moment worth it. In this mission, perfection isn’t the goal; persistence and love are the keys to success. And though the journey is not always smooth, it’s undeniably one of the most important and fulfilling missions you’ll ever undertake. Your mission will be daunting yet rewarding if you choose to accept it. This mission is a challenge that requires patience, adaptability, and unconditional love.
Register here>>

Better Communication, Stronger Connections: Building Family Engagement in Special Education
2025-04-09 14:00
National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement
In this fast-paced session, we will discuss the transformative power of family engagement and great communication in Special Education.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-12 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 >>

Week of the Young Child Kick-Off Call
2025-04-06 15:00 - 16:00
Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
Join MELA as they celebrate Week of the Young Child (WOYC) with a special kickoff event!
WOYC is a time to recognize the vital role early learning plays in a child’s development. This kickoff event will feature the official proclamation of the celebration and exciting highlights of upcoming activities planned throughout the week.
Let’s celebrate young learners and the educators, families, and community members who support them!
Register here>>

Hope Brunch
2025-04-05 11:00 - 13:00
NFusion Metro
Join NFusion Metro for a heartwarming event dedicated to honoring those who stand against domestic violence and sexual assault. The “Nfusion of Hope Brunch” brings survivors, advocates, allies, and community leaders together for a meaningful gathering. Let’s celebrate courage, advocacy, and unity over a delightful brunch.
RSVP or learn more by contacting Machayla or Shan at 769-233-4729.

Spring Into Action and Achieve With Us
2025-04-04 15:00 - 18:00
The Arc
Join The Arc Northeast Mississippi for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, food, and music at our Spring Into Action and Achieve With Us community outreach picnic!
Bring your family and friends to enjoy live performances from Sam Ratliff and Randy Travis ETA, delicious food, exciting activities, and the warm company of our community.

Empower Together
2025-04-04 13:00, 2025-03-28 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

Public Comment Period: EI 2025-2026 Grant Application Draft
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-20
Mississippi’s Early Intervention
Mississippi’s Early Intervention (First Steps) program is seeking public comments on its 2025-2026 Grant Application before it is submitted to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Submit Your Comments: Send your feedback to firststepsearlyintervention@msdh.ms.gov by April 21!
You can view the EI Grant Application Here>>

Practical Tips for Using PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) ﻿in the Home
2025-03-31 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Join us for an insightful session on ‘Practical Tips for Using PBIS at Home,’ designed to empower parents with effective strategies for fostering positive behaviors and life skills in children. Led by Patty Gautier, Family & Dissemination Coordinator at REACH MS, this event will help transform challenges into meaningful and enjoyable moments with your kids.
Register here>>

Community-Led Juvenile Justice Convening
2025-03-29 10:00 - 14:00
Hinds County Children’s Coalition & The Honarable Caryln Hicks Hinds County Youth Court Judge
Join us for the Community-Led Juvenile Justice Convening on March 29, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Hinds Behavioral Health Services Conference Center in Jackson, MS. Hosted by the Hinds County Children’s Coalition, this free event welcomes the public to connect, learn, and collaborate on improving the lives of children and families. Registration is required, and vendor spaces are available.
The Hinds County Children’s Coalition brings together professionals and advocates from law enforcement, education, mental health, and child welfare, as well as individuals with lived experiences, to promote the well-being of children and families. Partnering with the Hinds County Youth Court, the coalition identifies needs, mobilizes resources, and implements strategies to strengthen the community.
Register here>>

Mental Health and Wellness Fair
2025-03-29 09:00 - 13:00
College Hill MB Church
College Hill MB Church would like to invite you to their Mental Health and Wellness Fair.
This event, which focuses on “mind, body, and soul,” will take place in the church’s Family Life Center.
Register here>>

Mental Health and Wellness Fair
2025-03-29 09:00 - 13:00
College Hill Missionary Baptist
College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, will have their Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9 am to 1:00 pm.
The event is a focus on “mind, body, and soul” and will take place in the Family Life Center of the church. Vendors will be provided a table/chair(s) to set up his/her exhibit.
Register here>>

Join us for a Learning Lunch About Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
2025-03-28 11:30 - 13:00
Families as Allies
Please join us for a learning lunch on Friday, March 28 from 11:30am – 1pm at Hinds Behavioral Health’s conference center (3450 US-80, Jackson, MS 39209 – park and enter on the east side of the building). PCORI Special Speaker, Mabel Crescioni, Senior Engagement Officer from PCORI, will share some background on PCORI, Comparative Effectiveness Research, Multi-sector Stakeholder Engagement, how families and community partners can be part of this work and more!
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2025-03-26 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>>

Community Baby Shower
2025-03-24 16:00 - 18:00
Health Help Mississippi
Join Health Help Mississippi in celebrating new and expecting mothers in Batesville, MS! Our Community Baby Showers aim to support pregnant women and mothers with children up to 12 months old and their families. This event focuses on assisting low-income mothers by providing essential baby items, supplies, and access to local resources to help them confidently embark on their parenting journey.
Register here>>

Calm the Storm
2025-03-20 19:30
Megan M. Hamm, LPC
Discover simple, trauma-informed techniques to manage your child’s meltdowns with confidence and compassion while building a stronger relationship.

From Chaos to Calm: Move from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to showing confidence and composure
Connection: Shift from power struggles to empathetic understanding
Less Yelling: Leave behind the harsh discipline and discover supportive, trauma-informed techniques

Register here>>

Inclusive Volunteering: Opportunities for All
2025-03-20 13:30 - 14:30, 2025-03-13 13:30 - 14:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Join us for a comprehensive overview of volunteerism opportunities targeting youth and young adults with disabilities. This session will cover the benefits of volunteering, ways to get involved, and how to assist organizations in creating inclusive opportunities. In addition, virtual volunteer options will be explored.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-03-19 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, March 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.
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.

Aging Network and Child Welfare Collaborations to Support Kinship/Grandfamilies
2025-03-18 14:00 - 15:30
Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network
Nationwide, over two million grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Many other relatives and close family friends also raise children whose parents cannot do so. Collectively, these families are often interchangeably called kinship families, grand families, or kinship/grand families. The grandparents and others raising the children are often called kin caregivers.
Register here>>

March Madness
2025-03-13 14:00 - 16:00
NFusion Metro
Join us for an exciting afternoon of basketball as the “Youth” team takes on the “Staff” team in a friendly competition presented by NFusion Metro of HBHS! The event will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 2-4 PM at Champion Gymnasium, 1355 Hattiesburg Street, Jackson, MS. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or playing on the court, this is your chance to be part of the action. Sign up now to join the team by calling NFusion Metro at 769-233-7429. Don’t miss this fun-filled community event!

Is it a Boy or a Girl? How to Prepare for Growing Up
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This presentation is designed to provide parents with basic information about the changes their child will experience during puberty and adolescence. The information is intended to help parents prepare their children to be more independent and understand personal safety and care.
Register here>>

Mental Health & Well-Being Day at the Capitol 2025
2025-03-12 13:00 - 16:30
Mental Health Association of South MS
Come join the Mental Health Association of South MS for a day dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being in our community. This event will feature informative sessions, interactive educational areas, and engaging discussions on topics related to mental health. Connect with experts, advocates, and peers passionate about creating a healthier and happier society.
This event is for you whether you are looking to learn more about mental health resources, share your own experiences, or simply show your support for this important cause. Let’s come together to prioritize our mental health and well-being!
Register here>>

Strengthening Collaborations Between Youth and Parent Peer Support Providers
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Often, youth and their parents have different goals, use different approaches, and experience tension around their evolving roles as they become more independent. This multi-part series will focus on the collaborative relationship between youth and parent peer support providers (YPSP and PPSP) when working with the same families and provide strategies for their teamwork that supports both the youth and parents. Areas addressed during the series include establishing role clarity to operate as a team, dealing with conflicting priorities and disagreement, and engaging in collaborative planning while modeling effective strategies and actions for families. Through shared experiences, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will explore best practices in building a collaborative relationship that values the youth and parent perspective while implementing a team approach to empower youth and families. Whether new to Youth or Parent peer support or an experienced specialist, this series offers valuable insights and tools to enhance your practice and foster positive outcomes for those you serve.
Register here>>

Protect Medicaid, Protect Families
2025-03-11 13:00 - 13:30
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities and Mississippi Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
Join us on the south steps of the Mississippi State Capitol for a press conference to inform and educate about how potential cuts in Medicaid will impact children, adults, and their families in Mississippi.

We also encourage you to schedule meetings at the offices of Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

If you cannot attend the press conference, please use this day to call and email Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith.
