Fun Day Trunk-or-Treat
2023-10-30 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago)
Hinds Behavioral Health Services
Free event, open to the public.
Food & Music, Candy & Games, Health/Prevention Resources
Monday, October 30, 2023
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
3450 Hwy 80 W
Jackson, MS 39209

First Annual Project H.O.P.E. Community Breakfast
2023-11-01 09:30 - 11:00
Project H.O.P.E.
Come and join our community conversation on how we can best work together to ensure that all children in our country have the best possible start in life.
For additional information or to register by phone, 901.568.5608, or email ourhopeforthefuturems@gmail.com.

Mississippi Planning and Advisory Council
2023-11-02 10:00 - 12:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to 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 each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Hudspeth Regional Center in the Chastain Auditorium
10am-12pm on November 2, 2023
Join Virtually
Contact Information
August Irving
601-359-6204
august.irving@dmh.ms.gov

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-11-02 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 share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different 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 >>

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-11-03 12:00, 2023-11-08 18:00
Be Strong Families
They’re not perfect, but we love them anyway. Parenting a teenager or young adult can sometimes feel like a constant battle. As a parent, it can be frustrating. It’s important to remember that your teen is becoming independent while experiencing warp-speed changes, social angst, and a million emotions all at once. Join our conversation about the ups and downs of parenting a teen.
Register here>>

6 Core Principles of IDEA
2023-11-07 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This presentation will cover the six foundational principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that gives eligible children with disabilities rights to the specially designed instruction and individualized services and supports they need to benefit from public education. Participants will learn about evaluation, FAPE, IEP, LRE, parent and student participation, and procedural safeguards.
Register here>>

Leveraging Medicaid to Support Children and Youth Living with Complex Behavioral Needs
2023-11-08 10:00 - 11:00
Manatt Health
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the serious and growing mental health and substance use disorder crisis gripping children and youth in the United States. The situation is particularly serious for young people who are stuck “boarding” in emergency departments for days or weeks, cycling in and out of psychiatric hospitals, contemplating and sometimes attempting or completing suicide, and struggling to remain in school or to find and keep a job.
Register here>>

Fall Community Health & Resource Fair
2023-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | John H Thompson Sports Complex, 3844 Hwy 42, Bassfield, MS, 39221
MS Shine Project & Magnolia Health
You are invited to attend the Fall Community Health & Resource Fair on Wednesday, November 8th from 10 am – 2 pm at the John H Thompson Sports Complex in Bassfield, MS.
For more information contact Shanell Williamson at 601-441-9333.

Webinar: ‘Visualizing Loss’ Films
2023-11-08 11:00
Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition
Bereavement following the death of a child remains largely hidden. Using Collaborative Filmmaking, five families from across Pennsylvania created their own videos to share their unique bereavement experiences. Their films visualize loss and show the complexities and depth of their grief journeys.
This project, funded by the McElhattan Foundation, is a partnership between the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition and the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. We aim to develop a deeper understanding of families’ experiences as they navigate end-of-life and the death of their child with a life-limiting illness. We hope the films will inform future programs and policies to better support families navigating the grief process after the loss of a child.
Each film is completely unique, and yet when woven together, the films foster understanding, deepen awareness and visualize loss. Join us for the premiere of the Visualizing Loss film, followed by a panel discussion with the parents and members of the project team.
Register here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2023-11-08 12:00
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.
Register here >>

Webinar: Personal/Attendant Care - What Does it Mean and Who Qualifies?
2023-11-08 12:00 - 13:00
Team Select Home Care & The Unforgotten Families
Join the Team Select’s webinar, Personal/Attendant Care: What Does it Mean and Who Qualifies? During this webinar, Team Select’s VP of Government Relations, Bill Sczepanski, and National Program Director, Nicole Dummett, will present the audience with a general update followed by an informative Q&A session. Register today, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Speakers will present a general update on personal/attendant care, including how family members may qualify to be paid caregivers, followed by a Q&A session.
Materials now are available from the Manatt webinar Working Across the Health Care Ecosystem: Successes, Challenges and Best Practices for Delivering Care at Home.
Register here >>

2023 Coalition Torchbearers Celebration
2023-11-10 18:00 - 21:00
Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Join the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities on November 10th for the Torchbearers Celebration honoring leaders and advocates who are helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities. During this celebration, you will enjoy live music, food, complimentary beverages, and a silent auction.

Register here>>

Peer Support Training
2023-11-13 - 2023-11-17
Are you a parent or caregiver raising or 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 who is on the same journey?

Then being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent Peer Support? Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support another parent/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 13-17, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: October 16, 2023)
January 8-14, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: December 4, 2023)
March 18-22, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: February 16, 2024)
May 13-17, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 12, 2024)

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.

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
2023-11-14 10:00
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee (MAAC) was created by House Bill 11252 (2011 Regular Session) as the Legislature recognized an urgent need for strategies on how to best identify, treat, educate, accommodate and employ people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and assist their families. The MAAC’s mission is “to study, make recommendations and develop a strategic plan on how best to educate and train students with ASD to maximize their potential productivity within the workforce … and to develop an annual plan” outlining these strategies. The MAAC is tasked with writing a report to the legislature outlining any roadblocks to creating meaningful progress in the areas of mental health, education, medical and employment for people with ASD and their families.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Department of Mental Health
239 North Lamar Street Robert E. Lee Bldg.
Jackson, MS. 39201
Contact Information
Pamela Harkins
601-359-5777
pamela.harkins@dmh.ms.gov

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2023-11-15 10:00
The Special Education
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 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.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
West Building-Large Conference Room: 2nd 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)
One tap Mobile
+13092053325,,83452343575#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
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, 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.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2023-11-15 10:00
The Special Education
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m..
You may access the meeting in person, online, or by phone.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
West Building-Large Conference Room: 2nd 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)
One tap Mobile
+13092053325,,83452343575#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
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, 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.

Fall Fling
2023-11-15 17:00 - 19:00
Operation Shoestring
Join Operation Shoestring for Fall Fling as we celebrate our community’s successes! This past year, our partner schools at JPS increased their school’s rating, and Project Rise and our parent workshops yielded positive outcomes for Shoestring kids and families. These wins are all because of our Shoestring community, friends, and family, and we’d love to celebrate with you this November 15th. We’ll have snacks, live music, and lots of fun while we share some great news about our programs here at Operation Shoestring.
For more information, contact info@operationshoestring.org or 601-353-6336.

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2023-11-16 12:00
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.

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.

Register here >>

Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2023-11-17 13:00 - 14:00
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 friends and families of the graduates, 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>>

WHAT IS UDL (UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING)? ﻿AN INTRODUCTION FOR FAMILIES
2023-11-28 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center
ProjectUniversal 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.
Register here>>

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-12-01 12:00
Be Strong Families
HoliDaze: (Parent Café)
Friday, Dec 1, 2023, 12:00 pm CT
Staying Strong Amidst the Holiday Bustle: Ahh, the holidays: the special time of year when friends and family gather to celebrate the season. Too much to do and too little time can make what is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year” less than enjoyable. Let’s get together to talk about how to create a holiday tradition that gives us genuine joy.
Register Here>>

INTRODUCTION TO WORK WEBINAR SERIES
2023-12-05 11:00 - 2023-12-14 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in the journey toward adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is often a time filled with questions, challenges, and uncertainty. Join us for a four-part Introduction to Work series.
Introduction to Work: Work and Disabilities
Tuesday, December 5
11 AM – 12 PM
In session one, we will explore skills and information that help parents, youth, and professionals know where to start and what to work on in their journey toward employment. We will discuss the importance of self-advocacy and what families can do to help youth and young adults prepare for the workforce.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Laws and Disability
Tuesday, December 7
10 AM – 11 AM
In session two, we’ll discuss information to help parents, youth, and professionals understand the laws related to employment for individuals with disabilities.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Skills Needed
Tuesday, December 12
11 AM – 12 PM
In session three will talk about key employment skills that youth and young adults need to get ready for the workforce.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Overview of Resources
Tuesday, December 17
11 AM – 12 PM
In session four, we will explore resources that can help youth and young adults get ready for the workforce.
Register here>>

To learn more about Independent Futures That Work, visit them online at: https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-12-06 18:00
Be Strong Families
HoliDaze: (Parent Café)
Friday, Dec 6, 2023, 6:00 pm CT
Staying Strong Amidst the Holiday Bustle: Ahh, the holidays: the special time of year when friends and family gather to celebrate the season. Too much to do and too little time can make what is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year” less than enjoyable. Let’s get together to talk about how to create a holiday tradition that gives us genuine joy.
Register Here>>

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-12-07 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different 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.
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.
Register here >>

Family Connections: Finding Joy in Holidays & Special Days
2023-12-07 12:30 - 13:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
It’s the most wonderful day of the year! Or is it? Join our next Family Connections on December 7th as we head into the busy season. It’s not just the holidays: special days – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and the like – can also stir up worry or anxiety. We’ll take a look at practical solutions and strategies to mitigate our perceptions and expectations of upcoming events.
While we want to celebrate with the people we love, it’s not unusual to get overwhelmed just thinking about our loved ones. There may be tension or disagreements with a family member, whether it’s the family you are born into or the family you choose. Instead of opening gifts, some may open up old hurts, arguments, or mistakes with a side dish of opinion.
Register here>>

Parent/Peer Support Conversation for Anyone Working with Parent Peer Supporters
2023-12-07 13:30 - 14:30
This conversation is for anyone working with parents providing peer support to other parents in any system, such as Children’s Services Directors, MAP Team Coordinators, Care Coordinators, and Center Directors. We will share an overview of Families as Allies’ parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. We want to hear your feedback on how we’re doing from your perspective and how we can most support you. We will also discuss issues in parent-peer support and how to address them.
Register here>>

State of Overdoses in Mississippi
2023-12-12 09:00 - 11:00
9:00 am – 10:00 am | State of Overdoses in Mississippi | Speaker: Stacy Miller
10:00M – 11:00am | Narcan Training | Speaker: Charlette Bryant

Stacey Miller with the CDC Foundation will be presenting at the Free training session on State of Overdoses in Mississippi.
.
Learn about:
The number of overdoses in MS and in which regions of the state these incidents occur.
National emerging drugs that are or may soon impact drug overdoses in Mississippi
National best practice strategies for overdose prevention

As an added bonus, Charlotte Bryant will provide a presentation on Narcan Training from 10am to 11 am. Ms Bryant will discuss the use of Narcan and provide a video demo.
Continuing Education hours are available for the following credentials: DMH Certified Peer Support Specialist, DMH Addictions Therapist, DMH Community Support Specialist, DMH Mental Health Therapist, Licensed DMH Administrator and DMH IDD Therapist. If your credential is not listed, an Attendance Certificate can be provided upon request.

Location: Virtually via Zoom.

Questions or additional information: Sandra Morrison at mhatraining1@gmail.com
Register here >>

Holiday Hello
2023-12-12 11:00 - 13:00
NAMI Four Rivers
NAMI will be hosting a mental health resource fair for the community to come and learn about businesses and organizations whose mission and values focus on mental health. This is a FREE community event.
Organizations are invited to come out, learn about mental health resources, and enjoy light snacks.
For more information contact Megan Hamm at (601) 207-9531 or b email: 4riversmsnami.org

Introduction to Work Webinar Series
2023-12-13 10:30 - 2023-12-14 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in the journey toward adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is often a time filled with questions, challenges, and uncertainty. Join us for the second part of our Introduction to Work series.
Introduction to Work: Skills Needed
Wednesday, December 13
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
In session three, attendees will talk about key employment skills that youth and young adults need to get ready for the workforce.
Click here to register!
WEEK 2
Introduction to Work: Overview of Resources
Thursday, December 14
11 AM – 12 PM
In session four, attendees will explore resources to help youth and young adults prepare for the workforce.
Click here to register!
To learn more about Independent Futures That Work, visit them online at: https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/
