Families as Allies

Mental Health and Wellness Fair
2025-03-29 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
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>>

Empower Together
2025-03-28 13:00, 2025-03-07 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

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, 2025-02-26 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>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
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 >>

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.

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act: After High School
2025-03-11 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
IDEA or 504 services in high school do not guarantee eligibility for accommodations in post-secondary education. Join us to learn how to prepare for the next phase of education.
Register here>>

Spring Break 2025 Life Skills
2025-03-11 10:00 - 2025-03-13 14:00
N Fusion Metro
Join us for an exciting three-day journey to “level up” your life skills from March 11th to March 13th, 10 AM to 2 PM daily! This event features engaging sessions, including an etiquette class with inspiring guest speakers, the therapeutic fun of “Wild N Out Comedy,” and tips for healthy snack habits. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow! For more information, contact NFusion Metro at 769-233-7429.

How Medicaid Supports Parents in Crisis, Children in or Youth Aging out of Foster Care, Relative Caregivers, and Adoptive Families
2025-03-04 14:00
The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families
The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, Children’s Trust Fund Alliance, FosterClub, and Generations United invite you to Why it Matters: Medicaid covers 99% of children in foster care. It’s the lifeline ensuring youth aging out have coverage to age 26. Kin caregivers and adoptive families rely on Medicaid even prevents unnecessary foster care, providing parents with mental health and substance use treatment and helping to ensure basic health care for all family members so families can remain strong and safely together.
Register here>>

Family-Led Academic Grand Rounds
2025-02-27 12:00 - 13:00
Department of Pediatrics
A collaborative initiative between the University of Wisconsin’s UCEDD, the Department of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine and Public Health, and the Bluebird Way Foundation has created 5 virtual Family-Led Academic Grand Rounds (FLAG Rounds) focused on Ableism in Pediatrics.
Register here>>

Harnessing the Power of Therapy: Insights and Practices for Supporting Foster Youth
2025-02-27 11:00 - 12:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
We will explore the profound impact that therapy and other supports can have on individuals navigating the child welfare system, drawing from the personal experiences of those who have lived through it and those who have clinical experience. We will discuss how therapy may serve as a crucial support mechanism, helping to build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional healing. Attendees will gain insights into effective therapeutic practices and other supports that can be beneficial when working with foster youth, as well as common challenges and approaches that may be less effective. By hearing directly from those who have experiences in foster care, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to tailor their support to meet the unique needs of youth navigating the child welfare system, fostering better outcomes and stronger relationships.
Register here>>

2025 EHDI Mississippi Symposium - In Collaboration with CYSHCN
2025-02-27 - 2025-02-28
Early Childhood Development Coalition
Join Early Hearing Detection and Intervention for a fun and informative in-person event at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport, MS, February 27-28, 2025. This symposium is an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals, families, and exhibitors. Discover the latest research, share experiences, and learn about innovative approaches in the field. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that aims to improve the lives of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Register now!
Register here>>

Medicaid in Motion: Navigating Post-Election Policy Changes and Opportunities
2025-02-26 11:00
Health Management Associates
Join HMA experts as they discuss the latest developments in Medicaid financing and policy. With Congressional leaders and new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials focusing on Medicaid, significant changes are on the table during the budget reconciliation process. These changes create both risks and opportunities for Medicaid stakeholders. Learn what Congress and the Administration are considering and how it impacts Medicaid markets.
Register here>>

Kin-Specific Foster Care Licensing: Implementation Progress
2025-02-25 12:00
Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network
Join Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network as they mark nearly a year since the kin-specific licensing/approval model standards were published and the first jurisdictions went live. Representatives from Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Maryland, Michigan, and Tennessee will share their progress, lessons learned, and advice for agencies preparing to go live. This webinar will feature Network Subject Matter Experts Marina Nitze from the Child Welfare Playbook and Heidi Redlich Epstein from the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, who will update the national progress in licensing kin caregivers. A 30-minute Q&A session will follow for a deeper dive into implementation strategies and overcoming potential roadblocks.
Register here>>

Families as Allies’ Eleventh Annual Community Partnership Celebration
2025-02-24 17:00 - 19:30
Families as Allies
Join us for Families as Allies’ Eleventh Annual Community Partnership Celebration and Fundraiser on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bravo Restaurant. This special event allows us to gather as a community, honor our partnerships with families, and recognize the impactful work we accomplish together. Your presence and support at this event will help us continue our mission of advocating with families on behalf of their children and making sure Mississippi systems partner with families.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Skills Needed
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in any youth’s 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. In session three, we will discuss key employment skills that youth and young adults need to prepare for the workforce.
Register here>>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2025-02-20 09:00
Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health Regular Board meeting will be held Virtually on February 20, 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

3550 MS 468
Whitfield MS 39193
Contact Information
Suzanne Marler
6013596260
Suzanne.marler@dmh.ms.gov

MISSISSIPPI RECOVERY DAY 2025!
2025-02-20
Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative
Last year, over 100 advocates across Mississippi joined Recovery Day to advocate for HB1137!

We won that battle- and HB1137 became law this year!

Join us for “Faces of Recovery” 2025 Recovery Day at the Mississippi State Capitol on February 20, 2025!

Register here>>
