Special Education Workshop and Clinic
2025-08-26 12:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
MS Special Education Coalition
This free community event offers training and resources for families navigating the special education system, including live legal consultations, panel discussions, and CLE sessions. Whether you’re a caregiver, parent, or advocate, this clinic could provide valuable support. Dinner will be served, and the first 10 registered clinic attendees will receive a $25 gift card.
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2025-08-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00
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>>

BSF Parent Cafes
2025-08-28 09:00, 2025-09-25 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>>

The Story Behind Caiden's Corner: Turning a Diagnosis Into a Movement
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00
MSPTI
This session is a raw, real look at how one autism diagnosis flipped everything I knew upside down and sparked a mission to make sure no other family ever feels alone on this journey. I’ll share the behind-the-scenes story of starting Caiden’s Corner, how we’re building support systems for families across Mississippi, and what we’ve learned about advocacy, grief, grit, and community along the way.
Register here>>

Investing in Our Future - How Mississippi Supports Young Children
2025-09-02 13:00
Mississippi First
Join MS First on Sept. 2 at 1 PM for a free webinar unveiling the 2nd edition of Investing in Our Future. Learn how Mississippi supports young children and access new data for policymakers, educators, and families.
Register here>>

Boots on the Ground Pop-Up Weekend - Charity Day
2025-09-05
Boots on the Ground
“Spread the Love” Charity Day has grown into an EPIC weekend celebration of community, service, and togetherness. This year, we’re turning love into action with a powerful fundraising goal to renovate the Day Center at the MS HUB Complex, transforming it into a welcoming haven by December 22, 2025.

By registering, you become a Game Changer, and your name will be displayed on our Game Changer Wall at MS HUB Complex.

To become a Vendor, Contestant, Volunteer, Sponsor, Player, Exhibitor, Line dancer, or purchase a T-shirt

Register here>>

Community Baby Shower and Health Resource Fair
2025-09-05 10:00 - 13:00
Center for Pregnancy Choices (CPC)
You’re invited to a Community Baby Shower & Health Resource Fair on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (CT) at the Warren County – Vicksburg Public Library for a special event designed to connect families with essential resources, support, and community care.
This free, family-friendly event offers:

Blood pressure, glucose, and HIV screenings
Health workshops
Diapers and baby care resources
Giveaways and much more!

Location:Warren County – Vicksburg Public Library700 Veto Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180
For more information, contact Joyce Roundtree-McCoy at (662) 441-3552 or joycermccoy@gmail.com.
Register here>>

Boots on the Ground's Spread the Love Charity Day & Fundraiser Event
2025-09-05 10:00 - 15:00
Boots on the Ground
Get Involved and Make a Difference! Join us in supporting individuals and families in need by becoming a sponsor, volunteer, or vendor. Your involvement will help provide essentials like food, hygiene products, fresh produce, hot meals, and access to showers. Proceeds will also go toward transforming the MS HUB Complex into a central hub for services, programs, and resources that empower our community.
Whether you choose to sponsor, volunteer your time, or showcase your offerings as a vendor, your contribution will create lasting positive change.
Sign up today and be part of something impactful!
Volunteers: Register here>>
Charity Day Vendors: Register here>>
Sponsors: Register here >>

Boots on the Ground Pop-Up Weekend - Day-in-the-Park
2025-09-06
Boots on the Ground

“Spread the Love” has grown into an EPIC weekend celebration of community, service, and togetherness. This year, we’re turning love into action with a powerful fundraising goal to renovate the Day Center at the MS HUB Complex, transforming it into a welcoming haven by December 22, 2025.

Want to be part of the action? Sign up at the link to join us as a:

Vendor (including Food Trucks)
Sweet Treat Contestant (Cakes, Pies, Brownies, Soufflés & more)
BBQ Contestant
Judge (for our delicious competitions!)
Line Dancer – Groups welcome! (Boots on the Ground)
Car, Truck, or Bike Exhibitor – Groups welcome
Slip ‘N Slide Kickball Player (Adult & Kids Games)
Kids Zone Keeper
Face Painter
Balloon Artist
Performer (music, spoken word, dance, etc.)

Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-09-10 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, 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 >>

Creating Your Own Path
2025-09-11 07:30 - 16:00
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
The 11th Annual Creating Your Own Path Autism Conference will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services in Madison, Mississippi.
Our featured speaker will be Rick Daynes. In addition, agencies, organizations, and individuals from across the state will share exciting initiatives that are shaping the future for Mississippians with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities.
Register here>>

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-09-15 - 2025-09-19
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:

September 15-19, 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:

November 17-21, 2025
January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Shatter the Silence 2025 Suicide Prevention Symposium
2025-09-16 08:30 - 13:30
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Registration is now open for the 9th Annual Suicide Prevention Symposium!
Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, for this year’s event, themed “Changing the Narrative by Sharing Our Stories.”
Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, the symposium will feature speakers who have been personally impacted by suicide. While this is a difficult topic, our goal is to continue the conversation and highlight the power of sharing stories. Together, we can support families, encourage those who are struggling, and honor the lives of loved ones we have lost.
Lunch will be provided.
Please note: This year’s symposium will not include Continuing Education credits.
Register here>>

Bringing Everyone Together Around Wraparound Research
2025-09-16 17:30 - 18:30
Families as Allies

Families as Allies invites you to a virtual meeting on Friday, September 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. We will discuss collaborating on a proposal to the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI).
The goal is simple: make sure wraparound research focuses on what matters most to families, youth, and partners. These partners include researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and payers.
Everyone is welcome. Families who have used wraparound, or are using it now, are especially encouraged to attend.
Registration is required so we can hear from all groups that can help shape this important work.

Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-09-17 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, September 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.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-09-17 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.
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.

Caregiver / Parent Peer Support Specialist Training Graduation
2025-09-19 13:00 - 13:30
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 >>

2025 Tougaloo Summit
2025-09-20 09:00 - 13:00
Magnolia Bar Association
Save the date for the 2025 Tougaloo Summit on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Tougaloo College.
This free community event includes a resource fair, “Ask a Lawyer” stations, legal rights information, health screenings, lunch, and door prizes. Everyone is welcome!
Register here>>

Community Resource Fair
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
Join Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith for an exciting Community Resource Fair, showcasing collaborative community efforts and featuring an extensive range of accessible resources. Engage with community partners at the booths, dedicated to delivering valuable services. This event offers an exceptional opportunity to discover readily available support and assistance. With diverse vendors participating, attendees are certain to find something of interest. Notably, this event is entirely free.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tiffany C. Anderson, DPC, LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMHT, Miracle Counseling Services, LLC
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and/or teal during this event. Vendors and groups are encouraged to attend.
Register here>>

Bringing Everyone Together Around Wraparound Research
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:00
Families as Allies

Families as Allies invites you to a virtual meeting on Friday, September 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. We will discuss collaborating on a proposal to the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI).
The goal is simple: make sure wraparound research focuses on what matters most to families, youth, and partners. These partners include researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and payers.
Everyone is welcome. Families who have used wraparound, or are using it now, are especially encouraged to attend.
Registration is required so we can hear from all groups that can help shape this important work.

Register here>>

Navigating the Currents in Special Education!
2025-09-22 12:00 - 2025-09-24 23:30
Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children
On behalf of the Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children, MS CEC would like to invite you to participate in our Fall Conference as a sponsor or an exhibitor. This will be an excellent time for you to visit with administrators and teachers as they are determining how to enhance instruction in their classrooms.
There are a limited number of sponsor spots for all levels of sponsorship. These will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
For additional questions or information, contact Curtis Wicker, MS CEC President-Elect at mscec@exceptionalchildren.org
Vendor/Sponsorship: https://www.northmsec.com/fall-cec/vendor/
Register here>>

Bringing Everyone Together Around Wraparound Research
2025-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Families as Allies

Families as Allies invites you to a virtual meeting on Friday, September 26, 2025, from noon to 1:00 p.m. We will discuss collaborating on a proposal to the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI).
The goal is simple: make sure wraparound research focuses on what matters most to families, youth, and partners. These partners include researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and payers.
Everyone is welcome. Families who have used wraparound, or are using it now, are especially encouraged to attend.
Registration is required so we can hear from all groups that can help shape this important work.

Register here>>

Supporting Families as They Learn How to Advocate at Home, at School and in the Community
2025-09-27 10:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
MSPTI invites you to join our upcoming virtual training designed specifically for families of children and youth with disabilities. The session will be held online through Zoom. Registration is required, and a secure link will be provided before the event.
Special Bonus: Parents who attend will receive a stipend.
What You’ll Learn:

Different advocacy styles and how to use them effectively
Communication strategies and conflict resolution skills
How to prepare for and actively participate in IEP meetings
Organization and record-keeping tips
Ways to support your child in building self-advocacy skills
Transition planning for the future

This training will equip you with the tools and confidence to advocate for your child and support their growth at every stage.
Register here>>

Bullying Prevention: How Parents and Families Can Help!
2025-09-29 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Bullying is a serious issue. It happens every day and can cause deep emotional and physical harm. In some heartbreaking cases, it can even end in tragedy. But as a family, you can be part of the solution.
October 2025 is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for families to come together, start conversations, and take action to protect the kids they love. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers all play a crucial role in helping children feel safe and supported. By talking openly and regularly with your children about their experiences, you can help prevent bullying and stop it when it happens.
You’re not in this alone. Many families are already taking action, and you can too. Join us to learn practical, family-friendly ways to stand up to school bullying and support the kids you love. Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate world for all children.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

NAMIWalks
2025-10-04 08:00
NAMI
It will take all of us to demand victory over mental illness. That’s why we provide a safe space at NAMIWalks in everything we do, for everyone who joins our mission. In fact, we embrace it.
We invite you to take the walk of your life – with NAMIWalks. Each participant will stand by your side and walk with you every step of the way.
Together, we will make a powerful change in our community. “Mental Health for All,” here we come.
Don’t wait another moment to add your name to our movement. The people who need the help that you empower cannot afford to wait. No matter their mental health challenge, they stand to benefit significantly from your decisiveness today.
It’s a walk, a very special walk. And it’s a lifetime’s journey – the lifetimes you will change by joining us today.
This is your NAMIWalks moment.
Register here>>

Out of the Darkness Community Walks | Central Mississippi Walk
2025-10-04 09:00 - 10:00
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>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-10-08 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 >>

Redeemer Community Fish Fry
2025-10-08 17:00 - 20:00
Redeemer Church PCA
Join us at Redeemer for a free Community Fish Fry!
Enjoy food, games, and music with neighbors — and stick around for a Town Hall as we share updates about Chastain and hear from you.
