Families as Allies

Spring Break 2025 Life Skills
2025-03-11 10:00 - 2025-03-13 14:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

Empower Together
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

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>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
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>>

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>>

Teen Health and Wellness Fair
2025-02-19 09:00 - 13:00
Walthall County School District
Join the Walthall County School District on February 19th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Tylertown High School Gym for the Teen Health & Wellness Fair. This event, open to students in grades 6-12 and their parents, will include a variety of activities and resources such as free giveaways, wellness screenings, fitness, and physical awareness sessions, mental health awareness workshops, self-care and nutrition tips, a mock car crash demonstration, and substance abuse awareness programs. There will also be a Health Fair Project Contest. For more information, contact Danielle M. Hall at 601-876-3401 ext. 102 or via email at dhall@wcsd.k12.ms.us.

SAVE THE DATE! RCSD TRANSITION FAIR
2025-02-18 17:30 - 19:30
The Rankin County School District Special Education Department
The Rankin County School District Special Education Department will be hosting their Annual Transition Fair on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the RCSD Central Office located at 1220 Apple Park Place in Brandon.
The Transition Fair provides an opportunity for our students and their families to interact with an array of service providers, educational and vocational institutions, employers and community and family support. Transition fairs connect students and their families to resources that help them build successful lives after high school.
Please contact Chasity Ott (cha502@rcsd.ms) or Shannon Bailey (sha500@rcsd.ms) either by email or by phone at 601-825-5590 if more information is needed.

Community Baby Shower
2025-02-18 16:00 - 18:00
Health Help Mississippi
Join Health Help Mississippi in celebrating new and expecting mothers in Columbia, 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>>

Special Education Workshop & Clinic
2025-02-13 12:30 - 19:30
ACLU of Mississippi
Join ACLU for their Special Education Workshop and Clinic. This clinic is for both parents and advocates. During this session, we will discuss:
• Is your school meeting your child’s academic and behavioral needs?
• Has funding impacted the services your child receives?
• What policies would you like to see change in Mississippi?

Register here>>

Joint Planning Council Meeting
2025-02-13 10:00 - 12:00
Department of Mental Health
Joint Mental Health and Substance Use Planning Council
Meeting Location:
Mississippi State Hospital
Building 56
3550 MS-468
Pearl, MS 39208

DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY: Connecting for Change
2025-02-12 13:30 - 16:30
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol gives people with disabilities and advocates a chance to connect with decision-makers who can preserve or expand services that make a critical difference in the lives of Mississippians with disabilities.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-02-12 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 >>

﻿Fostering Collaboration: Strengthening Partnerships Between Child Welfare and Mental Health for Better Outcomes
2025-02-11 11:00 - 12:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
We will focus on the vital collaboration between child welfare professionals and the mental health field, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive system of care. We will explore strategies to strengthen partnerships, ensuring that both fields work in tandem to support the well-being of children and families. Attendees will learn about effective communication practices, shared goals, and coordinated interventions that can enhance outcomes for those involved in both systems. By working more closely together, child welfare professionals can create a more integrated, responsive, and supportive network that addressing the complex needs of children and families navigating the child welfare system.
Register here>>

Early Childhood Capitol Day
2025-02-11 09:00 - 15:00
Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
Join the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Mississippi Capitol for the sixth annual Early Childhood Capitol Day for networking, panel discussions, and policy updates. This year, there will be two tracks: Novice and Experienced. Each track will have its agenda for the beginning of the day. We will come back together at 1:00 p.m. for an introduction in the Senate Chamber or House Chamber. The day will end with a gathering in the Rotunda to network with other early childhood leaders.
Register here>>

Health and Resource Fair
2025-02-08 10:00 - 14:00
Black Heritage Committee
Join the Black Heritage Committee at Collins High School, located at 1208 S Dogwood Ave, Collins, MS 39428, for the Health and Resource Fair presented by the Black Heritage Committee on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event will provide valuable health resources and information for the community. Vendors can sign up using the QR code on the flyer, with setup time from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM. For more information, please contact Wendy Patino at 228-243-8972 or via email at wendy.patino@semrhi.com. You can also reach out to Tonya Flowers at 601-921-9007, Elaine Barnes at 601-310-2863, or Ann Flowers at 601-411-1185.

Annual Teen Summit
2025-02-08
Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program
Mark your calendars for MCADV’s annual Teen Summit! This year’s theme is “The Power of Hope!” Get ready for an inspiring and uplifting experience!

Family Connections : "988 & 911: What to Know, What to Do"
2025-02-06 13:30 - 14:30
National Family Support TAC
Family Connections” is a virtual community for fathers, mothers, parents, caregivers, and the family peer workforce who support family members experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges.
On February 6th, we return to a topic from one of our highest attended – and requested – Family Connections from 2024. Join us for a critical conversation on the differences, myths, and facts about “988 and 911: What to Know, What to Do.”
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Laws and Disabilities
2025-02-06 13:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in any youth’s journey to 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 two, we’ll discuss information to help parents, youth, and professionals understand the laws related to employment for individuals with disabilities.
Register here>>

The Impact of Houselessness on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children, Youth & Families
2025-02-04 13:30 - 15:00
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This panel discussion will explore the impact of homelessness on the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families from many different perspectives. The diverse panelists will explore topics ranging from the lived reality of what living on the streets does to one’s mental health, the impact of the Grants Pass Supreme Court of The United States (SCOTUS) ruling, which essentially criminalizes houselessness, how houselessness disproportionately affects the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and more. The panelists will share insights and stories from their lived and living personal and professional experiences being and working with unhoused individuals, opening audience members up to new ways of supporting, advocating, and caring for children, youth, and families struggling with housing instability.
Register here>>

Partners in Care: Nurturing Identity and Healing in the Foster System
2025-02-04 11:00 - 12:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
This three-part webinar series focuses on the holistic needs of youth in the child welfare system, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, identity, and tailored support. Sessions will explore the unique challenges faced by foster youth, including maintaining a sense of belonging and identity, as well as the critical role of therapy and mental health support. Attendees will learn strategies for building effective partnerships between child welfare and mental health professionals, ensuring cohesive and coordinated care. Through insights from those with lived and clinical experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of creating environments where foster youth can thrive, fostering resilience, emotional healing, and a strong sense of self. The series aims to equip professionals with practical tools and approaches better to support the well-being and identity of youth in care, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families.
Register here>>

Early Childhood Capitol Day - Registration Deadline
2025-01-31 09:00 - 15:00

Technology Roundtable: Navigating Mental Health in a Digital World
2025-01-30 18:00 - 19:00
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
A Town Hall Discussion to explore the impact of technology and screen time on youth mental health and well-being. In this interactive forum, youth, parents, educators, and mental health advocates will come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by technology in today’s world.
This event will:

Dive into the role of technology in shaping identity, relationships, and mental health.
Address the growing concerns about screen time and social media’s influence.
Collaboratively develop actionable solutions to support balanced tech usage.

Be part of creating a brighter, healthier digital future. Insights gathered during the town hall will inform the creation of a guide to help young people and families navigate the evolving tech landscape with confidence and care.
Register here>>
