Families as Allies

The Children's Center Resource Fair
2025-01-15 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
The Children’s Center
The Children’s Center invites you to connect with local and state support services, recreational activities, and advocacy organizations that support children and adults with disabilities in Mississippi.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-01-15 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, February 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)
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 Notice
2025-01-15 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
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)
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to:
Mississippi Department of Education
Attn: Sharon Strong Coon
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.

Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2025-01-14 10:30 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Let’s discuss the importance of self-advocacy and what families/parents can do to help youth plan for the future. The message of this MSPTI session is simple: Access to information and resources will strengthen families/parents’ ability to participate in the process and improve the transition into the community for youth and young adults.
Register here>>

Greenwood-Leflore Autism Spectrum Society (GLASS) Parent Support Meeting
2025-01-11 10:00 - 11:00
Greenwood-Leflore Autism Spectrum Society
Join us for our parent support meeting!
The Greenwood-Leflore Autism Spectrum Society invites you to a supportive and informative gathering for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and supporters. Our mission is to:

Support, educate, advocate, and empower participants and family members.
Provide a safe space for parents and supporters to share information, discuss challenges, and discover available resources.
Promote self-advocacy for individuals with ASD.
Feature monthly speakers who address topics related to ASD.

Let’s come together as a community to learn, share, and grow. We look forward to seeing you there!

Family Collective Podcast
2025-01-01 - 2025-02-04
National Federation of Families
Family Collective is produced by the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, led by the National Federation of Families & funded by SAMHSA. Featuring conversations to inspire change for families & improve family-driven care. As families experience increasing rates of mental health and substance use disorders, there’s a critical need for more support and parity in coverage for families. Meet people with lived expertise and the changemakers working to strengthen families. The contents are those of the presenters and do not represent the views of SAMHSA/HHS/U.S. Govt.

Free Joy Toy Giveaway
2024-12-21 12:00 - 16:00
Dominion and Power FLC Church

This Christmas season, DP Nation is spreading joy and love to families in their community!

Join them for a day filled with holiday cheer!
• Free toys for all ages
• A cozy hot chocolate station to warm your spirits
• Polar Express fun for the children to enjoy

Bring your children and let them experience the wonder of Christmas. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember!

Spread the word, invite your neighbors, and come celebrate with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

Souper Bowl '24
2024-12-13 10:00
The Bridge Drop-In Center
Do you know someone who is homeless or in need of a warm lunch? Invite them to a free Souper Bowl community luncheon at Hinds Behavioral Health Services’ Drop-In Center on December 13 starting at 10:00 AM.

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-12-11 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 >>

Transition: Steps for Success
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Transition is an ongoing process. Youth with disabilities should have a transition plan in place by the age of 14 that outlines the skills they need to master and the goals to get them ready to exit high school. Join us to learn more about the process, what questions to ask and how to find resources and support.
Register here>>

Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2024-12-10 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Do you often leave your child’s IEP meeting feeling as if your concerns were not heard or addressed and that nothing has changed? You may be missing one of the steps covered in this training. Join the Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project to learn how to avoid some of the most common hurdles and have more productive IEP meetings and better outcomes for your child.
Register here>>

Caring Community Uniting to Feed The Homeless
2024-12-07 11:00 - 14:00
Roof Above Resilience
Together, we can make a difference. Join Roof Above Resilience in the act of compassion as they provide food, hygiene items, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and blankets to the homeless in Lumberton, MS.
Roof Above Resilience is seeking sponsorship from community partners to become a vendor, donate needed items, or provide monetary donations to make this event an enormous success.
Roof Above Resilience invites you to participate, network, and support their coalition by donating, attending the event, and/or passing the information along to others.
If you are interested in more information regarding the Roof Above Resilience (RAR), feel free to contact Estina Holder at 769-218-8609 roofaboveresilience@gmail.com or Sharon Griffin at 601-595-1099 boococonsulting@gmail.com
Register here>>

Medgar Evers Library Christmas Toy Drive
2024-12-06 09:00 - 2024-12-23 17:00
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
This Christmas season, Medgar Evers Library is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children in need until 5:00 p.m. on December 23, 2024.
We are seeking donations of:

Baby toys
Children’s toys for ages 1-12
Gifts for teenagers

To ensure health and safety, all donated items must be brand new.
Drop-off Location: 4215 Medger Evers Blvd, Jackson, MS 39213
For any questions or additional information, please call us at 601-982-2867.

Transition Exit Summary of Performance: ﻿What is It?
2024-12-05 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
IDEA 2004 mandates that students with an IEP complete an exit Summary of Performance (SOP) at the end of high school. Join us to learn what an SOP is and how it’s used.
Register here>>

6 Core Principles of IDEA
2024-12-03 10:30 - 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>>

Supporting Youth and Young Adults With Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
2024-11-26 12:30 - 14:00
Families Together in New York State
Get ready to mark your calendars for a transformative event on November 26th from 12:30 to 2:00 PM! We are buzzing with excitement to invite you to our empowering webinar, where we’ll dive into the world of developmental disabilities, explore the unique challenges faced by our incredible youth, and offer vital strategies to support them like never before!
Register here>>

Mental Health & Dismantling Stigma Associated With Youth Experiencing Homelessness
2024-11-25 12:00 - 12:45
National Runaway Safeline
The National Runaway Saeline is excited to announce the details for their Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month Lunch & Learn series, and look forward to you joining them for an engaging discussion during any or all of these webinars.
Each webinar will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. ET and will feature a presentation plus Q&A.
Can’t make it? Visit the NRS YouTube page to find a recording of each webinar.
For more information, contact Day Alston, NRS Communications Manager, at dalston@1800RUNAWAY.org.
Webinars and dates are below:

November 19, 2024: “Youth in Crisis: A Review of the National Runaway Safeline’s 2023 Data” presented by Sam Gillis, Chief Program Officer, National Runaway Safeline

November 21, 2024: “Transforming Systems to End Youth Homelessness: NN4Y’s Federal Advocacy, Youth Partnership, and Cross-System Collaborative Work” presented by Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth

November 25, 2024: “Mental Health & Dismantling Stigma Associated With Youth Experiencing Homelessness” presented by Sebastian Ramos, Director of Training, National Runaway Safeline

Register here>>

Promoting Positive Behavior in Your Child
2024-11-25 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Effective discipline is essential to raising children who behave well with peers and adults, demonstrate self-control, and choose to avoid risky behaviors. Join us as we discuss PRACTICAL, POSITIVE, and PROACTIVE ways to achieve this with your child using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and ways to support them in learning to maintain these critical skills for the rest of their lives.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Using Employment Skills during the Holiday Season
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
The holiday season is the perfect time for youth and young adults with disabilities to focus on pre-employment skills. Join us to learn specific activities that focus on getting prepared to work!
Register here>>

Transforming Systems to End Youth Homelessness: NN4Y’s Federal Advocacy, Youth Partnership, and Cross-System Collaborative Work
2024-11-21 12:00 - 12:45

Tips for Effective IEP Meetings: Before, During and After
2024-11-21 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
It’s hard to remember everything you need to know for an IEP meeting. Join us and learn steps on how to prepare before, during and after the meeting.
Register here>>

Una Probadita de Cafe
2024-11-20 18:00 - 19:30
Be Strong Families
Nuestra serie Una Probadita de Café le ofrece una vista previa de Cafés: ¡las conversaciones estructuradas y de grupos pequeños internacionalmente conocidas de Cafés: Be Strong Families! Únase a nosotros para una sesión gratuita en la que podrá participar en conversaciones entre pares que transforman, sanan y fortalecen a las familias.
Presentada cada mes a partir de septeimbre 2024 El ultimo miercoles de cada mes.
Regístrate Aquí>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-11-20 10:15
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting in person, online, or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83452343575pwd=[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)
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to:
Mississippi Department of Education
Attn: Sharon Strong Coon
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.

Add to calendar

Colaborativa de Plática para Proveedores: Fortaleciendo los Servicios de Salud Mental en Español
2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Como respuesta a la gran cantidad de peticiones para establecer un espacio bilingüe para los profesionales de salud mental, el Centro Nacional de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica (NTTAC, por sus siglas en inglés) ofrece esta serie de Pláticas para Proveedores, un espacio colaborativo mensual para el aprendizaje entre pares y el intercambio de recursos. Esta serie dirigida por una facilitadora bilingüe estará disponible a partir de octubre de 2024 y brinda la oportunidad a los miembros de la fuerza laboral de salud mental a compartir desafíos y experiencias comunes al proporcionar servicios a comunidades hispanohablantes cuyo idioma principal es otro idioma diferente al inglés, así como recursos de alta calidad y soluciones innovadoras. Todos los niveles de competencia y comodidad con el idioma español son bienvenidos – este es un espacio inclusivo y bilingüe. ¡Bienvenidos a todos/as/es!
REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ>>

Youth in Crisis: A Review of the National Runaway Safeline’s 2023 Data
2024-11-19 12:00 - 12:45

Support for Families Dealing with Bullying at School
2024-11-19 12:00
Families as Allies
We are getting more and more calls about school bullying, and descriptions of bullying are getting more severe. This webinar will support families dealing with bullying at their children’s schools. These are the goals of the webinar:

Participants will be able to identify federal and state bullying-related laws.
Participants will be able to describe how families can use state bullying policies and procedures to help their children.
Participants will be able to explain how parents can use federal protections for children with disabilities related to bullying.

The webinar is open to all interested participants. Families are especially encouraged to attend
Register here>>

Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2024-11-19 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Do you often leave your child’s IEP meeting feeling as if your concerns were not heard or addressed and that nothing has changed? You may be missing one of the steps covered in this training. Join us to learn how to avoid some of the most common hurdles and have more productive IEP meetings and better outcomes for your child.
Register here>>

Community Health Fair
2024-11-16 10:00 - 14:00
The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods
FREE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | All ARE WELCOMEDPLEASE JOIN US & GET INFORMED ON HEALTHCARE!!!Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024Time: 10 am-2 pmLocation: Peggy Calhoun Community Center4243 Willowood blvd jackson, ms 39212Food Vendor On-Site: Mr. Turkey Leg Food TruckFor more information contact: Mr. Ernest Ward 601-201-3020.

Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2024-11-15 13:00
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>>
