Children and Lead: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Them
2024-08-15 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Children under 6 are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning. The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. In this fun and informative session, participants will learn about the dangers of lead, common sources of lead, lead exposure prevention, and community resources for families.
Register here>>

Heart Work Series: Am I Just Another Number? Healing-centered Re-unification for Young People who are Justice-impacted
2024-08-19 12:00
National Training & TA Center
The Heart Work Series will meet every Monday in August. In each session, you’ll hear from national and international leaders working on the frontlines of youth justice, championing healing-centered approaches. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new paradigms for youth justice!
Register here >>

Every Day Counts: Community Conversations on School Attendance
2024-08-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-09 12:00 - 13:00
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
In this series of interactive discussions, we bring together subject matter experts from various communities and child-serving agencies, to delve into innovative community-based solutions that address chronic absenteeism and promote regular school attendance.
Our aim is to uncover actionable insights and co-create strategies that foster improved attendance and engagement among youth. By fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, we seek to address the underlying causes of chronic absenteeism and empower communities to implement practical solutions.
We strive to generate tangible outcomes that shape our communities’ future attendance practices through engaging conversations and data-driven presentations.
OBJECTIVES:

Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Identify and share best practices for addressing chronic absenteeism.
Empower communities to implement effective solutions.
Amplify youth and family voices in school attendance discussions.
Generate actionable insights to improve attendance rates.

Register here>>

Beyond the Hype: What Research Tells Us About Social Media's Role in Youth Mental Health
2024-08-20 14:00
Child Mind Institute
Join Child Mind Institute as they discuss what research can and can’t tell us and how parents, platforms, and policymakers can use it to help kids.
Don’t miss this critical conversation!
Register here>>

Peer-to-Peer and Guardian-to-Child Mental Health Tips: Fostering Supportive Communication and Nurturing Emotional Well-being
2024-08-20 14:00 - 15:00
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Join NTTAC for an insightful exploration into peer-to-peer and guardian-to-child relationship dynamics. Learn valuable conversation techniques to support each other on the mental health journey, all in a non-judgmental and loving environment.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-08-21 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in the East Building’s Conference Room, on the 2nd floor, and via Zoom. You may access the meeting either in person, online, or by phone.
You may access the meeting in person, online, or by phone.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
East Building-Large Conference Room: 3rd 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)
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.

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Prospering Through Grief
2024-08-21 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
Engage in a heartfelt discussion on grief awareness. Connect with others and find strength through shared experiences.

Communicating with Families (online)
2024-08-22 12:00 - 16:00
Be Strong Families
Being able to recognize when a family needs support is important, but whether they get what they need is often impacted by how we, as service providers, communicate with them. This interactive workshop assists participants with understanding why certain conversations are difficult and how they could become less so. Participants will practice effective communication skills and develop action plans for implementing them with parents.
Register here>>

Supporting New Parents: A Conversation About Postpartum Mental Health
2024-08-22 20:00 - 21:00
Families for Depression Awareness
New parents know that the joy of parenthood comes with sleepless nights and a whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities. It’s a life-changing transition that can bring a mix of emotions – elation, excitement, and, sometimes, feelings of sadness or anxiety that may signal postpartum depression.
Join Families for Depression Awareness for an enlightening discussion on postpartum mental health and family wellness. Their panel of experts will shed light on new parents’ challenges, offer practical strategies for caring adults supporting new parents, and answer your questions.
This session is a must for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone interested in family mental health.
Register here >>

NAMI Pathways to Hope Conference
2024-08-23 - 2024-08-24
NAMI
Please join NAMI for their 3rd annual NAMI Pathways to Hope Conference from Aug. 23 – 24, 2024. This conference unites people from across communities to combat the stigma of mental illness.
During the Conference enjoy in-depth discussions, sharing of insights, and building of meaningful partnerships.
Register here>>

Hub City Wellness Fair
2024-08-24 08:30 - 13:00
Mississippi State Department of Health & Damionh Jones

Join us at the Hub City Wellness Fair! This event is a one-stop destination for all things wellness, offering a variety of activities and services designed to promote physical and mental well-being.
Start your day with a calming Yoga session, or get your heart pumping with an energetic Zumba class. Try your luck at our Raffles and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. Don’t miss out on our Giveaways that are sure to delight you!
Explore a wide range of products and services from our vendors, who offer everything from fitness gear to healthy snacks. Satisfy your taste buds with various delicious options from our Food Trucks.
Take advantage of our health checks, including A1C Checks for diabetes management and BP Checks for monitoring blood pressure. It’s an excellent opportunity to stay informed about your health status.
The Hub City Wellness Fair is more than just an event – it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier community. We can’t wait to see you there.
We are thrilled to invite you to participate as a vendor. This event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. We look forward to your participation and contribution to making this event a success.
Please bring your table and chairs! There will 10×10 spaces provided. It will be first come, first served! We kindly request each vendor to bring a door prize to contribute to the event’s engagement activities.
If you are interested in being a vendor for this upcoming health and wellness event, register below.
Register here >>

What Is PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)? An Introduction for Families
2024-08-26 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social-emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. Join us as we share information on this successful way of educating our students and ideas on how to use it in the home.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Heart Work Series: Am I Just Another Number? Healing-centered Re-unification for Young People who are Justice-impacted | MONDAYS IN AUGUST
2024-08-26 12:00 - 13:15

Bullying and Peer Pressure
2024-08-27 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
As the school year begins, join us for a crucial discussion on “Bullying & Peer Pressure.” This presentation, in collaboration with Families as Allies, will help our youth learn how to navigate challenges and build positive relationships with classmates, teachers, and staff.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-08-28 12:00 - 13:00
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>>

Family Exchange - August Session
2024-08-28 14:00 - 15:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Think Trauma. Think Well-being: In this exchange, we will share resources from the Think Trauma curriculum to share how trauma can impact our work and how to build pathways to health and well-being for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Register here>>

Nibbles & Networking
2024-08-29 11:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
Foster Parent Recruitment will host Nibbles to Networking on August 29th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Meridian Library.
Lunch will be provided.
For more information contact:
Aerrial Jackson,
Licensure Recruitment Supervisor
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
Madison County CPS
867 Martin Luther King
Canton, Mississippi 39046
MAIN: (601) 859-5858
DIRECT: (601) 540-8514
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-800-222-8000www.mdcps.ms.gov
Kayla Washington,
Licensure Recruitment Specialist
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
750 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
MAIN: (601) 359-4368
DIRECT: (601) 576-1539

Abilities Group Night
2024-09-01 17:05
Biloxi Shuckers
Join us for a unique celebration at Margaritaville Night at the Ballpark, featuring a special group outing for Abilities Night! Embrace the spirit of inclusivity and solidarity with those with disabilities, their families, friends, and caregivers, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere honoring the legendary Jimmy Buffett. Secure your discounted tickets through our exclusive link to sit amidst a community gathered for the same reason. Experience the ballpark transformed into a tropical paradise with gates opening at 4:00 PM and the first pitch at 5:05 PM. Get your tickets today and be a part of this memorable event!
Purchase your tickets here>>

Creating Your Own Path Autism Conference 2024
2024-09-05 07:30 - 16:00
MS Statewide Autism Training Initiative
The MS Statewide Autism Training Initiative is pleased to announce that registration for the 10th Annual Creating Your Own Path autism conference is officially open!
The conference will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at The Hilton Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned autism expert and professor at Colorado State University, will return as the featured speaker.
Register here>>

Boots on the Ground by Project GAP
2024-09-05 10:00 - 15:00
Diamond Excursions Ladies’ Edition
About the Event:
International Charity Day is a world-wide day to give back. Our Charity Day aims to bring together community resources to fill a critical gap in support for those who needs it most. We will be giving away food, supplies, and a range of resources that will help sustain and uplift individuals and families facing hardship. By uniting local organizations and compassionate individuals, we hope to create a day filled with not just tangible giveaways but also renewed hope.
How You Can Help:

Donate: Your generous financial support will directly contribute to providing families and individuals with food, supplies, and resources. For more information on donating, visit www.diamondexcursionsladiesedition.com
Sponsorship: We offer various sponsorship levels with benefits. Your sponsorship will help us cover the event costs and amplify our impact. The deadline to become a sponsor is August 16, 2024. For more information on becoming a sponsor, visit: https://www.jotform.com/ilianaoscar1/BOG_Sponsorship
Vendor Participation: We seek vendors who can provide free products or services for the event. This is a great opportunity to showcase what you offer to a supportive audience while contributing to a worthy cause. The deadline to become a vendor is August 23, 2024. For more information on being a vendor, visit: https://www.jotform.com/ilianaoscar1/BOG_PG

Your continued commitment to making a positive impact in our community is truly inspiring, and we would be honored to partner with you for this event. Please let us know if you’re interested or if you have any questions.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support Boots on the Ground by Project GAP. Together, we can make a significant impact!

Early Childhood Systems of Care: A Reflective Learning Space – Session 1
2024-09-06 12:00 - 13:00
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Series Dates: September 6 | September 13 | September 20
During this series, stakeholders will engage and deep dive into strategic ways to map early childhood community resources, which are the nuts and bolts of expanding SOC implementation strategies. Participants will explore equitable trauma-informed practices and systems that directly impact families, children, and the early childhood workforce.
Register here>>

It Takes a Village
2024-09-07 17:00 - 19:00
Operation Shoestring
Join us for the opening reception of our art exhibit “It Takes a Village” on September 7th, from 5 pm until 7 pm at the Arts Center of Mississippi. The Arts Center is located at 201 E Pascagoula St, Jackson, MS, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm during the week.
This exhibition is based on our oral history project, Raising Children in Central Jackson, which features the stories of families in our neighborhood. As a response to these narratives, current and expat Mississippi artists created or submitted work that they thought resonated with the stories shared by Jackson residents.
We can’t wait to see you there and invite to you stop by the gallery space after opening night as well!

Maintaining Family Connectedness (online)
2024-09-09 12:00 - 16:00
Be Strong Families
Navigating the child welfare system is difficult for any parent, and doing the work to get one’s children returned home is a monumental feat. When reunification is the permanency goal, maintaining strong family ties while the child is out of their parent’s home is essential. Child welfare staff can do a lot to facilitate the process of maintaining family connectedness. This four-hour workshop highlights the importance of maintaining family connectedness and assists child welfare front-line staff with understanding how they can strengthen family ties throughout the life of a case.
Register here>>

Excel By 5 Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence: Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures.
2024-09-10
Excel By 5
Excel By 5 Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence: Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures!
Join them for a momentous occasion as Excel By 5 marks two decades of transformative impact on early childhood education.
Their 20th Anniversary Summit will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the scenic Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond, MS.
Erin Ramsey, a renowned expert with 30 years of experience in early childhood education, will be the keynote speaker. Erin is known for her engaging approach to discussing challenging topics, and she will provide valuable insights to help Excel By 5 Communities and early childhood professionals reflect on their current status and set future goals.
YOU are also invited to become a sponsor of this significant event. Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to early childhood education and connect with professionals dedicated to shaping the future of our communities.
Register here>>

Trauma-Informed Parenting: Using Lifebooks (online)
2024-09-10 12:00 - 16:00
Be Strong Families
This training is designed to assist participants with understanding the value of a Lifebook for a child in care and how the collaborative process of developing a Lifebook can promote psychological well-being and assist with maintaining positive family ties as well as partnerships between parents with child welfare involvement and caregivers.
Register here>>

Annual Community Health Fair
2024-09-10 12:00 - 17:00 | St. James United Methodist Chuch, 722 Military Road, Columbus, MS, 39701, United States
ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
WHERE: ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
722 MILITARY ROAD
COLUMBUS, MS 39701
*****MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW. ******

BUILDING BETTER BEHAVIORS - MTSS PBIS Tier 1 Training
2024-09-11 08:00 - 16:00
REACH MS – The University of Southern Mississippi
Are you ready to take your MTSS PBIS to the next level? If so, join Reach MS for their MTSS PBIS Tier 1 Training!
This training will help you build the necessary systems to provide positive behavioral interventions and supports including data analysis, behavioral expectations and rules, teaching appropriate behavior, reinforcement systems, and more. Reach MS’s training is specially designed to align with Mississippi’s essential components of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. It is perfect for school-based teams including school administrators, general education teachers, special education teachers, behavioral specialists, and family members. CEUs (1.3), SEMIs (10), OSLs (1), and Contact Hours (13) are available.
When:
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where:
Lifelong Learning/R&D Center
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Register now and let’s work together to create a positive and safe learning environment for your school through PBIS! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to having you in the training!
The REACH MS Team
reachms@usm.edu
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-09-11 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 >>

NAMIWalks Mississippi - Columbus
2024-09-12 16:00 - 19:00
NAMI Columbus MS
MIWalks participants like you don’t just walk the walk. You are the walk.
NAMIWalks is about people who think nothing of giving everything – their time, stories, and heartfelt dedication to the cause: Mental Health for All.
Now it’s your turn to step forward.
To join our caring community or to welcome new friends.
Accept the challenge and become the change through your commitment, togetherness, and laughter.
To fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI’s mission, and let people know they are not alone.
Give your all for Mental Health for All.
Register here>>
