Families as Allies

5th Annual Teen Summit Love Like That
2024-02-03 00:00 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi State Department of Health
Mark your calendar for MCADV’s 5th Annual Teen Summit, “Love Like That,” on February 3, 2024.
This project is funded in whole or in part through support from Award #SG-2243-R3, awarded to the Mississippi State Department of Health by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

2024 Early Childhood Capitol Day
2024-02-06 09:00 - 13:30
Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
Join the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance as they host their annual Early Childhood Capitol Day on February 6, 2024.
Enjoy a networking breakfast and hear legislative panelists discuss early childhood education and early intervention, 2024 policy updates, and the importance of strengthening the childcare workforce through increased teacher wages. This event will be at the Walter Sillers Building near the Capitol beginning at 9:00 a.m. For those unable to attend in person, information will be sent about upcoming webinars sharing the Capitol’s legislative agenda and how you can use your voice virtually.
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Written State Complaints
2024-02-06 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You have important rights if your child receives First Steps Early Intervention services. If you disagree about whether the requirements of Part C of the IDEA are being followed, there’s a formal process to follow. Under Part C of the IDEA, you can file a written state complaint when you want the state lead agency to investigate if the IDEA has been followed. This process is in place to ensure that your child receives the services they need and deserve
Register here>>

Transition Exit Summary of Performance: What is It?
2024-02-06 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 and learn what it is and how it’s used.
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Mediation
2024-02-13 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Mediation is a voluntary process under Part C of the IDEA that brings people together to resolve disagreements. This session will provide information and resources to guide families through this process.
Register here >>

Office Hour
2024-02-13 16:00 - 17:30
National Federation of Families
Join the National Federation of Families this month to hear about how MIKID shares person-centered resources and highlights families’ natural supports to build strengths-based relationships between family peers and the families with whom they work and within families. Gain strategies to apply now!
Register here>>

iNFUSE-A-Heart
2024-02-13 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
Join NFusion Metro for an enchanting evening of creativity, connection, and heartfelt expressions at their “Infuse-a-Heart” event!
This unique gathering invites the youth to immerse themselves in the art of self-expression as they convey their deepest emotions through the written word.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-02-14 12:00 - 13:00
For any parent 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 at noon on the second Wednesday of the month. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.
Register here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2024-02-15 09:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health

Board Committee meetings will be held prior to the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.
Click here for notice information:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/991db1c4-6b2f-4279-be01-e239b53d8c90

Meeting Location

Mississippi State Hospital
3550 Hwy. 468 W.
Whitfield MS 39193
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2024-02-15 12:00 - 13:00
Does your school ever call and ask you to come pick up your child who has an IEP because your child is upset?
Has the school told you to take your child for an evaluation and not bring them back to school until you get an evaluation?
Do you ever wonder if your child needs an IEP? Does your child have an IEP, and you wonder whether or not it is working?
If you said yes to any of these questions, or you have other questions about things going on in your child’s school, then come join us.
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Register here>>

The Family Room with Sue Badeau
2024-02-15 15:00 - 16:00
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
A Family Room is often defined as an “informal gathering place for all members of a family” or “a comfortable space.” We hope you find that at our new online event for parents, caregivers, and family members to connect on a more personal level in a small group setting. NFSTAC’s Family Room launches this Thursday, February 15th, from 4 pm ET to 5 pm ET.
Last summer, NFSTAC convened two listening sessions to get feedback from the many people who join our webinars and events. We heard about topics they wanted to discuss, what issues face their families, and a space where they could “dig deeper” with a smaller group.
Your host is Sue Badeau, an author, trainer, speaker, and family peer expert with lived experience as the parent of 22 children. For February, Sue facilitates the first discussion inspired by our January Family Connections, “Supporting Families with Emerging Adults in the Transition Years.”
Registration is limited to ensure a more personalized experience for participants.
Register here>>

Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith 14th Annual Teen Dating Violence Awarness Summit
2024-02-17 10:00 - 14:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith (BBGDF)
FEBRUARY MARKS NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Each year, advocates come together to raise awareness about teen dating violence and educate our youth. This event is free to all interested teens and includes a teen panel. This is a very serious issue that impacts everyone- not just teens- but their parents, friends, and communities as well. Together, we can raise our voices about teen dating violence and promote the building of healthy relationships. Dating violence is more common than you think, especially among teens and young adults.
SPEAKERS! RESOURCE TABLES! GIVEAWAYS! LUNCH!
Cost: Free of charge (pre-registration is required). Learn more information or register to attend at www.bbgdf.org
(Registration begins at 9:30 am)
Calling all Resource Fair Exhibitors!!! Please send us an email or text to reserve your table.

Should you have any questions or require further information, contact Eva Jones at 601-953-5747.

Register here>>

Empower More Staff with Parent Café Certificates
2024-02-20 09:00 - 2024-02-22 17:00
Be Strong Families
Be Strong Families Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where people talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them, such as the challenges and victories of raising a family, navigating landscapes of inequality, enhancing well-being, or being involved in the recovery process of someone they love.
Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to strengthen their families. Participants leave Cafés feeling inspired, energized, and excited to put into practice what they’ve learned.
Get your team trained and certified, and let Parent Cafés flourish in your community!
Register here>>

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee Meeting
2024-02-20 09:30
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee (MAAC) was created by House Bill 11252 (2011 Regular Session) as the Legislature recognized an urgent need for strategies on how to best identify, treat, educate, accommodate, and employ people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and assist their families. The MAAC’s mission is “to study, make recommendations and develop a strategic plan on how best to educate and train students with ASD to maximize their potential productivity within the workforce … and to develop an annual plan” outlining these strategies. The MAAC is tasked with writing a report to the legislature outlining any roadblocks to creating meaningful progress in the areas of mental health, education, medical, and employment for people with ASD and their families.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2024-02-21
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in the East Building’s Conference Room, on the 3rd floor, and via Zoom.
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.

Communicating Your Superpowers
2024-02-21 15:00 - 16:30
National Family Support TAC
When we equip families to take a person-centered approach to communications, it creates an opportunity for each person to determine for themselves what their core values are what their communication style might be, but most importantly, it equips the family member to assist their loved one to evoke their ideas and strengthen the relationship in the process.
Register here>>

Recovery Day 2024- MS State Capitol
2024-02-22 08:00 - 16:30
Mississippi – Recovery Advocacy Project
You are invited to join many other organizations and individuals supporting recovery for the 2024 Mississippi Recovery Day on February 22nd!
There is strength in numbers, and your participation is important to show a unified recovery community in Mississippi!
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Due Process
2024-02-22 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This training will cover due process complaints and due process hearings for agencies that have adopted IDEA Part C procedures.
Learn the IDEA Part C procedures that affect timelines, time limits, and other requirements for due process complaints. Join us and find out the requirements your state follows.
Register here>>

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2024-02-22 12:00
Be Strong Families
Structural Racism as a Detriment to the Mental and Physical Health of Young Children with Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji
This webinar provides evidence of how structural racism influences the physical and mental health of culturally and socially minoritized young children. Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji will help parents, caregivers, and professionals identify signs of race-based stress among young children and offer culture-centered solutions to promote healthy development and overall well-being.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will increase their knowledge about structural racism as a significant factor influencing the health and well-being of young children. Participants will augment their self-awareness of the role of bias in the care and treatment of young children within minoritized cultural and social groups. Participants will enhance their understanding of social action tools when interacting and intervening with young children.
Register here>>

Reputation Reset Entering the Mental Health Era
2024-02-23 09:00
Singing River Health System
Join Singing River Health System as we engage in open, honest conversations about mental health and its effects on all of us.
We are breaking barriers, removing stigmas, and resetting the reputation of mental health as a topic that should be discussed, addressed, and prioritized in our community and elsewhere.
Panelists include physicians, mental health professionals, and individuals with moving lived experiences to share, along with keynote speaker Emma Benoit, a Louisiana local with an inspirational story of triumph over tragedy following a suicide attempt.
PANEL TOPICS
Crisis Management
Grief
Preventive Care
Anxiety and Depression
Social Pressures
Doors open at 7:30 am for breakfast and mingling, with panel discussions beginning at 9 am and concluding with time for attendees to meet with and talk to panelists.
We are entering our Mental Health Era and can’t wait to have you join us as we ignite conversations and pave the way for meaningful change in mental health in our community.
Register here>>

Special Education Boot Camp
2024-02-24 09:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You don’t want to miss the Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project’s upcoming Special Education Boot Camp in Tupelo on Saturday, February 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Topics will include:

IEPs
IDEA
Conflict resolution
Advocacy

Join them for an informative-filled training! Parents, bring your IEPs and questions. Registration is required.
Register here>>
For more information, contact Leslie Junkin at leslie@mspti.org

365 Black: One Community United in Blackness: A Celebration of Black Brilliance and Innovation
2024-02-26 11:00 - 12:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
NTTAC is excited to announce the launch of its 2nd Annual Lived Experiences 365 programming. Lived Experiences 365 will honor the culturally diverse experiences and voices of youth, young adults, families, community members, and providers navigating and advocating for equitable mental wellness in their personal lives, organizations, and communities.
Register here>>

The Parent Influence: Why We Become Parent Leaders
2024-02-27 12:00
Be Strong Families
Everything is better when Parent Leaders step into the room. Their knowledge of their families, their wisdom, skill sets, and resourcefulness are the things that make our organizations come alive! Join Be Strong Families National Parent Café Leadership team members as they share what motivates them to connect with an agency/organization or school and why they keep coming back!
Register here >>

DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY: Connecting for Change
2024-02-27 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>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-02-28 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>>

Community Give Back Day
2024-02-29 10:30 - 13:00
Canopy Children’s Solutions
Community Give Back at Canopy Children’s Solutions will occur on Thursday, February 29, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public and will be held at 1900 North West Street, Suite C, in Jackson, MS 39202.

Special Education Boot Camp Horn Lake
2024-03-02 10:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You don’t want to miss our upcoming Special Education Boot Camp in Horn Lake on Saturday, March 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the M. R. Dye Public Library.
Topics will include:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Skills for Effective Advocacy
Communication and Collaboration
Dispute resolution

For more information, contact Leslie Junkin at leslie@mspti.org
Register here>>

WRAP Wellness Recovery Action Plan
2024-03-06 08:30 - 2024-03-07 17:00
Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
Join the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi for a FREE two-day retreat to work on your self-care!
Enjoy these simple, safe, and free ways to get and stay well in a mutual learning group environment. Coping skills, stress reduction, self-care, burnout avoidance. These skills are useful in many situations, such as illness maintenance, relationships, conflict resolution, work, daily living, and crisis situations.
12 CEUs available for DMH disciplines.
Contact kdaneault@msmentalhealth.org for questions.
Register here>>

Drop In Family Support Time
2024-03-07 12:00 - 13:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Does your school ever call and ask you to come pick up your child who has an IEP because your child is upset?
Has the school told you to take your child for an evaluation and not bring them back to school until you get an evaluation?
Do you ever wonder if your child needs an IEP? Does your child have an IEP and you wonder whether or not it is working?
If you said yes to any of these questions, or you have other questions about things going on in your child’s school, then come join us.
Register here >>

Mental Health & Wellness Day at the Capitol
2024-03-12 08:00 - 11:30
Mental Health Association of South MS
Mental Health Association of South MS invites you to come out and learn more about resources in Mississippi and let your legislators know mental health is important.
For more information, call 601-899-9058 or email info@msmentalhealth.org.
Register here>>
