Families as Allies

Health, Wellness & Job Fair!!!
2023-10-14 10:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Peter’s Rock Family Worship Center, COGIC
Peter’s Rock Family Worship Center, COGIC, is inviting you to be a part of their Health, Wellness, and Job Fair on October 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
For information about the event or to be a vendor or provider, please contact;
Jan Bryan, Magnolia Health 601-760-1716 or Jannett.j.bryan@centene.com
Cheryl Young, Health Fair Committee, 662-554-5757
Peter’s Rock Family Worship Center, 662-323-5119

Transition Exit Summary of Performance: What is It?
2023-10-17 11:30 - 12:00
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>>

UNITY DAY
2023-10-18 00:00
National Bullying Prevention Center
WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2023-10-18 10:00 | Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, 1281 Hwy 51 North, Madison, Mississippi, 39110
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in the West Building’s Conference Room on the 2nd 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)
West Building-Large Conference Room: 2nd 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)
One tap Mobile
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Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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.

Hill Day at Home 2023
2023-10-18 13:00 - 16:00
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
This fall is shaping up to be one of the most consequential federal legislative periods in recent years.
Lawmakers are treating the time between September and December as one of their last and best chances to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation and secure funding for key behavioral health programs and services before the 2024 election cycle dominates the conversation.
So, it’s the perfect time for us to come together and demand our elected officials prioritize solutions to address the nation’s ongoing mental health and substance use crises.
While great progress has been made in the past few years by Congress and the Biden-Harris administration, more must be done to ensure everyone everywhere has access to comprehensive, high-quality mental health and substance use care.
This is your time to make a difference. With your help, our unified voice will cut through the noise and ensure mental health and substance use programs are front and center during a busy legislative fall.
Register here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2023-10-19 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

Specialized Treatment Facility
14426 James Bond Road
Gulfport MS 39503
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2023-10-19 09:00
Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health Regular Board meeting will be held on October 17, 2024, at 9:00 am.
Click here for notice information:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/991db1c4-6b2f-4279-be01-e239b53d8c90

Meeting Location

1818 College Drive
Meridian MS 39307
Contact Information
Suzanne Marler
(601)359-6260
Suzanne.marler@dmh.ms.gov

COJ 2023 Senior Health Fair
2023-10-19 09:00 - 13:00
City of Jackson
Department of Human & Cultural Services
Senior Services Division
Senior Health Fair

Jackson Convention Center
Thursday, October 19, 2023
9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Educate, Liberate, Elevate! National Day of Action
2023-10-19 10:00 - 2023-10-20 15:00
Nollie Jenkins Family Center & Activists with a Purpose
Each October, members of the Dignity in Schools Campaign, a coalition of over 100 organizations, host events, teach-ins, rallies, protests, and workshops nationwide designed to bring attention to the ongoing and devastating impacts of school policing and harsh discipline policies!
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Written State Complaints
2023-10-19 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training Aad Information Center
Parents of children receiving services from First Steps Early Intervention have important rights. There’s a formal process to follow if they disagree about whether the requirements of Part C of the IDEA are being followed. Under Part C of the IDEA, you have the right to file a written state complaint (state complaint) when you want the state lead agency to investigate if the IDEA has been followed.
Register here>>

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2023-10-19 12:00
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.

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 >>

A Family-Centered Approach to Implementing Plans of Safe Care
2023-10-19 13:00
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
The 2016 Amendments to the Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) clarified that for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure, a Plan of Safe Care is developed that addresses “the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of the infants and their affected family or caregiver.” A family-centered approach to plans of safe care assists states, Tribes, and communities in meeting the provisions of this legislation and the needs of families.
Register here>>

Barnyard Dance
2023-10-21 15:00 - 19:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Joni and Friends invite you to their 16th annual Barnyard Dance on Saturday, October 21st from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in Lena, MS.
The Barnyard Dance is a time of fun and fellowship. There will be great food, hayrides, horses and dancing. All food is provided, but if you would like to bring a dessert, you may!
For more information, click here!

Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Wellness Fair
2023-10-24 08:00 - 17:00
Mississippi Department of Health
Join MSDH and the Museum of Natural Science for this family-friendly event on October 21. Offering free health screenings, food trucks, and family activities along with a 5K walk/run to support Breast Cancer prevention.
Date: Saturday, October 21st
Time: 9:00–1:00 (Registration at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: LeFleur’s Bluff Playground in Jackson MS
Free 5K Walk/Run Registration.
Register here >>

Lead Poisoning: What You Need to Know
2023-10-24 10:00 - 10:30
The Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Please join the MSPTI to learn about lead poisoning and how to prevent your children from being exposed. This session will cover what is lead poisoning, sources of lead, signs/symptoms of lead, and prevention strategies.
Register here >>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2023-10-25 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 >>

Families as Allies Board Quarterly Board Meeting
2023-10-25 18:30 - 19:30
Quarterly board meeting of the board of Families as Allies. All meetings are open to the public and include time for public comments. Public comments can also be emailed to info@faams.org or faxed to 601-355-0919.

Register here >>

Independent Living: Here We Come!
2023-10-26 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for independent living is an exciting time in any youth’s journey towards adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is a time filled with questions and challenges. Join us as we explore a skills checklist to help parents and youth know where they are and what they need to work on in their journey to independent living. We will talk about the importance of self-advocacy and what families/parents can do to help youth and young adults with planning for the future.
Register here>>

Making Strides of Central Mississippi
2023-10-28
Making Strides of Central Mississippi
Making Strides has always been more than just a walk; it’s a movement. We are making it easier for anyone, anywhere, to make an impact. We know the future can be free from breast cancer. We’re asking you to join the movement and sign up to save lives.
To learn more about the Making Strides of Central Mississippi or for other information, call us toll free at 1-800-227-2345. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also contact your local American Cancer Society representative using the contact information provided below Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
Contact for more information:
MONTY PERMENTER
monty.permenter@cancer.org
601.594.7776
Learn more >>

Merchandise ‘n’ Mingle
2023-10-28 08:30 - 12:30
Mississippi Families for Kids
Shop, connect, and trick or treat at Merchandise ‘N’ Mingle.
Join Mississippi Families and Kids at New Jerusalem Church (North) on October 28th from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, and enjoy Food Trucks, Games, Music, and Local Vendors.
The proceeds will benefit relatives raising others’ children.
Register here >>

Fun Day Trunk-or-Treat
2023-10-30 16:30 - 18:30
Hinds Behavioral Health Services
Free event, open to the public.
Food & Music, Candy & Games, Health/Prevention Resources
Monday, October 30, 2023
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
3450 Hwy 80 W
Jackson, MS 39209

First Annual Project H.O.P.E. Community Breakfast
2023-11-01 09:30 - 11:00
Project H.O.P.E.
Come and join our community conversation on how we can best work together to ensure that all children in our country have the best possible start in life.
For additional information or to register by phone, 901.568.5608, or email ourhopeforthefuturems@gmail.com.

Mississippi Planning and Advisory Council
2023-11-02 10:00 - 12:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to make recommendations;
To serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses; and
To monitor, review, and evaluate, not less than once each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Hudspeth Regional Center in the Chastain Auditorium
10am-12pm on November 2, 2023
Join Virtually
Contact Information
August Irving
601-359-6204
august.irving@dmh.ms.gov

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-11-02 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 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.
Register here >>

Enhancing and Empowering: Conversations for Positive Change
2023-11-03 12:00
Be Strong Families
They’re not perfect, but we love them anyway. Parenting a teenager or young adult can sometimes feel like a constant battle. As a parent, it can be frustrating. It’s important to remember that your teen is becoming independent while experiencing warp-speed changes, social angst, and a million emotions all at once. Join our conversation about the ups and downs of parenting a teen.
Register here>>

6 Core Principles of IDEA
2023-11-07 11:00 - 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>>

Leveraging Medicaid to Support Children and Youth Living with Complex Behavioral Needs
2023-11-08 10:00 - 11:00
Manatt Health
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the serious and growing mental health and substance use disorder crisis gripping children and youth in the United States. The situation is particularly serious for young people who are stuck “boarding” in emergency departments for days or weeks, cycling in and out of psychiatric hospitals, contemplating and sometimes attempting or completing suicide, and struggling to remain in school or to find and keep a job.
Register here>>

Fall Community Health & Resource Fair
2023-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | John H Thompson Sports Complex, 3844 Hwy 42, Bassfield, MS, 39221
MS Shine Project & Magnolia Health
You are invited to attend the Fall Community Health & Resource Fair on Wednesday, November 8th from 10 am – 2 pm at the John H Thompson Sports Complex in Bassfield, MS.
For more information contact Shanell Williamson at 601-441-9333.

Webinar: ‘Visualizing Loss’ Films
2023-11-08 11:00
Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition
Bereavement following the death of a child remains largely hidden. Using Collaborative Filmmaking, five families from across Pennsylvania created their own videos to share their unique bereavement experiences. Their films visualize loss and show the complexities and depth of their grief journeys.
This project, funded by the McElhattan Foundation, is a partnership between the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition and the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. We aim to develop a deeper understanding of families’ experiences as they navigate end-of-life and the death of their child with a life-limiting illness. We hope the films will inform future programs and policies to better support families navigating the grief process after the loss of a child.
Each film is completely unique, and yet when woven together, the films foster understanding, deepen awareness and visualize loss. Join us for the premiere of the Visualizing Loss film, followed by a panel discussion with the parents and members of the project team.
Register here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2023-11-08 12:00
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, 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 >>
