Families as Allies

Chasing Awareness Cornhole and 3v3 Soccer Event
2022-09-10 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Futbol Club
Join Jackson Futbol Club for their first Mississippi Chasing Awareness event to help raise funds for Suicide Prevention.
All proceeds will go to MATES – Mississippi Alliance to End Suicide.
Cornhole games, 3v3 soccer games, and prizes to raffle off. There will be food trucks there as well.
In memory of Chase Lanke and all the others who have lost their life due to suicide.

Peer Support Training
2022-09-12 08:30 - 2022-09-16 16:30
Are you a parent or caregiver raising or raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent who is on the same journey?
Then being a parent peer supporter may be for you!
What is Parent Peer Support? Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support another parent/caregiver who is going through similar experiences.
Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent peer supporters in the mental health system. Families as Allies conducts virtual training for the certification. These are the dates of upcoming trainings:

September 12-16, 2022 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: August 15, 2022)
November 14-18, 2022 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: October 17, 2022)
January 9-13, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: December 5, 2022)
March 20-24, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: February 17, 2023)
May 15-19, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 14, 2023)

Click here for the application packet.
Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2022-09-14 12:00, 2022-10-12 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 >>

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2022-09-15 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.
Register here >>

BIDD Advisory Council
2022-09-16 10:00
Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Department of Mental Health and the Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (BIDD) Advisory Council, comprised of service providers and advocacy organizations, are launching an awareness campaign in recognition of March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The campaign, titled “Celebrating Mississippians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” is the first of its kind for Mississippi, and highlights the connection between people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their communities.
Notice details:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/f0e671df-fd64-4772-a82f-4423f2cd6fca

Caregiver / Parent Peer Support Specialist Training Graduation
2022-09-16 13:00 - 13:30
We invite families, providers, state agencies, current parent peer supporters and those interested in learning about parent peer supporters to join in the celebration.
Register here >>

Special Education Boot Camp - Corinth
2022-09-17 09:30 - 12:45 | Corinth Public Library, 1023 Fillmore Street, Corinth, MS, United States
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
You don’t want to miss this upcoming Special Education Boot Camp on Saturday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Corinth Public Library. Topics will include advocacy, communication/documentation, conflict resolutions, and IEPs. Registration is not required but is preferred so we’ll know how many to plan for.
Breakfast will be served!
For more information, call Melissa Essary at (662) 660-3015 or email Leslie Junkin at leslie@mspti.org.
Register here >>

ABLE Town Hall Meeting
2022-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 | First Baptist Church of Madison, 2100 Main St., Madison, MS, 39110, United States
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Come learn about ABLE accounts. ABLE accounts allow those with disabilities to save money without affecting or canceling their much-needed government benefits. Free to the public.

For more information:
https://www.mdrs.ms.gov/Pages/able-act.aspx

2022 Virtual Mississippi Trauma Informed Care Conference
2022-09-21 08:00 - 2022-09-23 12:30
For the past 8 years, several state and local agencies have joined together to host the annual Trauma-Informed Care Conference. Each year, the conference has brought together over 500 diverse participants representing a wide array of service providers. This year’s theme, “Building Resiliency through the Pandemic,” was chosen to provide optimism that we will work through this difficult time by developing new coping strategies and building resiliency skills.
Resiliency is defined as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. Through innovative and thought-provoking sessions, it is our expectation the conference will provide information to assist attendees in working through this difficult time and also help in improving lives even in the absence of adversity.

This is a “Virtual Conference”. You will need appropriate equipment to participate (i.e. laptop, desktop, etc…)*. You will be required to sign in to our Zoom virtual platform by entering your name. Workshops require attendee interaction to verify attendance, chat, Q & A sessions, etc…
*We ask that you do not use a cell phone as this may limit your interaction, which may impact your ability to verify your attendance and receive continuing education credit.

​The target audience includes those directly or indirectly impacted by trauma, including but not limited to:

Mental Health and Addiction Professionals

Social Workers

Marriage and Family Therapists

National Board for Certified Counselors

Juvenile Justice Personnel – judges, counselors, administrators, probation officers

Educators – teachers, administrators, counselors

Domestic Violence and other advocates

Parents/Guardians/Foster Parents/Resource Parents

Community and Faith-Based

Peer Support Specialists

Survivors and family members

The fee for the conference is $100.00. There is not a daily fee or other reduced fees.
Register here>>

Food for Thought Presentation - Stress Management - CEU available!
2022-09-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Rd, Gulfport, Mississippi, 39503, United States
Gulfport Behavioral Health System
Stress affects everyone at times and learning to deal with stress effectively is essential to our well-being. Speaker: Hope Beaver, Ph.D.
Complementary lunch will be served at 11:30 am, program starts promptly at noon.
This program is approved for one (1) general CEU credit through the MS Board of Examiners for Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Completion certificate will be available for all participants that attend with completed evaluation.
Register here >>
Contact
Stephen East
Gulfport Behavioral Health System
228-731-2235
stephen.east@uhsinc.com

Independent Living: Here We Come!
2022-09-22 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
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 >>

What is LFPP and How Can It Help You?
2022-09-22 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about the work of the Family Voices Leadership in Family and Professional Partnerships (LFPP) program and how to access its resources and offerings! LFPP assists family organizations, Title V agencies, and other partners in the field.
Register here >>

Friends and Family Meditation & Yoga Training
2022-09-22 17:00
NFusion Metro Hand and Hand

Friends and Family Meditation & Yoga Training. The event kicks off at 5pm and will be located in the Large conference room of Hinds Behavioral Health Services, 3450 HWY 80 Jackson, MS 39204.

The Event has special guest hosts:
Instructor, Diamond Q. Rodgers

Holistic Practitioner, Sol’Angela Taylor Holifield.

Participants should come ready to STRETCH. individuals can bring towels, blankets, or mats to practice the yoga exercises.

Meditation training will help unwind your mind to help you return home relaxed and refreshed. Our event host will provide you with new tools for dealing with stress, anxiety, and problems. She will also help you to overcome negative states of mind such as anger and jealousy and to cultivate positive minds such as patience and love.

This event is open to ALL ages.

For more information call, 769-233-7429.

Start Smart for Your Baby® Shower and Community Health Fair
2022-09-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Tunica County Health and Wellness Center, 1165 Abbay Dr., Tunica, 38676, United States
Magnolia Health Plan
You’re invited to attend a Start Smart for Your Baby® Shower and Community Health Fair. Participants will enjoy games, food, giveaways, flu shots, and COVID vaccines. Bring your insurance card.
For more information contact Magnolia Health 866-912-6285 (Relay 711).

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
2022-09-27 10:00
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.
Meeting Location:
Department of Mental Health 239 N. Lamar Street
Jackson MS 39201
Map this!
Contact Information:
Deborah Etzold
601-359-5777
deborah.etzold@dmh.ms.gov

Getting and Keeping the First Job
2022-09-27 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Participants will learn the importance of disability self-awareness, how families can help youth with career planning, and strategies to navigate resumes, job interviews, and job accommodations. Particular attention is paid to the role of families in the career exploration and job hunting process. The message of the session is simple: families who understand the world of work and who maintain high expectations of their youth can play a pivotal role in the employment success of youth with disabilities.
Register here >>

Bullying Prevention: How Parents and Families Can Help
2022-09-27 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and everyone can do something to help prevent bullying; individuals, schools, and communities each have an important role! Bullying is real. It happens every day. Bullying hurts, emotionally and physically. Sometimes bullying even kills. But YOU can help the kids in your life to stop school bullying. We have the power to make a difference. Every adult who is raising a child can help in the effort to eliminate bullying by talking honestly and openly with that child about bullying experiences at school. Join us to learn what you can do as we discuss ways other family members are helping to stop school bullying.

Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS

Register here >>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2022-09-28 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 >>

Parent Peer Support Conversation for Anyone working with Parent Peer Supporters
2022-09-29 14:00 - 15:00
This conversation is for anyone working with parents providing peer support to other parents in any system, such as Children’s Services Directors, MAP Team Coordinators, Care Coordinators and Center Directors. We will share an overview of Families as Allies’ parent peer support training curriculum and ongoing support and training. We want to hear your feedback on how we’re doing from your perspective and how we can be most supportive to you. We will also discuss issues in parent peer support, including how to pay for it, what should be included in job descriptions and how to address questions that may arise.
Register here >>

Suicide Prevention & Postvention
2022-10-04 16:00 - 18:00
NFusion Metro Hand and Hand
The purpose of this event is to bring awareness to suicide and ways that the community, professionals and stakeholders can work together in order to help one another.
Location: TBA prior to the event.
For more information or to RSVP, please call (769)233-7429.

Wendy’s Children’s Golf Classic Sponsorship
2022-10-05 11:30 | Lake Caroline Golf Club
Mississippi Families for Kids
Join Mississippi Families for Kids for a 4-man scramble, 18-hole golf tournament complete with food, drinks, prizes, and gifts benefiting MFFK’s child permanency efforts.
Team and individual registration and sponsorship opportunities are available. All purchases are tax-deductible.
Click the link below to register, sponsor or learn more.
https://mffk.org/eventsfundraisers/

Drop In Family Support Time
2022-10-06 12:00
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.
Register here >>

Family Connections
2022-10-06 14:30 - 15:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center

“Family Connections” is a virtual community for parents and caregivers who support loved ones facing substance use and/or mental health challenges. Families tell us they need credible resources, guidance on accessing help, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. Monthly gatherings will focus on a specific topic, provide tips and tools, and offer the opportunity to network with other families.
Family Connections take place the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. ET. Join us October 6th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm for Be Strong and Carry On with Dana Asby, Program Specialist for the National Federation of Families and the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center.
Description: If there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that stress — and its ongoing effects — do not discriminate. It doesn’t care who you are, what you need to get done, or that you need to get back to sleep so you can work tomorrow. Keeping “calm” doesn’t always help you “carry on,” but strengthening your knowledge about stress, understanding its physical effects, and building new routines to interrupt the stress response cycle can give you a stronger foundation, so you are strong enough to carry on.
Learn how you and your family can stay “present” during times of uncertainty and increasing stress. Join us for a conversation and stress-reduction practice session with our own Dana Asby, project specialist for NFSTAC and the Federation of Families. Dana is a developmental and educational psychology researcher and author, as well as mental health and transformational leadership educator.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand the various types of stress and resulting effects on the mind, body, and spirit, plus what happens when a stress-response cycle never turns “off.”
Participants will learn how to gradually build or rebuild healthy habits and routines that can change their day and benefit parents, caregivers, and their family members.
Acceptance Focus: Participants will learn why accepting and addressing daily stressors is a useful tool to build the formula that works for them — by recognizing that they can develop full control of their own reactions to stressors.

Register here >>

Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
2022-10-13 10:00
Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
MSCDD is a federally mandated body of advocates appointed by the Governor to promote a better quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and their communities. Improvement in quality of life is accomplished through initiatives that promote advocacy, capacity building, and systems change. The current 25-member Council includes people with disabilities, parents, family member advocates, and required governmental representatives from public and private organizations. Membership reflects the diversity of the state.

MSCDD is funded by the U.S. Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health serves as the Designated State Agency for administrative and fiscal support.

The MSCDD office is located on the 5th floor of the Robert E. Lee Building at 239 North Lamar Street in Jackson. Staff: Executive Director – Charles Hughes, Jr., Program Coordinator – Christy Ashley, Administrative Assistant – Comma McDuffey. Website – https://www.mscdd.org/

Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council
2022-10-14 09:00 - 16:00
Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council
The Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council (MSICC) is an advisory council appointed by the Governor to advise and assist the Mississippi State Department of Health in implementing the requirements of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part C covers children birth through age two.
The MSICC advises and assists the MSDH First Steps Early Intervention Program. Families and professionals are encouraged to attend. Public comments may be shared during each meeting.
In Person:
Two Mississippi Museums
Brunini Conference Room
222 North Street #1206
Jackson, MS 39201
Please use link below to access the zoom:
Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/522213847
Dial: 301-715-8592, 312-626-6799, or 346-248-7799
Meeting ID: 522 213 847

Community Resource and Health Fair
2022-10-15 09:30 - 12:30
St. Luther M. B. Church

Coats/socks/non-perishable food giveaway
Free Workshops
– Medicare/Medicaid/Wills/Healthy Lives
COVID 19 vaccinations/boosters
35 + vendors
Kids Park for ages. 5 years & up

For more information contact: 601-750-8680.

19th Annual ADHD and Related Concerns Conference - Virtual
2022-10-20 08:30 - 16:00 | Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium
Hattiesburg Clinic Connections and Psychology & Counseling are proud to offer the 19th Annual ADHD and Related Concerns Conference. In-person sessions will be available Oct. 20-21, 2022 at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. Recorded on-demand sessions will be available 24 hours a day beginning October 24, 2022, through November 4, 2022. Registration fees include both in-person sessions and virtual recordings.
*Note: Credits for Counseling can only be earned by attending the live conference. No counseling credits are available through viewing recorded on-demand sessions.
This event has been created in order to provide an informative and educational learning experience for you with the hope that you will take every opportunity to expand your understanding of ADHD and related concerns.
If someone wants to register at the parent/caregiver rate of $75, they can call Stacy with GCEIC and register directly with her: (601) 528-5342.
Register below
https://www.gceic.org/adhd-and-related-concerns-conf

ADHD Conference Agenda below:
https://www.gceic.org/_files/ugd/506d4b_144c30df9e504a8cae9690a0308008a6.pdf
Registration fees
If you qualify for a discount code as a parent or multiple (3 or more from a district or organization), please call (601)528-5342 and ask for Stacy. You may also contact Stacy if you are paying personally and not using a purchase order. You may pay by check or PayPal if not use a purchase order. There will be an added PayPal Fee to any credit card or debit card transactions.
Registration fees will be paid to GCEIC and are as follows:
Early Rate (through September 16, 2022 at 11:59 pm) – $200
Regular Rate (from 12:00 am September 17 through October 7, 11:59 pm) – $220
Late Rate (from 12:00 am October 8) – $240
3 or more from the same district or organization get 10% off. (Contact GCEIC at 601.528.5342)
Parents/Caregivers – $75 (Contact GCEIC at 601.528.5342) (This discount fee is not eligible for credits)
There will be no pre-selection of sessions you wish to attend.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
Registrations are transferable but not refundable. Requests to transfer registration to another person must be made in writing prior to the conference.
Requests may be faxed to 800-960-8493 or emailed to stacy.moseley@gceic.org. Requests may also be mailed to GCEIC, 11975 Seaway Rd., Suite A240, Gulfport, MS 39503.
CREDITS (applied for – not final)
If you are seeking credit, you must complete an evaluation for each session you attend. All credits are included in the cost of the registration(not valid for the parent/caregiver registration rate). Certificates of Attendance for out-of-state participants will be available online in the participant’s registration account once they have attended all sessions and completed the evaluation.

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2022-10-20 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/7d84118e-93de-4aed-97ab-5e79e11f5aa7

Meeting Location-in person
Ellisville State School 1101 Hwy 11 South
Ellisville, MS. 39437
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2022-10-20 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 >>
