Families as Allies

Every Day Counts: Community Conversations on School Attendance
2024-09-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
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>>

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>>

Early Childhood Systems of Care: A Reflective Learning Space – Session 2
2024-09-13 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>>

Mississippi Recovery Festival - SAVE THE DATE
2024-09-14 08:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative

Support ENDING ADDICTION IN MS at the Mississippi Recovery Festival, the largest Recovery Festival in Mississippi, on September 14 at LaFleur’s Bluff State Complex.
Live entertainment, Food Trucks, Kids area with LaFleur’s Bluff Playground, Art Vendors, Local Product Vendors, Overdose memorial, and a END ADDICTION Walk!
Details on how to become a sponsor, vendor, food truck, or register for the ENDING ADDICTION Walk are coming soon!
For more information, reach out to jason@msharmreduction.org
** All money raised for the END ADDICTION Walk will go to buy Naloxone for communities across Mississippi.
**Money raised for the event will help fund Mississippi Recovery Community Center and Mississippi Recovery Housing.
Register here>>

Nothing About Us Without Us: Families Supporting Recovery
2024-09-16 12:00
National Federation of Families
SAMHSA’s working definition of recovery is “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” That very process of change is for families as well.
Family Recovery includes resilient family members who are parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, caregivers, and/or children of individuals with emotional, developmental, behavioral, mental health, and/or substance use challenges. Families experience their own recovery when they are actively part of their loved one’s recovery. In recovery, the focus is often on the individual experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Family members who support that person are often forgotten or left out, and feel invisible, blamed, and out of the loop. It is often difficult for families to find support they need as well.
Join SAMHSA and the National Federation of Families on Monday, Sept.16th to meet four family members who will share their own family recovery story and how they learned to improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential as a family.
Register here>>

Third Annual Northeast Mississippi Addictions Summit
2024-09-17 11:00 - 19:00
United Way Health Alliance
Join Health Alliance for their third annual Northeast Mississippi Addiction Summit where they connected attendees to resources and education on addiction and recovery efforts throughout our area and state.
Register here >>

Empowering Futures: A Parent’s Guide to Pre-Employment Transition Services
2024-09-17 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Pre-ETS are pre-employment transition services for students ages 14-21. Discover how Pre-ETS training equips students with disabilities with essential skills for successful careers. Join us to learn how to support your youth/young adult’s employment journey and access these valuable services.
Register here >>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-09-18 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 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 either in person, online, or by phone.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
West Building – 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)
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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Person Centered Planning Is Social Justice
2024-09-18 14:00 - 15:30
National Federation of Families

Person-Centered Is Social Justice is an online event where various speakers will dive deep into the intersection of person-centered approaches and social justice. Join the National Federation of Families for insightful discussions, lived experience, and best practices related to person-centered planning. Together, we will explore how putting people at the center of our work can lead to more equitable and inclusive outcomes. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community dedicated to creating positive change!
Register here>>

Guest Feature: Unleash Your Potential: Transform Your Organization (and Your Life!) with Authentic Feminine Leadership
2024-09-19 09:30 - 12:30
Be Strong Families
No matter where you are in an organization’s hierarchy, you have the ability to lead and propel important work forward using your personal strengths, energy, values, and relationship-building skills.
This is a 3-day workshop.
Date: Sept 19, Sept 26, and Oct 10, 2024.
Time: Each day, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm CT
Location: Online
Register here>>

Early Childhood Systems of Care: A Reflective Learning Space – Session 3
2024-09-20 12:00 - 13:00

Children and Lead: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Them
2024-09-20 12:30 - 13:30
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 >>

Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2024-09-20 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>>

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee
2024-09-20 13:00 - 15:00
Department of Health
The EHDI AC advises the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program. Families and professionals are encouraged to attend this regular meeting, and public comments may be shared during each meeting.
How to Join this Public Meeting
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee Meeting
September 20, 2024
1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89565290499?pwd=[REDACTED]
Password: [REDACTED]
Or Telephone:
Dial:
USA 713 353 0212
USA 8888227517 (US Toll Free)
Conference code: [REDACTED]
Find local AT&T Numbers:
https://www.teleconference.att.com/servlet/glbAccess?process=1&accessNumber=7133530212
&accessCode=772370

3rd Annual Hispanic Festival Community Health & Resource Fair
2024-09-21
SEMRHI
The Mississippi SHINE Project and SEMRHI will host our 3rd Annual Hispanic Festival Community Health & Resource Fair on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
For more information about this Community Health and Resource Fair, contact:
Shanell Williamson
Phone: 601-602-5533
Email: shanell.williamson@semrhi.com
To confirm your interest, please complete the vendor application form via the following link: https://www.semrhi.com/hispanicfestival2024/

Community Resource Fair
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
LINK and BBGDF present the “Connection Partners to Transform Communities and Create New Beginnings” Community Resource Fair on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Join us for FREE food, resources, and family fun!
Location: Redeemer Church (E Northside Church)
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Date: Sat, September 21, 2024
To learn more, contact us online. This event is FREE but registration is required.
Register here>>

Relationship-Based Practice and Making Effective Referrals (online)
2024-09-23 12:00 - 2024-09-24 16:00
Be Strong Families
This workshop teaches participants how to implement a client-driven, partnership-based approach to I&R.
The focus is on building parents’ skills to research and access services as they build their knowledge of what’s available in the community.
Register here>>

Lagniappe Teachers Going Above and Beyond for Exceptional Children
2024-09-23 12:00 - 2024-09-25 23:30
Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Mississippi Unit of CEC hosts a fall conference every year. It is the largest educational conference in Mississippi that focuses on professional learning for special educators and stakeholders.
The conference allows teachers, parents, and administrators to network and gain information on instructional practices, policy, and related technology trends. This is your prime opportunity to meet teachers, administrators, faculty, and other prospective customers who are most interested in the solutions that you offer.
Join us as we showcase this annual event in Tupelo, MS.
Register here>>

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee Meeting
2024-09-24 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>>

10 Annual Mississippi Virtual Trauma Informed Care Conference
2024-09-25 - 2024-09-28
Prestige Professional Development and Consulting, LLC
Prestige Professional Development and Consulting, LLC will be hosting their 10th Annual Mississippi Virtual Trauma Informed Conference, “A Decade of Leading the Way to Triumph Over Trauma” on September 25-27th, 2024.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-09-25 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>>

Save the Date! A Stronger WE: Building Stronger Support, Alignment, and Impact for Systems of Care
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Today, we are working harder than ever to live into the power and possibility of using the System of Care (SOC) approach to transform the lives of children and families in our communities. We are being called to solve an increasingly complex set of challenges that cannot be solved without strengthening fragile community partnerships, realigning our partners’ goals, and smart stewarding of resources that must stretch to meet an ever-increasing need for mental health services and support. Even when our systems of care collaboratively focus on solutions and expanding opportunities for diverse populations, our need to simultaneously build and share power for this work is often unintentionally under-resourced, overlooked, or deprioritized.
Register here>>
