NAMI Hearts & Minds - Lunch & Learn
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
NAMI
Join NAMI on June 26 at noon for a virtual Lunch & Learn – NAMI Hearts & Minds.
This session will focus on the importance of your social connections on your mental health.
NAMI Hearts+Minds is a wellness program designed to educate and empower you to manage your health better, mentally and physically.
Register here>>

Backpack Giveaway
2025-06-28 10:00 - 12:00
Blessing Box Flowood
Join Blessing Box Flowood for a Backpack Giveaway at the G. Chastaine Flynt Memorial Library in Flowood on Saturday, June 28th. This free community event will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Children must be present to receive a backpack.
Donations are Needed! Please support this effort by donating supplies. Visit the Blessing Box Flowood Facebook Page for more details.
Let’s help local families get ready for a great school year!

SMI TTAC Virtual Training: Peer Support for SMI During Care Transitions
2025-06-30 12:00
Serious Mental Illness Training and Technical Assistance Center
Join the Serious Mental Illness Training and Technical Assistance Center (SMI TTAC) for a webinar focused on peer support during care transitions for those experiencing serious mental illness (SMI).
Register here>>

Bring mental health awareness to youth - Say it Out Loud
2025-06-30 12:00 - 13:00
NAMI
If you are looking for programming for your school or youth organization, NAMI Say It Out Loud is a dynamic program that gets your youth involved and talking about mental health.
This is a program for youth by youth. Your youth will learn real-world skills by conducting the NAMI Say It Out Loud program in your organization.

To learn more, please attend this info session. You will see the NAMI Say It Out Loud program presented by our Open Up MS youth and how you can bring this program to your organization.Say It Out Loud is an educational program aimed at informing the community about how mental illnesses affect youth and young adults.

Raising awareness by sharing information and starting conversations about mental health is key in reducing the negative perceptions and stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness. It is our hope that these presentations will increase the likelihood that teens will seek mental health care when they need it.

Register here>>

Act With Hope: Community Engagement Approaches
2025-07-01 12:00
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Community plays an integral role in recovery. People recovering from substance use challenges thrive when they are able to connect to support within their own community. Join the National Council for Mental Well being for this webinar, which will explore key strategies for integrating peer recovery support specialists (PRSSs) into community-based environments.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-07-09 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 >>

A Splash of Summer: Vitality Café
2025-07-09 18:00 - 19:30
Be Strong Families
No practice runs. No pause button. Just you, your child, and a world that’s moving at full speed. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, tween eye-rolls, or teen tech obsessions, one thing is clear: this is not a drill—this is parenting in real time!
Register here>>

An Easy Breezy Ice Cream Social
2025-07-10 10:00 - 14:00
NAMI
NAMI Central Mississippi invites you to an Easy Breezy Ice Cream Social on July 10, 2025, at Hinds Behavioral Health Services in Jackson, MS.
Come cool down, grab a sweet treat, and connect with local NAMI members in a fun and relaxed setting. Whether you’re a new supporter or a longtime friend, this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about mental health resources and the NAMI community.
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMLocation: 3450 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, MS 39209Contact: centralms@namims.org
Let’s build community and raise awareness together—one scoop at a time!
Register here>>

A Splash of Summer: Vitality Café
2025-07-11 12:00 - 13:30
Be Strong Families
Our A Taste of Café series gives you a preview of Cafés—Be Strong Families’ internationally known, structured, small group conversations! Join us each Friday at 12:00 pm CT for a free session where you can take part in peer-to-peer conversations that facilitate transformation, healing, and strength within families.
Register here>>

Marion County Education & Health Fair
2025-07-12 11:00 - 14:00
United Way Southeast Mississippi

Join us for the second annual Marion County Education & Health Fair on Saturday, July 12, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Marion County BusinessPlex (182 Partnership Way, Columbia). Enjoy a day filled with community connections, helpful resources, and engaging activities focused on promoting education and health for everyone.

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-07-14 - 2025-07-18
Are you a parent or caregiver 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 on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or 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.
Upcoming training:

July 14-18, 2025

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.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

September 15-19, 2025
November 17-21, 2025
January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Act With Hope: Engagement Anywhere
2025-07-15 14:00
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing on July 15 for a webinar exploring effective strategies for embedding peer support into telehealth environments, fostering collaboration with clinical teams, and building strong virtual workplaces.
Register here>>

Una Probadita de Cafe
2025-07-16 18:00 - 19:30
Be Strong Families
Nuestra serie Una Probadita de Café le ofrece una vista previa de Cafés: ¡las conversaciones estructuradas y de grupos pequeños internacionalmente conocidas de Cafés: Be Strong Families! Únase a nosotros para una sesión gratuita en la que podrá participar en conversaciones entre pares que transforman, sanan y fortalecen a las familias.
Regístrate aquí

Back to School Bash
2025-07-17 16:00 - 20:00
Roof Above Resilience
Roof Above Resilience, The Heart of the Panthers, and Future Leaders of Tomorrow invite you to the Back to School Bash — a fun-filled, family-friendly community celebration happening July 17, 2025, at the Ben Barrett Community Center in Lumberton, MS.
Join us from 4 PM to 8 PM for:

A School Supplies Bazaar & Giveaway to help kids start the school year strong
Food vendors and fun games the whole family will enjoy
Music and entertainment to keep the energy high

Whether you’re a parent, student, vendor, or supporter, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the season and uplift the community.
Location: 764 E Main Ave, Lumberton, MS 39455Contact: 769-218-8609 or roofaboveresilience@gmail.com to become a sponsor or vendor.
Let’s empower our future leaders together!

Back to School Book Bag Drive
2025-07-18 12:00
Community Action of South Mississippi
Community Action of South Mississippi invites families to their Back to School Book Bag Drive on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 12 noon, located at 500 24th Street, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Each child will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies
A brown bag lunch will be provided with each backpack
Note: Children must be present to receive supplies
Distribution will take place while supplies last

Come early and get your student ready for a successful school year!For more information, contact Community Action of South MS.

Community Health Fair & Back to School Bash
2025-07-19 09:00 - 13:00
Southside Missionary Baptist Church
Join Southside Missionary Baptist Church for their Community Health Fair & Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 100 Nashville Ferry Road E., Columbus, MS 39702
This family-friendly event will feature:

Free school supplies and backpacks (while supplies last)
Free health screenings and wellness resources
Hygiene kits and dental care items
Vision and medical services are available on-site

Get your family ready for a healthy and prosperous school year—all in one place!

Back to School Supply Drive
2025-07-20 15:00
C3 Car Club
C3 Car Club {Gulf Coast} proudly presents their 7th Annual Back to School Supply Drive on Sunday, July 20, 2025, starting at 3 PM at 2701 US-90, Gautier, MS (behind McDonald’s).

Free school supplies for students (child must be present)
Car show vibes with the Gulf Coast’s favorite ridesSupplies are available while they lastFor more info, call: 228-235-0499

Bring the family, enjoy the energy, and help get students ready for a successful school year!

A Vision of Youth Thriving: Aligning External Assets with Youth Strengths and Needs
2025-07-21 12:30 - 15:00
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Foundational work in Positive Youth Development (PYD) has shifted how we think about adolescence and young adulthood as a time of unique opportunity and potential rather than a time full of risk and deficits. With that orientation, researchers and practitioners are working as a scientific and applied community to better understand thriving and the factors that support it. Stemming from a qualitative study with young people and practitioners across the country, this presentation will highlight a vision of thriving, including key outcomes of mental and physical health, and the strengths and assets youth experience in themselves and the communities that support their thriving. We will discuss how practitioners and others who support young people (either personally or professionally) can use these findings and how others from the field of PYD can be asset builders for young people. We invite you to come with your own wisdom and questions. We are excited to dive in together and envision a world where every young person has the strengths and supports they need to thrive!
Register here>>

Back to School Backpack Giveaway
2025-07-23 10:00 - 13:00
BPSOS Biloxi and community partners
Free Backpack Giveaway on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM (or until supplies run out) at the Sacred Heart Gymnasium, located at 10446 Lemoyne Blvd., D’Iberville, MS 39540.
What to expect:

Free backpacks and school supplies for children
Senior community resources and free health screenings
No documentation needed

Children must be present to receive supplies

This event is made possible by BPSOS Biloxi and community partners, including Hancock Whitney, MDHS, SMPDD, and others.
For more info: Call 228-436-9999
Come early and get ready for a great school year!

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2025-07-23 12:00 - 13:00
Families as Allies
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>>

Mississippi’s Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council
2025-07-25 10:00 - 12:00
Mississippi’s Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council
Join the Mississippi Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council on Friday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Cobb Conference Center inside the Walter Sillers Building, located at 550 High Street in downtown Jackson. The meeting is open to the public. You can attend in person, and we anticipate that Medicaid will provide a virtual link closer to the meeting time.

A Splash of Summer: Vitality Café
2025-07-25 12:00 - 13:30
Be Strong Families
Adding a splash of summer is all about finding those moments of joy, relaxation, and spontaneity that create lasting memories, even amidst the challenges and responsibilities of everyday life. The essence of Summer – joy, freedom and relaxation- can infuse everyday life into vibrant, creative, bright days.
Register here>>

Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC)
2025-07-25 14:00 - 16:00
Mississippi’s Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Committee
Join the Mississippi Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Committee on Friday, July 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Cobb Conference Center inside the Walter Sillers Building, located at 550 High Street in downtown Jackson. The meeting is open to the public. You can attend in person, and we anticipate that Medicaid will provide a virtual link closer to the meeting time.

Ready, Set, Learn! Back to School Giveaway
2025-07-26 10:00 - 14:00
LINK
Join LINK and Head Start for a fun and impactful Back to School Giveaway on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10 AM – 2 PM at the WH Jones Head Start Center, located at 5489 Old Highway 42, Hattiesburg, MS.
Families will have access to:

Community Resources
Free School Supplies
Hygiene Items
Food

This event is hosted by LINK (Navigating Families to Success), a program of Canopy Children’s Solutions, in partnership with Head Start. Don’t miss this opportunity to get prepared for a successful school year!

Special Education Boot Camp
2025-07-28 18:30 - 20:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This July, join the Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project at the Harrison County Advocacy Center in Gulfport, MS, for their Special Education Boot Camps.
We have two Boot Camps available:
July 28th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
REGISTER HERE!!
July 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
REGISTER HERE!!
Topics will include:

Advocacy
Communication/Documentation
Conflict Resolution
IEPs

For more information, contact Lesle Junkin at leslie@mspti.org or Jeannie Herrin at jeannie.herrin@co.harrison.ms.us, (228) 241-1837.
Registration is preferred but not required.

Special Education Boot Camp
2025-07-29 09:30 - 23:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This July, join the Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project at the Harrison County Advocacy Center in Gulfport, MS, for their Special Education Boot Camps.
July 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
REGISTER HERE!!
Topics will include:

Advocacy
Communication/Documentation
Conflict Resolution
IEPs

For more information, contact Lesle Junkin at leslie@mspti.org or Jeannie Herrin at jeannie.herrin@co.harrison.ms.us, (228) 241-1837.
Registration is preferred but not required.

11th Annual Disability Law Conference & CLE
2025-07-31 08:30 - 16:30
Mississippi College School of Law
Join legal professionals, advocates, and community leaders for the 11th Annual Disability Law Conference and Continuing Legal Education (CLE), hosted by Disability Rights Mississippi. This year’s event will focus on key issues impacting individuals with disabilities in Mississippi, covering topics such as housing access, special education, mental health services, and more.
Register here>>

Youth Justice Summit
2025-08-02 09:00 - 14:00
Hinds County Children’s Coalition
The Youth Justice Summit brings together community leaders, young voices, and changemakers for a powerful day of advocacy, education, and action.
Highlights Include:

Keynote Speaker: Xavier McElrath-Bey
Special Guest: Hon. Carlyn Hicks
Hosted by: Maisie Brown
Power Panels, Breakout Sessions, Talent Showcase, Door Prizes & More!

This summit is a platform for youth and adults to explore real solutions to justice system challenges, celebrate youth talent, and engage in conversations that inspire lasting impact.
FREE Registration is required!Vendor slots available — scan the QR code to register.
Register here>>

Back to School Supply Give-a-way
2025-08-02 10:00
Louise – King Chapter No. 727
You are invited to a Back-to-School Supply Giveaway on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Friendship Park & Field (1009 Rebecca Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS). The event begins at 10:00 AM and is free to the public.
Students in K–12th grade can receive free school supplies, shoes, and haircuts (limited barber services available). There will also be a Fun Zone with music, games, and refreshments in the park and pavilion area.
Important Details:

First come, first served while supplies last
Students must be present to receive supplies, shoes, and haircuts
Open to currently enrolled K–12 students only

Come enjoy a fun day with the community and help students start the school year prepared and confident!
Special thanks to all our donors and partners, including Molina Healthcare, RNR Wheels & Tires, Craft Auto Sales, Vision Venue, PRVNIC, and many more.

Back to School Wellness Event
2025-08-02 10:00 - 16:00
Lupus Mississippi South Support Group
The Lupus Mississippi South Support Group invites you to join them for their Back to School Wellness Event—a day of fun, support, and preparation as families get ready for a new school year!
Enjoy a day filled with community resources, educational tools, and health-focused activities to help your family start the school year strong and empowered.
This event is free and open to the public. Come out and support wellness, education, and community unity!
