Special Education Law Conference & CLE
2024-07-30 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
The 2024 Special Education Law Conference & CLE will focus on dispute resolution in special education and will include recent rulings and decisions under both IDEA and Section 504, ethics, and a panel discussion.
July 30, 2024
Mississippi College School of Law
151 E. Griffith Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
For more information, contact
Jennifer Johnson at jennifer@mspti.org or 601-969-0601
Register here>>

SAMHSA-Sponsored Webinar Informal and Formal Family Peer Support: The Impact and Evidence
2024-07-30 12:30 - 14:00
National Federation of Families
Family peer support provides hope and community for families of loved ones of any age with mental health and substance use challenges, serious mental illnesses, and/or serious emotional disturbances. The growing evidence base reaffirms an abundance of stories from families who have benefitted from peer support.
Register here>>

Back to School Give Back Day
2024-07-31 10:00 - 13:00
CANOPY Children’s Solutions
Celebrate the start of the new school year with a Back to School Give Back day!
Back-to-school supplies are exclusively available for LINK families. Additionally, a mattress giveaway will be held for families who bring their children and have a means of transporting the mattress.
To become a vendor, please email Traci Stewart at traci.stewart@mycanopy.org. Canopy is also asking vendors to bring a baby item.

Heart Work Series: Am I Just Another Number? Healing-centered Re-unification for Young People who are Justice-impacted | MONDAYS IN AUGUST
2024-08-05 12:00 - 13:15
National Training & TA Center
The Heart Work Series will meet every Monday in August. In each session, you’ll hear from national and international leaders working on the frontlines of youth justice, championing healing-centered approaches. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new paradigms for youth justice!
This session delves into the power of healing-centered education as a vital tool for reunification and reintegration. We know that reentry programs often fall short, leaving young people feeling like just another number. However, research from Youth.Gov reveals that connecting youth with dedicated case managers, mentors, and educational and employment opportunities can significantly reduce recidivism rates.
During this impactful session, you’ll hear from Karen Jeet Dhaliwal and Lane Krumpos, two national leaders in youth justice and re-entry, as they discuss the transformative power of education in the reunification process.
Register here >>

Bullying Prevention: How Parents and Families Can Help
2024-08-06 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
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>>

Juvenile Justice Symposium
2024-08-07 - 2024-08-09
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Central MS Area
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Central MS Area is proud to announce the upcoming 45th Juvenile Justice Symposium.
The symposium, held August 7-9, 2024, will address what is happening to our youth now to ensure a brighter future for them and us.
Registration will open on May 15th.
For more information, contact:
FTC Prevention Services
601-874-0100
marc@ftcpreventionservices.com

Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council
2024-08-08 10:00
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 yearly, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Hinds Behavioral Health Services
3450 Highway 80 W
Jackson, MS 39209
Contact Information
August Irving
601-359-6204
august.irving@dmh.ms.gov
You can join the meeting virtually here.
Meeting ID: 259 493 405 201
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial-in by phone
+1 479-434-1012,,288624678#
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 288 624 678#

Parents Who Care with C.A.R.E.S.
2024-08-10 10:00 - 12:00
NFusion Metro
Enjoy light refreshments while engaging in insightful discussions with fellow parents. Plus, take advantage of complimentary HIV testing to stay informed and healthy

Every Day Counts: Community Conversations on School Attendance
2024-08-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-19 12:00 - 13:00
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>>

Heart Work Series: Am I Just Another Number? Healing-centered Re-unification for Young People who are Justice-impacted | MONDAYS IN AUGUST
2024-08-12 12:00 - 13:15, 2024-08-26 12:00 - 13:15
National Training & TA Center
The Heart Work Series will meet every Monday in August. In each session, you’ll hear from national and international leaders working on the frontlines of youth justice, championing healing-centered approaches. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new paradigms for youth justice!
Register here >>

Assisting and Supporting Parents with Child-Welfare-Involvement with Getting on the Fast Track (online)
2024-08-12 12:00 - 16:00
Be Strong Families
Be Strong Families has worked (and is working) with former parents with child welfare involvement to develop resources that support parents whose children are in the foster care system in getting their kids back and keeping them safely at home.
In this workshop, staff will learn about the Get on the Fast Track workshop, and group support that they can make available to their clients, and the benefits parents report on participating in the workshop.
Register here>>

College Allows Anybody to RISE To The Top!
2024-08-13 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
In Mississippi, college is an option for all, including those individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Reaching, Including, Supporting, and Educating (RISE) To The Top! is a 4-year inclusive postsecondary education program incorporating academics, employment preparation, student life, and community engagement, leading to a certificate upon completion.
The program is collaborative between the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development (ISPD).
Join us and learn about the RISE To The Top! program.
Register here>>

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2024-08-13 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
Join us for an informative session where you’ll learn about your rights as a parent. This session will cover the Individualized Education Program (IEP), which documents your child’s current performance, learning goals, and the support and services needed to help your child succeed and progress toward their goals.

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-08-14 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, 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 >>

Children and Lead: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Them
2024-08-15 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>>

Heart Work Series: Am I Just Another Number? Healing-centered Re-unification for Young People who are Justice-impacted
2024-08-19 12:00

Beyond the Hype: What Research Tells Us About Social Media's Role in Youth Mental Health
2024-08-20 14:00
Child Mind Institute
Join Child Mind Institute as they discuss what research can and can’t tell us and how parents, platforms, and policymakers can use it to help kids.
Don’t miss this critical conversation!
Register here>>

Peer-to-Peer and Guardian-to-Child Mental Health Tips: Fostering Supportive Communication and Nurturing Emotional Well-being
2024-08-20 14:00 - 15:00
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Join NTTAC for an insightful exploration into peer-to-peer and guardian-to-child relationship dynamics. Learn valuable conversation techniques to support each other on the mental health journey, all in a non-judgmental and loving environment.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2024-08-21 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) in the East Building’s Conference Room, on the 2nd floor, and via Zoom. You may access the meeting either in person, online, or by phone.
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.

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Prospering Through Grief
2024-08-21 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
Engage in a heartfelt discussion on grief awareness. Connect with others and find strength through shared experiences.

Communicating with Families (online)
2024-08-22 12:00 - 16:00
Be Strong Families
Being able to recognize when a family needs support is important, but whether they get what they need is often impacted by how we, as service providers, communicate with them. This interactive workshop assists participants with understanding why certain conversations are difficult and how they could become less so. Participants will practice effective communication skills and develop action plans for implementing them with parents.
Register here>>

Supporting New Parents: A Conversation About Postpartum Mental Health
2024-08-22 20:00 - 21:00
Families for Depression Awareness
New parents know that the joy of parenthood comes with sleepless nights and a whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities. It’s a life-changing transition that can bring a mix of emotions – elation, excitement, and, sometimes, feelings of sadness or anxiety that may signal postpartum depression.
Join Families for Depression Awareness for an enlightening discussion on postpartum mental health and family wellness. Their panel of experts will shed light on new parents’ challenges, offer practical strategies for caring adults supporting new parents, and answer your questions.
This session is a must for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone interested in family mental health.
Register here >>

NAMI Pathways to Hope Conference
2024-08-23 - 2024-08-24
NAMI
Please join NAMI for their 3rd annual NAMI Pathways to Hope Conference from Aug. 23 – 24, 2024. This conference unites people from across communities to combat the stigma of mental illness.
During the Conference enjoy in-depth discussions, sharing of insights, and building of meaningful partnerships.
Register here>>

Hub City Wellness Fair
2024-08-24 08:30 - 13:00
Mississippi State Department of Health & Damionh Jones

Join us at the Hub City Wellness Fair! This event is a one-stop destination for all things wellness, offering a variety of activities and services designed to promote physical and mental well-being.
Start your day with a calming Yoga session, or get your heart pumping with an energetic Zumba class. Try your luck at our Raffles and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. Don’t miss out on our Giveaways that are sure to delight you!
Explore a wide range of products and services from our vendors, who offer everything from fitness gear to healthy snacks. Satisfy your taste buds with various delicious options from our Food Trucks.
Take advantage of our health checks, including A1C Checks for diabetes management and BP Checks for monitoring blood pressure. It’s an excellent opportunity to stay informed about your health status.
The Hub City Wellness Fair is more than just an event – it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier community. We can’t wait to see you there.
We are thrilled to invite you to participate as a vendor. This event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. We look forward to your participation and contribution to making this event a success.
Please bring your table and chairs! There will 10×10 spaces provided. It will be first come, first served! We kindly request each vendor to bring a door prize to contribute to the event’s engagement activities.
If you are interested in being a vendor for this upcoming health and wellness event, register below.
Register here >>

What Is PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)? An Introduction for Families
2024-08-26 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social-emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. Join us as we share information on this successful way of educating our students and ideas on how to use it in the home.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Bullying and Peer Pressure
2024-08-27 16:30 - 18:00
NFusion Metro
As the school year begins, join us for a crucial discussion on “Bullying & Peer Pressure.” This presentation, in collaboration with Families as Allies, will help our youth learn how to navigate challenges and build positive relationships with classmates, teachers, and staff.

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2024-08-28 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>>

Family Exchange - August Session
2024-08-28 14:00 - 15:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Think Trauma. Think Well-being: In this exchange, we will share resources from the Think Trauma curriculum to share how trauma can impact our work and how to build pathways to health and well-being for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Register here>>
