Families as Allies

Transition Exit Summary of Performance: ﻿What is It?
2024-12-05 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
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 to learn what an SOP is and how it’s used.
Register here>>

Medgar Evers Library Christmas Toy Drive
2024-12-06 09:00 - 2024-12-23 17:00
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
This Christmas season, Medgar Evers Library is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children in need until 5:00 p.m. on December 23, 2024.
We are seeking donations of:

Baby toys
Children’s toys for ages 1-12
Gifts for teenagers

To ensure health and safety, all donated items must be brand new.
Drop-off Location: 4215 Medger Evers Blvd, Jackson, MS 39213
For any questions or additional information, please call us at 601-982-2867.

Caring Community Uniting to Feed The Homeless
2024-12-07 11:00 - 14:00
Roof Above Resilience
Together, we can make a difference. Join Roof Above Resilience in the act of compassion as they provide food, hygiene items, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and blankets to the homeless in Lumberton, MS.
Roof Above Resilience is seeking sponsorship from community partners to become a vendor, donate needed items, or provide monetary donations to make this event an enormous success.
Roof Above Resilience invites you to participate, network, and support their coalition by donating, attending the event, and/or passing the information along to others.
If you are interested in more information regarding the Roof Above Resilience (RAR), feel free to contact Estina Holder at 769-218-8609 roofaboveresilience@gmail.com or Sharon Griffin at 601-595-1099 boococonsulting@gmail.com
Register here>>

Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2024-12-10 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Do you often leave your child’s IEP meeting feeling as if your concerns were not heard or addressed and that nothing has changed? You may be missing one of the steps covered in this training. Join the Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project to learn how to avoid some of the most common hurdles and have more productive IEP meetings and better outcomes for your child.
Register here>>

Transition: Steps for Success
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Transition is an ongoing process. Youth with disabilities should have a transition plan in place by the age of 14 that outlines the skills they need to master and the goals to get them ready to exit high school. Join us to learn more about the process, what questions to ask and how to find resources and support.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-12-11 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 >>

Souper Bowl '24
2024-12-13 10:00
The Bridge Drop-In Center
Do you know someone who is homeless or in need of a warm lunch? Invite them to a free Souper Bowl community luncheon at Hinds Behavioral Health Services’ Drop-In Center on December 13 starting at 10:00 AM.

Free Joy Toy Giveaway
2024-12-21 12:00 - 16:00
Dominion and Power FLC Church

This Christmas season, DP Nation is spreading joy and love to families in their community!

Join them for a day filled with holiday cheer!
• Free toys for all ages
• A cozy hot chocolate station to warm your spirits
• Polar Express fun for the children to enjoy

Bring your children and let them experience the wonder of Christmas. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember!

Spread the word, invite your neighbors, and come celebrate with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

Family Collective Podcast
2025-01-01 - 2025-02-04
National Federation of Families
Family Collective is produced by the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, led by the National Federation of Families & funded by SAMHSA. Featuring conversations to inspire change for families & improve family-driven care. As families experience increasing rates of mental health and substance use disorders, there’s a critical need for more support and parity in coverage for families. Meet people with lived expertise and the changemakers working to strengthen families. The contents are those of the presenters and do not represent the views of SAMHSA/HHS/U.S. Govt.

Greenwood-Leflore Autism Spectrum Society (GLASS) Parent Support Meeting
2025-01-11 10:00 - 11:00
Greenwood-Leflore Autism Spectrum Society
Join us for our parent support meeting!
The Greenwood-Leflore Autism Spectrum Society invites you to a supportive and informative gathering for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and supporters. Our mission is to:

Support, educate, advocate, and empower participants and family members.
Provide a safe space for parents and supporters to share information, discuss challenges, and discover available resources.
Promote self-advocacy for individuals with ASD.
Feature monthly speakers who address topics related to ASD.

Let’s come together as a community to learn, share, and grow. We look forward to seeing you there!

Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2025-01-14 10:30 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Let’s discuss the importance of self-advocacy and what families/parents can do to help youth plan for the future. The message of this MSPTI session is simple: Access to information and resources will strengthen families/parents’ ability to participate in the process and improve the transition into the community for youth and young adults.
Register here>>

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-01-15 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
You may access the meeting online or by phone.
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.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-01-15 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
You may access the meeting online or by phone.
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:
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.

The Children's Center Resource Fair
2025-01-15 10:00 - 14:00
The Children’s Center
The Children’s Center invites you to connect with local and state support services, recreational activities, and advocacy organizations that support children and adults with disabilities in Mississippi.

Early Intervention: Written State Complaints
2025-01-16 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
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>>

Early Intervention: Mediation
2025-01-21 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project

Mediation is a voluntary process under Part C of the IDEA that brings people together to resolve disagreements. This session will provide information and resources to guide families through this process.

Register here>>

Youth Violence Prevention Conference | POSTPONED
2025-01-22 - 2025-01-24
FTC Prevention Services. LLC
Trauma, Depression, Substance Abuse, Suicide, Anger, Mental Illness… WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
YOU…YOUR PARTICIPATION…YOUR INVOLVEMENT. Learning all that we can about what young people are dealing with in their lives and arming ourselves with the skills to help them is a great start. Working together we can reduce youth violence in our communities.
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2025-01-22 12:00
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>>

﻿Navigating the New Normal: Youth Mental Health in a Post-Covid World
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:30
SAMHSA
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted youth mental health, creating unprecedented challenges and reshaping the support systems youth depend on. This expert panel will examine how the pandemic has shaped youth mental health needs and present actionable solutions for addressing this evolving landscape.
Register here>>

Navigating the New Normal: Youth Mental Health Post-Covid
2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted youth mental health, creating unprecedented challenges and reshaping the support systems youth depend on. This expert panel will examine how the pandemic has shaped youth mental health needs and present actionable solutions for addressing this evolving landscape.
The discussion will feature diverse perspectives from clinical practice, education, and public health, highlighting emerging best practices, innovative interventions, and cross-system strategies tailored to support young people in a post-pandemic world. Panelists will share concrete approaches to promoting well-being across educational, clinical, and community settings, providing attendees with practical tools to address this critical issue.
This session is designed for professionals seeking effective strategies to meet today’s youth’s evolving mental health needs.
Register here>>

Early Intervention: Due Process
2025-01-23 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This training will cover due process complaints and due process hearings for agencies that have adopted IDEA Part C procedures. Learn the IDEA Part C procedures that affect timelines, time limits, and other requirements for due process complaints. Join us and find out the requirements your state follows.
Register here>>

Growing the Connection: Promoting Meaningful Family-School Partnerships
2025-01-27 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Why is it important to include, involve, and engage families? Building relationships based on mutual trust and two-way communication results in school and family partnerships that create strong academic and social/emotional support systems to foster success for all students. It also encourages and empowers families to be their champions, working toward goals they have helped develop based on their specific family strengths, resources, and needs.
Join us to learn why this is so important and how we can build and support these valuable partnerships!
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Tips for Effective IEP Meetings: Before, During and After
2025-01-28 11:30 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
It is difficult to remember everything you need to know for an IEP meeting. Join us and learn how to prepare before, during, and after the meeting.
Register here>>

First Steps to Next Steps: Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community Supports
2025-01-30 11:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
What is transition? What are the next steps? Families are often overwhelmed with all the changes when their child turns three. This session will provide an overview of the process, resources, and information on preparing for the future.
Register here>>

Technology Roundtable: Navigating Mental Health in a Digital World
2025-01-30 18:00 - 19:00
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
A Town Hall Discussion to explore the impact of technology and screen time on youth mental health and well-being. In this interactive forum, youth, parents, educators, and mental health advocates will come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by technology in today’s world.
This event will:

Dive into the role of technology in shaping identity, relationships, and mental health.
Address the growing concerns about screen time and social media’s influence.
Collaboratively develop actionable solutions to support balanced tech usage.

Be part of creating a brighter, healthier digital future. Insights gathered during the town hall will inform the creation of a guide to help young people and families navigate the evolving tech landscape with confidence and care.
Register here>>

Early Childhood Capitol Day - Registration Deadline
2025-01-31 09:00 - 15:00
Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
Join the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Mississippi Capitol for the sixth annual Early Childhood Capitol Day for networking, panel discussions, and policy updates. This year, there will be two tracks: Novice and Experienced. Each track will have its agenda for the beginning of the day. We will come back together at 1:00 p.m. for an introduction in the Senate Chamber or House Chamber. The day will end with a gathering in the Rotunda to network with other early childhood leaders.
Register here>>

Partners in Care: Nurturing Identity and Healing in the Foster System
2025-02-04 11:00 - 12:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
This three-part webinar series focuses on the holistic needs of youth in the child welfare system, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, identity, and tailored support. Sessions will explore the unique challenges faced by foster youth, including maintaining a sense of belonging and identity, as well as the critical role of therapy and mental health support. Attendees will learn strategies for building effective partnerships between child welfare and mental health professionals, ensuring cohesive and coordinated care. Through insights from those with lived and clinical experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of creating environments where foster youth can thrive, fostering resilience, emotional healing, and a strong sense of self. The series aims to equip professionals with practical tools and approaches better to support the well-being and identity of youth in care, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families.
Register here>>

The Impact of Houselessness on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children, Youth & Families
2025-02-04 13:30 - 15:00
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This panel discussion will explore the impact of homelessness on the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families from many different perspectives. The diverse panelists will explore topics ranging from the lived reality of what living on the streets does to one’s mental health, the impact of the Grants Pass Supreme Court of The United States (SCOTUS) ruling, which essentially criminalizes houselessness, how houselessness disproportionately affects the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and more. The panelists will share insights and stories from their lived and living personal and professional experiences being and working with unhoused individuals, opening audience members up to new ways of supporting, advocating, and caring for children, youth, and families struggling with housing instability.
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Laws and Disabilities
2025-02-06 13:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for work is a big step in any youth’s journey to adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is often a time filled with questions, challenges, and uncertainty. Join us for a four-part Introduction to Work series. In session two, we’ll discuss information to help parents, youth, and professionals understand the laws related to employment for individuals with disabilities.
Register here>>

Family Connections : "988 & 911: What to Know, What to Do"
2025-02-06 13:30 - 14:30
National Family Support TAC
Family Connections” is a virtual community for fathers, mothers, parents, caregivers, and the family peer workforce who support family members experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges.
On February 6th, we return to a topic from one of our highest attended – and requested – Family Connections from 2024. Join us for a critical conversation on the differences, myths, and facts about “988 and 911: What to Know, What to Do.”
Register here>>
