Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee
2023-09-26 10:00 (America/Chicago)
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.
Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Department of Mental Health
239 North Lamar Street Robert E. Lee Bldg.
Jackson, MS. 39201
Contact Information
Pamela Harkins
601-359-5777
pamela.harkins@dmh.ms.gov

CoE-IHS Webinar: Partnering with Schools to Improve Youth Mental Health
2023-09-26 10:00
Center of Excellence
The CoE-IHS Webinar, Partnering with Schools to Improve Youth Mental Health webinar, will take place September 26th at 10:00 am CST.
Register here>>

Early Childhood Virtual Resource Fair
2023-09-26 10:00
The University of Mississippi
Fourth Annual Virtual Resource Fair for Early Childhood Professionals.
This year’s conference will feature new programs and services!
Topics include:

State Agencies
Special Needs
Professional Development
Parent Resources
Colleges/Universities
Resources Supporting Community

Register here>>

Bullying Prevention: How Parents and Families Can Help
2023-09-26 12:00 - 12:30
Patty Gautier, Reach MS
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. 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.
Register here>>

2023 Fall Family Elementary Literacy Night
2023-09-26 16:00 - 17:00
Mississippi Achievement School District
Please join the Mississippi Department of Education in a meeting for families of kindergarten through grade 3 students at McCoy Elementary School Cafetorium.
This is for both Humphreys County and Yazoo City.

Suicide Prevention Walk and Balloon Release
2023-09-26 16:00 - 18:00
97.7 FM and BDay99.1
NFusion Metro would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to you for their upcoming Suicide Prevention Walk and Balloon Release event, which is set to take place this Tuesday, September 26th. This event carries immense significance as they unite to raise awareness and provide vital support for mental health in our community.
Event Details:
Date: September 26th
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: NFusion Metro, 1815 Hospital Drive, Jackson, MS 39204

Come out and enjoy NFusion Metro’s Suicide Prevention Walk and Balloon Release, but also enjoy:
Food: Our friends at Road Dogs will be on-site, ready to serve up delectable food options available for purchase. Indulge in a mouthwatering meal while forging connections with others who share our unwavering commitment to mental health.
Healthy Eating Information: Chef Po Urban Kitchen will be present, sharing insightful information about the importance of healthy eating and its profound influence on mental well-being. Gain valuable tips and strategies for maintaining a balanced diet that promotes a healthy mind.
We want to ensure you’re camera-ready for this event for any cameras that may be rolling! Capture the moments, the joy, and the unity by bringing your cameras and smartphones to document this meaningful occasion.
We firmly believe that coming together can effect positive change and offer hope to those who need it most. Your active participation and unwavering support are pivotal to the success of this event.
We kindly request you to mark your calendar and help us spread the word about the Suicide Prevention Walk and Balloon Release. Let’s create a resounding ripple of change and support throughout our community.
Thank you for your steadfast dedication to this vital cause. We eagerly anticipate your presence on Tuesday!

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2023-09-27 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 >>

COVID-19 & Education Impact Report Virtual Briefing
2023-09-27 15:30
The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) invites you to attend a virtual briefing on our newly released COVID-19 & Education Impact Report, on Wednesday, September 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.
In 2022, MCJ initiated research to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Mississippi’s education system, specifically students in Delta communities. We spent more than a year conducting parent focus groups and examining educational testing data in 12 underfunded Mississippi school districts. Through this research, we gained firsthand knowledge of some of the challenges faced within these districts.
Some of the key findings revealed are:

Lack of adequate internet access – Mississippi is one of 10 states with the largest population of K-12 students affected by lack of broadband availability.
Learning loss – While districts have rebounded from the pandemic, districts in the report have proficiency rates that remain far below the State average in reading and math in grades 3rd-8th.
Insufficient support services for students with disabilities – Only three districts in the report meet expectations for special education based on the state annual performance report.
Under-resourced mental health support systems – Mississippi is ranked 47th in access to mental healthcare.

The challenges to education brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic were not unique to Mississippi, as national assessments and studies reveal a decline in student achievement and well-being across the country. However, the long-standing education inequities in Mississippi, coupled with the pandemic, generated a snowball effect of learning crises for districts in the report.
MCJ is deeply committed to dismantling the educational disparities identified in the report to bring about education equity for children and families. During the pandemic, our under-resourced districts faced profound challenges, confirming a truth that I know to be certain: We cannot do this work alone. As educators, administrators, and advocates experiencing first-hand the challenges within school districts, you know we cannot afford to underestimate the long-term effects of these challenges, and we cannot ignore the grave consequences of inequitable education for children in rural, high-need African-American school districts.
We hope you can join the virtual briefing on Wednesday, September 27, via Zoom.
Register here >>

TIROES for Schools - Collaborative Strategies to Create and Promote Change Through Safe Environments
2023-09-28 14:00 - 15:00
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Join TIROES as Terence Fitzgerald, PhD, EdM, MSW, guides participants through Trauma-informed, Resilience-oriented, Equity-focused Systems (TIROES) to promote safe and secure environments for historically marginalized students. During this 1-hr training, participants will gain an understanding of trauma, strengthen partnership-building skills, and create strategies to decrease re-traumatization.
This training is for administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers, support staff, and those in youth-focused organizations and schools. Each participant will receive a Certificate of Completion after the training.
Learning Objectives:
1) Examine trauma and how it affects the physical, psychological, social, and academic domains of school-aged youths historically “otherized.”
2) Create safe environments through increased awareness of how schools fail school-aged youths who have been historically “otherized” regarding their safety.
3) Implement necessary collaborative practices between schools and organizations to address trauma affecting the TIROES domains of school-aged youths who have been historically “otherized.”
Register here>>

2023 Bridging-the-Gap
2023-09-30 08:00 - 14:00 | Mississippi Welcome Center, 4210 N. Washington Street, Vicksburg, MS, United States
Living Independence for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) is excited to invite you to take part in our upcoming Annual 2023 Bridging-the-Gap 5K Walk/Run/Stroll or Roll-a-Thon. Registration will begin at 8:00 am and Kick-off at 9:00 am.
This event will have a host of vendors, agencies, and some good food vendors. “Yes, we are walking, rolling and strolling!”
There will also be agencies from around MS to share information. Don’t miss out. You can register online. Held at the Mississippi Welcome Center in Vicksburg.

Community Resource Fair
2023-09-30 09:00
Presented by Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith Organization & Canopy Children’s Solutions
Bring the family to the BBGDF: Community Resource Fair on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 9:00 AM in Jackson, MS. This in-person event aims to bring the community together and provide valuable resources to individuals and families.
Located at 640 East Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39206, the fair will showcase a wide range of local organizations and businesses offering various services and support. Whether you’re looking for educational resources or community programs, this event has something for everyone.
Discover new resources, connect with community members, and learn about the numerous opportunities available to you. From workshops and presentations to interactive booths and demonstrations, the fair promises an engaging and informative experience.
If you and/or your organization is interested in becoming a vendor or volunteering, please reach out to Eva Jones (evajustice5@hotmail.com) to complete the vendor registration. Registration is required prior to the event.
Register here >>

Special Education Boot Camp Iuka
2023-09-30 09:30 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training And Information Center Project
You don’t want to miss the MSPTI’s upcoming Special Education Boot Camp in Iuka, Mississippi on Saturday, September 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Iuka Public Library.
Topics will include:

advocacy
communication/documentation
conflict resolution
IEPs.

Registration is not required but is preferred so we’ll know how many to plan for.
Register online at: tinyurl.com/spedbootcampiuka
For more information, call Melissa Essary at (662) 660-3015 or email Leslie Junkin at leslie@mspti.org.

The Infant Mortality Summit: Healthy Family, Healthy Baby
2023-09-30 10:00 - 14:00
Mississippi State Department of Health

Don’t miss the Jackson Hinds Healthy Start Infant Mortality Summit on September 30th!

It’s time to take action and address the urgent issue of infant mortality in Mississippi.

Did you know that our state has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country? It’s a heartbreaking reality, but we can make a difference together.

Join us at the summit as we dive deep into the health disparities surrounding Black women and childbirth. We must find solutions and advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare for all mothers and babies. We cannot wait any longer – the time to act is now!

Spread the word, invite your friends, and make this summit a powerful platform for change!

Together, we can raise awareness, drive policy changes, and ensure that every baby in Mississippi has a healthy start in life.

This event is FREE! Free food, games, and giveaways.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the movement. See you there.

Wendy’s Children’s Golf Classic Registration
2023-10-04 11:30
Mississippi Families for Kids
Join Mississippi Families for Kids for the 23rd annual 4-man scramble, 18-hole golf tournament complete with food, drinks, prizes, and gifts benefiting MFFK’s child permanency efforts on October 4th, 2023 at Lake Caroline Golf Club in Madison, MS at 11:30 a.m.
Team and individual registration and sponsorship opportunities available. All purchases are tax-deductible. Registration deadline: September 29th.
Register here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-10-05 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.
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 >>

Bullying Behavior 101
2023-10-05 12:30 - 13:30
National Federation of Families and National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
Join the National Federation of Families and National Family Support Technical Assistance Center for their October 5th Family Connections as they dig into “Bullying Behavior 101.”
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, so when it comes to bullying behaviors — if we don’t understand the cause, it can be difficult to prevent it from happening again.
Register here>>

Treasure Your Health
2023-10-07 10:00 - 13:00
Calvary M.B Church and Christ’s Kingdom Advancing Ministries
Health is Wealth, so Treasure your health Community-wide wellness fair.
SATURDAY, October 07, 2023
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Calvary M.B CHURCH
&
Christ’s Kingdom Advancing Ministries
412 West Broadway
YAZOO CITY, MS 39194
Click here for vendor sign-up information. There is no charge to set up at this event.

Early Intervention: Mediation
2023-10-10 10:30 - 23:00
Mississippi Parent Training and 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>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2023-10-11 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 >>

Kin-Specific Foster Home Licensure: Overview of New Federal Rule & Release of Recommended Standards
2023-10-11 15:00
Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network
U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued a final rule that explicitly gives all Title IV-E child welfare agencies the option to use kin-specific foster care licensing standards and encourages them to limit those standards to federal safety requirements. The rule change will allow more children to be cared for by those they know and love and be financially supported, like children with non-kin foster parents.
Join us as we unveil the first draft of these new model standards!

Learn what the new kin-specific approval standards include and how they were developed.
Hear from multiple leaders about the benefits they expect to see from Title IV-E agencies adopting these new standards.
Learn where to start developing a kin-specific licensing process in your agency.
Bring your questions for a live Q&A session.

Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording after the event.

Register here >>

Council on Developmental Disabilities Meeting
2023-10-12 10:00
Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities
SCDD 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.

Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Reservoir Pointe
140 Madison Landing
Ridgeland, MS. 39157
Contact Information
Toya Bolden
601-359-6238
toya.bolden@dmh.ms.gov

Put Faith in Your Health, A Community Health & Wellness Fair
2023-10-14 10:00 - 14:00
King’s Daughters Medical Center, MS Emergency Management Agency, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS, American Lung Association
St. Paul M.B. Church (Silver Creek, MS) will host a Community Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FREE Services offered are:

Health screenings, blood pressure checks, free HIV testing
Vaccinations
Blood drive
Free manicures
Physical fitness info & demo
Medicare/insurance assistance
Nutrition information/healthy snacks

Health, Wellness & Job Fair!!!
2023-10-14 10:00 - 14:30
Peter’s Rock Family Worship Center, COGIC
Peter’s Rock Family Worship Center, COGIC, is inviting you to be a part of their Health, Wellness, and Job Fair on October 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
For information about the event or to be a vendor or provider, please contact;
Jan Bryan, Magnolia Health 601-760-1716 or Jannett.j.bryan@centene.com
Cheryl Young, Health Fair Committee, 662-554-5757
Peter’s Rock Family Worship Center, 662-323-5119

Transition Exit Summary of Performance: What is It?
2023-10-17 11:30 - 12:00
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 and learn what it is and how it’s used.
Register here>>

UNITY DAY
2023-10-18 00:00
National Bullying Prevention Center
WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2023-10-18 10:00 | Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, 1281 Hwy 51 North, Madison, Mississippi, 39110
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 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 in person, online, or by phone.
In-Person Meeting Location and Address:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
West Building-Large 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)
One tap Mobile
+13092053325,,83452343575#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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.

Hill Day at Home 2023
2023-10-18 13:00 - 16:00
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
This fall is shaping up to be one of the most consequential federal legislative periods in recent years.
Lawmakers are treating the time between September and December as one of their last and best chances to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation and secure funding for key behavioral health programs and services before the 2024 election cycle dominates the conversation.
So, it’s the perfect time for us to come together and demand our elected officials prioritize solutions to address the nation’s ongoing mental health and substance use crises.
While great progress has been made in the past few years by Congress and the Biden-Harris administration, more must be done to ensure everyone everywhere has access to comprehensive, high-quality mental health and substance use care.
This is your time to make a difference. With your help, our unified voice will cut through the noise and ensure mental health and substance use programs are front and center during a busy legislative fall.
Register here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2023-10-19 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/991db1c4-6b2f-4279-be01-e239b53d8c90

Meeting Location

Specialized Treatment Facility
14426 James Bond Road
Gulfport MS 39503
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2023-10-19 09:00
Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health Regular Board meeting will be held on October 17, 2024, at 9:00 am.
Click here for notice information:
https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn/Home/NoticeDetails/991db1c4-6b2f-4279-be01-e239b53d8c90

Meeting Location

1818 College Drive
Meridian MS 39307
Contact Information
Suzanne Marler
(601)359-6260
Suzanne.marler@dmh.ms.gov

COJ 2023 Senior Health Fair
2023-10-19 09:00 - 13:00
City of Jackson
Department of Human & Cultural Services
Senior Services Division
Senior Health Fair

Jackson Convention Center
Thursday, October 19, 2023
9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
