Special Education Advisory Panel in Person Board Training
2025-10-22 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory panel in-person board training will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Starkville, MS. in the Board Training Room.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon Strong Coon at the Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771.
Comments may also be sent by email to scoon@mdek12.org or by calling the Parent Hotline at 1-877-544-0408.
For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, please contact Sharon Strong Coon or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Fall 4 Wellness Health & Resource Fair
2025-10-22 10:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Shine
Join us for the Fall 4 Wellness Health & Resource Fair, a vibrant community event presented by the Mississippi Shine Project! Celebrate the season while connecting with local health professionals, resource providers, and wellness advocates—all in one welcoming space.
Event Highlights:

Free health screenings and wellness resources
Local vendors and community organizations
Family-friendly atmosphere with engaging activities
Opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive

Date: Tuesday, October 22
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Jasper County Extension Auditorium 37 West 8th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS 39422
Interested in becoming a vendor? Scan the QR code on the flyer or contact Shanell Williamson at 601-602-5533 for more details.
Let’s fall into wellness together—see you there!
Register here>>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2025-10-22 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>>

22nd Annual ADHD and Related Concerns Conference
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-24
Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium
The Hattiesburg Clinic Connections and Hattiesburg Clinic Psychology & Counseling will draw a targeted audience of approximately 500 professionals and is a popular resource for school administrators, educators (both public and private), parents, counselors, dyslexia therapists, speech-language pathologists, and medical professionals. Sponsoring the conference or retaining exhibitor space will provide your business with an exceptional opportunity to interact with and market to a diverse audience. No other conference draws such a wide variety of participants!
APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 15, 2025
Register here>>

BSF Parent Cafes
2025-10-23 09:00, 2025-11-20 09:00
Be Strong Families
If you ever needed a place to learn how to keep families strong—this is it! This information session will give you a complete overview of the Be Strong Families’ Parent Cafés and the process of how to make them a part of your parent outreach.
Register here>>

Stomp Out Bullying
2025-10-23 16:30 - 18:00
Nfustion Metro
Join us for an empowering afternoon as we take a stand against bullying! This community event is designed to promote kindness, respect, and unity among youth and families. Together, we’ll raise awareness and “stomp out” bullying with interactive activities, motivational messages, and positive energy.
Date: Thursday, October 23rdTime: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PMLocation: Boys and Girls Club Sykes Unit470 Sykes Rd., Jackson, MS 39212
Let’s build a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks | Oxford Walk
2025-10-25 09:00 - 10:00
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Register here>>

Building Strong Foundations: Positive Discipline for Lifelong Success
2025-10-27 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Effective discipline is key to helping children develop self-control, make positive choices, and interact respectfully with peers and adults.
Join us for an informative session exploring Positive, Practical, and Proactive strategies rooted in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Learn how to guide your child in developing essential life skills that will support their success well into adulthood.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS.
Register here>>

Fall 4 Wellness & Resource Fair
2025-10-29 10:00 - 13:00
Mississippi SHINE Project
You’re invited to the Fall 4 Wellness & Resource Fair, hosted by the Mississippi SHINE Project in collaboration with the Mendenhall Public Library! This seasonal celebration brings together health services, local resources, and community connection—all in one welcoming space.
What to Expect:

Free health and wellness resources

Local vendors and community organizations

Friendly, family-oriented atmosphere

Opportunities to learn, connect, and grow

Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Mendenhall Public Library & Community Center 1630 Simpson Hwy 149, Mendenhall, MS 39114
For more information, contact:
Shanell Williamson – (601) 602-5533
Kathie Ward – (601) 847-2181
Let’s come together to celebrate wellness and community this fall!
Register here>>

Catholic Charities Fall Festival
2025-10-30 17:00 - 19:00
Catholic Charities
Join Catholic Charities for an evening of autumn fun at the Catholic Charities Fall Festival! Celebrate the season with family-friendly activities including face painting, games in the Kids Zone, and plenty of sweet treats. Hosted by Catholic Charities, Inc., Diocese of Jackson, this festive gathering brings the community together for joy, laughter, and connection.
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: 731 S Pear Orchard Rd Ste 51, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Whether you’re bringing little ones or just love the spirit of fall, there’s something for everyone. Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Questions? Call 601-326-3776 or
Email: nyah.whately@ccjackson.org or meseret.ayore@ccjackson.org

Community Health Fair
2025-11-01 09:00 - 13:00
The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods
The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN) invites you to our Community Health Fair — a vibrant, informative event designed to empower our community with essential healthcare resources and services.
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Peggy Calhoun Community Center 4243 Willowood Blvd, Jackson, MS 39212
Questions? Contact Ernest Ward at 601-201-3020 for more details.

NFF Annual Virtual Conference
2025-11-03 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-05 11:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-07 11:00 - 15:00
National Federation of Families
While we won’t meet in person this year, we are in the process of planning an engaging and impactful virtual conference and we look forward to welcoming you to be part of it.
The NFF Conference is the premier event bringing together families, caregivers, the family peer workforce, community leaders, providers, partners, and legislators. Our annual conference generates a large amount of discussion on current challenges and trends pertaining to families and the health of their loved ones, from the perspective of a family-driven approach.
Our annual conference features many great workshops and speakers, joining hundreds of mental health and substance use advocates, family members, and professionals from across the nation as we work to educate and advocate for families and their loved ones.
Register here>>
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Fall Health & Resource Fairs | Save the Date
2025-11-05
SEMRHI

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SEMRHI) has been delivering quality healthcare to communities across the region since 1980. Their commitment ensures that no one is turned away due to inability to pay, with a sliding fee scale available based on family size and income.
You’re invited to SEMRHI’s Fall Health & Resources Fair! Explore local health services, resources, and support—all in one place.
Event Dates & Locations:

Wednesday, November 5 – Covington County (Collins, MS)
Thursday, November 13 – Jefferson Davis County (Bassfield, MS)

Out of the Darkness Community Walks | MS Gulf Coast Walk
2025-11-08 09:00 - 10:00

Holiday 2025 Parent Support Group
2025-11-10 17:00 - 18:30
Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
This one-time group is for parents of adoptees and foster parents to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Together, we’ll explore how to navigate both the joys and challenges that can arise during the holiday season.
Participants will gain practical strategies, discover new ways to understand the holidays from their child’s perspective, and receive valuable resources to help support their families throughout this time of year.
This Holiday 2025 Parent Support Group will meet on Zoom, Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:00 – 7:30pm EST. (5:00 – 6:30 pm CST).
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2025-11-12 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 each month at 12:00 p.m. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.
Register here >>

Health & Wellness Resource Fair
2025-11-12 12:30 - 15:00
Yazoo City High School
Join us for the Health & Wellness Resource Fair at Yazoo City High School on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM. This community event will feature free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, glucose testing, and BMI assessments. You can also connect with local community resources and take part in fun fitness challenges.
The fair is open to everyone, with a focus on promoting health, education, and outreach. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about your health and discover valuable resources for you and your family.
To register for the fair, please confirm your commitment by email. ztallen@yazoocity.k12.ms.us.

Health & Wellness Resource Fair
2025-11-12 12:30 - 15:00
Yazoo City High School
You’re invited to the Health & Wellness Resource Fair at Yazoo City High School—a free community event focused on health, fitness, and wellness.
Location: 1825 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Yazoo City, MS 39194 Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This fair offers free health screenings and fun activities for all ages. Services include blood pressure checks, glucose testing, BMI assessments, fitness challenges, and access to local community resources.
Hosted by Zina Allen, RN, Director of Student Health Services, this event is a great way to learn about your health and connect with wellness professionals.
Contact Info:

Phone: 662-571-6828

Email: ztallen@yazoocity.k12.ms.us

Fall Health & Resource Fairs | Save the Date
2025-11-13
SEMRHI

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SEMRHI) has been delivering quality healthcare to communities across the region since 1980. Their commitment ensures that no one is turned away due to inability to pay, with a sliding fee scale available based on family size and income.
You’re invited to SEMRHI’s Fall Health & Resources Fair! Explore local health services, resources, and support—all in one place.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Resource Fair
2025-11-15 08:30 - 15:30
UMMC Center for Advancement of Youth
Come join us at the Family Friendly Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Resource Fair—a free event designed to support families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Location: Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
This fair brings together trusted organizations, expert resources, and fun activities in a welcoming, family-friendly space. It’s hosted by the UMMC Center for Advancement of Youth, in partnership with the COA Foundation, MCARDD, and SPARK for Autism.
Why Attend?

Learn about autism support services
Connect with professionals and other families
Enjoy a day of learning, sharing, and community

Important Deadlines

Participant Registration: by October 15, 2025
Vendor/Organization Registration: by October 31, 2025

Everyone is welcome and admission is free!
Register here >>

Together for Tomorrow: ﻿Autism & Learning Workshop
2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Join MSPTI on Saturday, November 15th, for their FREE event, Together for Tomorrow: Autism & Learning Workshop, taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Picayune Church of God, located at 2464 Hwy 43 S in Picayune, MS.
Topics covered include:

Understanding autism and developmental delays
Classroom and group management strategies for teachers and church leaders
Supporting parents during challenging moments
Resources available for families in Pearl River County and Mississippi
Testimonies and encouragement from community and church leaders

This event, which is hosted by Picayune Church of God, is open to the public, and childcare will be provided. Light refreshments will be served, and parking will be available on-site.
For more information, contact Lacey Odom at (662) 417-8559 or email laceyodom@aol.com.
Register here>>

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-21
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:

November 17-21, 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:

January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2025-11-19 10:00
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
(MDRS)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, November 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)
One tap Mobile
+13092053325,83452343575#, *184280#
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 at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Written comments may be submitted to Michelle McClain at the
Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771.
Email: mmcclain@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 Michelle McClain or Mona Spells Adou at 601-359-3498.

Getting and Keeping the First Job
2025-11-21 10:30 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Participants will learn why disability self-awareness matters and how families can support youth during career planning. The session covers simple strategies for building resumes, preparing for interviews, and understanding job accommodations. We also highlight how families can guide youth through career exploration and the job search process.
The main message is clear: when families understand the world of work and hold high expectations, they play a powerful role in helping youth with disabilities succeed in employment
Register here>>

Caregiver / Parent Peer Support Specialist Training Graduation
2025-11-21 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 & Intervention Advisory Committee
2025-11-21 13:00
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee (EHDI-AC), established by state statute (MS Code 41-90-7), is an advisory committee appointed by the State Health Officer to advise and assist the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi State Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention on the identification of infants and toddlers with hearing impairments and linking them with early intervention services.
