Families as Allies

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2021-05-26 10:00 (America/Chicago)
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89185899924?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
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)
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: atell@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 Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.

MSPTI- Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2021-05-26 10:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
Parents of children with disabilities are constantly learning about advocacy. Understanding how to advocate for your child, along with the importance of communication, and how to resolve conflicts are important parts of the process. Join us for a two-part virtual advocacy academy that will empower you with information and resources.
Presented by:
Leslie Junkin, Project Director, MSPTI
Register here>>

Leadership Training Graduates Coaching and Support Group
2021-05-26 12:00 - 13:00
This group will focus on opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making groups, provide coaching guidance for those who are already serving on groups or about to serve on groups, and will be a place where graduates can discuss common concerns, problems and successes that will help them be more effective parent/caregiver leaders. Meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 12 noon. (Open only to leadership training graduates.)
Register now >>

Community Partnerships and Opportunity for True Family Engagement
2021-05-26 15:00 - 16:00
Join Justice for Families Learning Series
Community Partnerships and Opportunity for True
Family Engagement

FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Willetta Perryman and Dr.Tracee Perryman PhD.
Dr. Perryman founding member of The Center of Hope ELEVATE Program provides literacy, youth development, and coding programs to help students perform better on standardized tests, avoid delinquency, and become marketable to enter the workforce upon high school graduation. Before COVID-19, students in grades k-4 would enjoy weekly enrichment activities and free dinner and snacks from Monday until Thursday.
ELEVATE has achieved results in line with promoting students’ development, school attendance, and positive behavior. Parents and young people agreed that the ELEVATE program staff cared about their children and wanted to see them succeed. One hundred percent of school staff members reported that the ELEVATE program helped students.
By her side is her amazing mom and leader Willetta Perryman together they have built a community that supports many young people and allows for true change. It is with their guidance and heart that the community is supported in the next steps.
Jeannette Boanegra-Simon is the Executive Director for Justice For Families. She is a dedicated mother of six, a grandmother of two, and a longtime resident of the South Bronx. In 2011, Jeannette became the lead researcher in the Bronx for Justice For Families’ groundbreaking Families Unlocking Futures report and ultimately joined Community Connections for Youth (CCFY) where she served as the organization’s first Director of Family Engagement. At CCFY, she developed the organization’s Family Strengthening portfolio and initiated the groundbreaking Parent Support Program (PSP) in partnership with the NYC Department of Probation. She is also a member of several advisory boards
for juvenile justice initiatives in New York City where she represents the voice of impacted families.
Jeannette’s commitment to advocating for families with youth in the juvenile justice system is based on her own difficult experiences as the parent of an incarcerated youth. Prior to doing this work, Jeannette was involved with parent advocacy and educational reform and served as the Parent Involvement Coordinator at ASPIRA of NY. For over two decades, Jeannette has tirelessly worked to ensure that young people and their families
have the resources they need to thrive.
Connect with the Justice 4 Families :
Jeannette Bocanegra-Simon, Executive Director
Email: Jeannette@justice4families.org
Sign in to Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84405097682

Family Support for Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan Series Session 2
2021-05-27 14:00 - 15:30
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center invites caregivers, family peer support specialists, and other members of the mental health and substance use workforce to this 3-part series on how family members can support children who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges during their lifetime.
This webinar is free and open to all families who are impacted by mental health and/or substance use challenges and to the workforce, organizations and communities that support them.
Request No-Cost Technical Assistance or Training from NFSTAC at: www.nfstac.org/request-ta.
Providing Family Support Across the Lifespan | www.nfstac.org | info@nfstac.org
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center of Excellence (COE) Grant #1H79F6000160-Fam-CoE is funded by SAMHSA.
Register here>>

Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2021-05-28 09:00 - 13:30
Event by Mississippi Department of Mental Health
This 6.5-hour training gives adults who regularly interact with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
The new virtual delivery option includes a 2-hour self-paced course followed by 4.5 hours of Instructor led training delivered virtually through Zoom at no cost to you.
Contact Courtney Littleton for any questions or concerns at courtney.littleton@dmh.ms.gov
CEUs are available for educators!
Register >>

Virtual Support Group - June 3
2021-06-03 12:00 - 13:00
Any parent or caregiver of a child with a behavioral challenge is welcome to join us. Meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month.
Register here >>

Families As Allies Specially Called Board Meeting
2021-06-03 18:30 - 19:30
Specially called board meeting to vote on proposed new member and plan for retreat. All Families as Allies board meeting are open to the public and include time for public comments. If you cannot attend but would like to share comments with the board, they can be emailed to info@faams.org or faxed to 601-355- 0919.

Register Here >>

Building Relationships with Caregivers
2021-06-08 15:00 - 16:15
NTTAC Event: Building Bridges of Hope – Community of Practice Series

Supporting children and youth with high emotional and behavioral needs is often lonely, overwhelming, complex and not well-understood. How as a caregiver do you navigate school services, child welfare, and other involved systems to get the support you need for your child? How as school providers might we learn with families through their advocacy journeys?
Let’s come together to listen and learn from family advocates and colleagues in the field to deepen our practice, student-center our services, and make this work less lonely and more connected.
The “Building Bridges of Hope” NTTAC Institute and accompanying community of practice will join parents, caregivers, providers and educators together to strategize how to support each other while supporting our students with emotional and behavioral health needs.
Join us as we create space to dream and hope together to find new ways of being, learning, and partnering.
Together, we engage in interactive discussions regarding what is working, concerning challenges, and rising promising practices and services nation-wide.

Register here>>

Public Hearing for Mississippi Administrative Code Title 23, Part 223
2021-06-11 10:00 - 11:00
From the Division of Medicaid:
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid will hold a public hearing on Mississippi Administrative Code Title 23, Part 223, Rules 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, 2.5, and 6.1-6.6. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021, via teleconference. Teleconference number 888-822-7517, Access Code: [REDACTED]. There will be an opportunity for public comment at the hearing.
For more information, read the public notice and public comments.

Procedural Safeguards and Dispute Resolution
2021-06-15 10:00
It can be challenging as a family to know what your options are and how to think through them if you have a disagreement with the school district about a special education issue. This webinar will review your options if you want to seek a formal resolution with the district related to your child’s IEP. Formal State Complaints and Due Process Complaints and the steps for pursuing both will be reviewed. This is the fifth in a five-part series about procedural safeguards. Participants are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. This training is appropriate for families and anyone who works with families in any system.
Register here>>

MSPTI- Childcare and the Americans with Disabilities Act
2021-06-16 10:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Childcare and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Parents often struggle with finding childcare if their child has a disability. This presentation will explain the law and help parents prepare for the process of finding appropriate childcare.
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-06-16 12:00 - 13:00
Join us via Zoom for our monthly Coaching and Support session for parents who are supporting other parents in any system.
Register here>>

2021 Virtual Mississippi Disability Megaconference
2021-06-17 09:00 - 16:30
Due to COVID-19, the MegaConference will be held virtually. Four outstanding speakers will inspire and inform you. The first session will begin at 9:00 a.m., with sign-in beginning at 8:30 a.m. You may attend one, two, three, or all sessions. We hope you will participate from your home or office!

Outstanding speakers include:
– Gabe Adams, Motivational Speaker and Featured on the “Born Different” Video Series
– Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Mississippi State Department of Health
– Julio Cespedes, Director of Telehealth Innovation, Program Design, and Implementation, University of Mississippi Medical Center
– Rachel Daniels, LCSW, Owner, Consulting and Counseling with Rachel

CEUs for Teachers Only. Registration Is Free!

Register here>>

Virtual Support Group - June 17
2021-06-17 12:00 - 13:00
Any parent or caregiver of a child with a behavioral challenge is welcome to join us on the first and third Thursday of each month. During the month of April, groups will focus on dealing with IEPs and other school issues. There will be time to talk about anything else the group would like to discuss.
Register here >>

MSPTI- Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 1)
2021-06-21 10:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 1)
Having a Child with a Disability can be challenging. Your child’s IEP and how to monitor it can be confusing. How to be the best advocate for your child, the importance of communication and how to resolve conflicts are important pieces of this puzzle. Join us for an advocacy academy that will provide you with the tools to understand the special education process.
Register here>>
(Part 2) June 28, 2021, 10:00am – 11:30am

Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth
2021-06-22 10:30 - 11:00
The Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth (ICCCY) is statutorily mandated to oversee the system of care for children’s mental health in Mississippi. The Council meets twice annually. All meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for public comment. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes.

Register here >>

MSPTI- Mapping Dreams: Transition to Adulthood
2021-06-22 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Mapping Dreams: Transition to Adulthood
Mapping Dreams: Transition to Adulthood is a training that introduces families to concepts of transition planning. The training provides strategies for what parents and youth can do to help plan for the student’s transition from high school to adult employment, postsecondary education or training, and independent living.
Register here>>

Building Hope & Repairing Harm
2021-06-22 15:00 - 16:15

Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2021-06-23 10:00
Mississippi Department of Education
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89185899924?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
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)
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: atell@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 Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.

Get the Scoop on What the Hinds County MAP Team and NFusion Metro has to Offer.
2021-06-23 11:00 - 13:00
NFusion Metro
This event will be in the NFusion Metro Parking Lot, 1815 Hospital Drive, Jackson, MS. We hope to make this a fun event where local residents can meet all of the Hinds County MAP Team members and the NFusion Metro staff and enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream! NFusion Metro Parking Lot, 1815 Hospital Drive, Jackson, MS.
More info coming soon!!!

Virtual Leadership Training -June 24
2021-06-24 09:00 - 11:30
This training is for parents, caregivers and staff members who are interested in learning to serve on decision-making groups and committees. There will be 2 sessions, and each session will last 2.5 hours. Participants must attend all sessions for the entire session in order to receive their certificate. They also must be able to join the sessions from a device that has a camera and stay on camera throughout all sessions. Parents and caregivers who are receiving a stipend for completing this training must also turn in all course evaluations in addition to completing the other requirements in order to receive their stipends.
Register now >>

Virtual Leadership Training -June 25
2021-06-25 09:00 - 11:30

MSPTI- Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2021-06-25 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
Parents often struggle with finding childcare if their child has a disability. This presentation will explain the law and help parents prepare for the process of finding appropriate childcare.
Register here>>

Medical Care Advisory Committee Meeting - Division of Medicaid
2021-06-25 13:00
The Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC)
The Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) is required by federal regulation to advise the Division of Medicaid about health and medical care services. Among others, the committee must include “Members of consumers’ groups, including Medicaid beneficiaries, and consumer organizations”
State Capitol Building Room 216

Car Seat Check Up Event
2021-06-27 14:00 - 19:00
Call for an appointment to have your child’s seat by a certified technician and to be fitted for a seat, if qualified.
Masked required.
2415 8th Street at the corner of 7th Ave.
Meridian, MS 39301
back parking lot
For more information or to make an appointment contact 601-482-3171

MSPTI- Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
2021-06-28 10:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Parent Advocacy Academy (Part 2)
Having a Child with a Disability can be challenging. Your child’s IEP and how to monitor it can be confusing. How to be the best advocate for your child, the importance of communication and how to resolve conflicts are important pieces of this puzzle. Join us for an advocacy academy that will provide you with the tools to understand the special education process.
Register here>>

Free Virtual Screening of the Documentary "Mysteries of Mental Illness"
2021-06-29 19:00 - 20:30
Join Mississippi Public Broadcasting and some of the state’s top mental health leaders for a free virtual screening of the documentary Mysteries of Mental Illness at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 29. A live panel discussion reviewing conditions, treatments and more will follow. Online attendees can ask questions during the event.
Registration is required at mpbonline.org or via Eventbrite.
Desare Frazier, MPB senior news reporter, will moderate the discussion with state mental health leaders. Those leaders are:
Dr. Joy Hogge – Families as Allies
Dr. Susan Buttross – University of Mississippi Medical Center
Wendy Bailey – Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Sitaniel Wimbley – NAMI Mississippi
Mysteries of Mental Illness is a four-part series that explores the evolution in understanding and the dramatic attempts across generations to unravel the difficult questions surrounding mental illness people have grappled with throughout history: What causes it? And how it is best treated?
Research by University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State University faculty, staff and students will be included in the documentary. The staff and faculty are part of a group – The Asylum Hill Research Consortium based at UMMC – conducting research about patients who died at the Mississippi State Asylum, which operated from 1855 to 1935 in Jackson. Graves were discovered in 2012 on the only remaining undeveloped part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s main campus.
The PBS series will air on MPB Television at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 22 and Wednesday, June 23. Afterward, the series will stream online and on the PBS Video App. Individuals can watch the series before MPB’s June 29 virtual event or stream the series later.
MPB is a state agency that also operates as a PBS and NPR affiliate broadcasting station. For more information visit www.mpbonline.org. Find all MPB press releases here.

Families as Allies - Facebook Live
2021-06-30 12:00 - 13:00
Every time there’s a fifth Wednesday in a month (like this month!) we hit Facebook Live to give you a report on what Families as Allies has been doing and what we have planned for the next three months. Join us at noon on 6/30/21 on our Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/faams.org/

A Virtual Hill Briefing in Support of The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act
2021-06-30 13:00
The Education Trust
Students must be safe and free from physical harm in schools. A supportive school environment is critical for effective teaching and learning. This is perhaps more important than ever as students return to classrooms after a period of remote learning due to COVID-19. The pandemic has upended the lives of many students and their families, leading to increases in social isolation, anxiety, stress, and trauma. Therefore, it is incumbent on all states, districts, schools, and educators to foster positive school climates and improve discipline practices through evidence-based strategies, like training and ongoing professional development for educators, greater involvement of school support staff, and the use of other evidence-based supports like restorative justice practices.
The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act furthers this goal by banning the use of corporal punishment in schools receiving federal funds and provides resources for schools and districts to implement practices that we know contribute best to a learning environment designed to help students thrive.
Join us for a conversation on the need to pass this important piece of legislation to keep students safe in school.
Register here>>
