The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting
2023-08-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
The Special Education Advisory Panel
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet online via Zoom on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
You may access the meeting either online or by phone.
Join Zoom Meeting Online:
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Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
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Join Zoom Meeting by Phone:
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Meeting ID: 834 5234 3575
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The panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Sharon 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.

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2023-08-17 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-in person
Department of Mental Health
239 N. Lamar St. 10th Floor Robert E. Lee Bldg.
Jackson, MS. 39201
Contact Information
Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2023-08-17 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school 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 >>

First Steps to Next Steps: Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community Supports
2023-08-18 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Community Health Fair
2023-08-19 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-08-26 10:00 - 14:00
Mississippi Achievement School District
“Wellness encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind, and a tranquil spirit. Enjoy the journey as you strive for wellness.” Laurette Gagnon Beaulieu
The Mississippi Delta Region is attributed to mortality rates that are ten times higher than non-Delta Counties and 20% higher than rates in the United States overall. 39.6% of the population is obese in MS, with Yazoo County ranking 54 out of 82 for overall health and Humphreys County 80 out of 82, attributing to 44% and 50% of adult obesity among the population, respectively. Mississippi has the second-largest national percentage of childhood obesity at 37.3%. The Mississippi Achievement School District has a vital role in assisting our population through education and demonstrative outlets to improve the health of our state. To that end, we will host Health and Wellness Fairs in our community to provide primary and preventive health measures to increase health awareness by providing health screenings and motivating our population to make positive health and behavior choices.

Lead Poisoning: What You Need to Know
2023-08-22 10:00 - 10:45
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Please join us to learn about lead poisoning and how to prevent your children from being exposed. This session will cover what is lead poisoning, sources of lead, signs/symptoms of lead, and prevention strategies.
Register here>>

Transition: Making the Move to High School (Tips for Parents)
2023-08-22 11:30 - 12:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
It’s never too early to start learning and laying the groundwork for transition from middle school to high school. This webinar will give parents and professionals tips that will help to make this move a success.
Register here >>

Independent Living: Here We Come!
2023-08-22 12:30 - 13:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for independent living is an exciting time in any youth’s journey toward adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is a time filled with questions and challenges. Join us as we explore a skills checklist to help parents and youth know where they are and what they need to work on in their journey to independent living. We will talk about the importance of self-advocacy, what families/parents can do to help youth and young adults with planning for the future
Register here>>

U-THRIVE Program: What You Need to Know
2023-08-23 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Join the MSPTI to learn about Mississippi State University’s new U-THRIVE Program and how they are providing adults with developmental disabilities experiences that will increase their functional living skills and opportunities to engage with their community and peers, at no cost to families!
Register here >>

Leadership Coaching and Policy Discussion
2023-08-23 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 >>

Building Partnerships.Working Together Mississippi Parent Conference
2023-08-25 - 2023-08-26
Mississippi Department of Education
You don’t want to miss the Mississippi Department of Education’s Annual Parent Conference Building Partnerships….Working Together on August 25-26 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi. The conference is FREE for parents and professionals and offers 1.2 CEUs.
The Annual Parent Conference is the public information symposium dedicated to fostering positive family-school relationships. The conference will bring together parents, educators, advocates, organizers, and other stakeholders in an effort to build and support strong relationships that contribute to students being successful and reaching higher academic goals. Conference sessions are designed to help all stakeholders understand the rights of parents and children with disabilities, the educations process, and provide resources to support home-school partnerships.
Register here >>
For more information about the conference, contact Sharon Coon or Mona Spells Adou at (601) 359-3498.

Social Justice Symposium
2023-08-25 - 2023-08-26
Mississippi State University chapter of Counselors for Social Justice

The members of the Mississippi State University chapter of Counselors for Social Justice would like to invite you to attend this virtual symposium on Friday, August 25, and Saturday, August 26, from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. both days. The theme this year is Social Justice and Trauma. This virtual symposium is free to all attendees, and CEUs will be given.

August 25

9:15 A.M. Dr. Cirecie West-OlatunjiMelba Fortuné Martinez Endowed Professor
Director, Center for Equity, Justice, and the Human Spirit Xavier University of Louisiana
10:30 A.M. Rayfield Evins Jr., MS, CMHT
Executive Director, Community Counseling Services
11:30 A.M. Dr. Qiana Cutts
Associate Professor, Mississippi State University

August 26
9:15 A.M. Dr. Darius Green, NCC
Assistant Professor, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

10:30 A.M. Patricia Thornton, MS, CMHT, CAT
Co-Occurring Coordinator, Community Counseling Services
11:30 A.M. Chiquita Long Holmes, MS, CMHT
President-Elect, Counselors for Social Justice National Division

ONLINE EVENT
August 25th & 26th, 2023
9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. CST

WebEx Event registration is required for each day.
Click HERE to register for August 25, 2023
Click HERE to register for August 26, 2023

Tougaloo Summit
2023-08-26 10:00 - 14:00
Magnolia Bar Association
Come learn about the law in a fun, exciting way while getting connected to resources in your community! Enjoy family fun – music, gaming booths, health screenings, kid zone, law workshops, door prizes and more.
The Magnolia Bar Association is an organization that was created by and for African-American attorneys who were segregated from the Mississippi Bar long ago. We use our privileges as attorneys to educate and empower marginalized communities. Each year, the Magnolia Bar Association hosts its Annual Tougaloo Summit as a forum for community dialogue about issues plaguing underserved people.

Getting and Keeping the First Job
2023-08-29 10:00 - 22:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Participants will learn the importance of disability self-awareness, how families can help youth with career planning, and strategies to navigate resumes, job interviews, and job accommodations. Particular attention is paid to the role of families in career exploration and job-hunting. The session’s message is simple: families who understand the world of work and who maintain high expectations of their youth can play a pivotal role in the employment success of youth with disabilities.
Register here>>

Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2023-08-29 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training And 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 MSPTI 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>>

What Is SEL (Social Emotional Learning)? An Introduction for Families
2023-08-29 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training And Information Center Project
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process through which people build awareness and skills in managing their emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life. SEL is a critical part of our development that starts in the home and continues in our schools and communities. Join us to learn more on the essential roles we as family members play in supporting healthy child development and in allowing student learning to continue across the many settings in which our children learn.
August 29, 12:00pm – 12:30pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Families as Allies Live
2023-08-30 12:00
Whenever a month happens to have a fifth Wednesday, the Families as Allies group gathers for a live session on both Facebook and YouTube. During this session, we engage in conversations about current developments and address any inquiries you might have. We invite you to be a part of this informative session where we’ll be sharing updates on recent happenings and discussing our upcoming strategies.
Families as Allies is a collective effort that involves each and every one of us. Your input and thoughts are invaluable to us as we aim to progress collaboratively. We eagerly look forward to your participation and the opportunity to explore how we can advance together.
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/306388481799434
Join us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/ByTReiJAi64?feature=share

Navigating the IEP
2023-08-31 10:00 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
As a parent, the IEP process can often seem like a maze. There are so many parts to the process it’s often overwhelming. Join MSPTI to learn how to navigate this journey.
Register here >>

Views From the Field: Enhancing Care for Black and African American Health Disparities in Rural Areas
2023-09-06 14:00
National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Morehouse School of Medicine’s African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Black and African American communities, especially in rural areas, are often overlooked in discussions about improving mental health and substance use treatment services.
Join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Morehouse School of Medicine’s African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2-3 p.m., for a powerful roundtable discussion about the impact of social justice concerns, COVID-19, and the challenges of providing care in rural communities. This event will amplify conversations regarding workforce shortages, accessible technology, and funding limitations while highlighting solutions and provider recommendations to address these disparities.
Register Here>>

Creating Your Own Path: Successful Transitions for Persons with Autism
2023-09-07 - 2023-09-08
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services

The importance of transitions for those with autism cannot be stressed enough and doesn’t happen overnight. The objective of this conference is to provide parents, advocates, professionals, and people with autism the opportunity to learn about resources and evidence-based best practices regarding planning and executing successful transitions.

The conference will be held on September 7-8, 2023 at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services in Madison, MS, and will feature motivational speaker and autism advocate Anthony Ianni.

At the age of four Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what.

Anthony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in sociology in 2012 and was a winner of various awards during his time as a basketball player. He was a two-time Big Ten Champion, a Big Ten Tournament Champion, and a member of the 2010 Final Four team. He won the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On award and the 2012 Unsung Player award.

Anthony has pledged his life and career to help those who face similar challenges. He has been invited to tell his story and share his message across the country and has inspired countless individuals to be “Relentless” and achieve their goals and dreams.

You will also hear from agencies, organizations and individuals within our state about exciting initiatives changing the future for Mississippians with ASD and other disabilities.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

A limited number of scholarships are available for autistic individuals and family members.

For questions or assistance with registration, contact:
Jennifer Johnson
Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities/MSPTI
jennifer@mspti.org
(601) 969-0601

Peer Support in Re-Entry
2023-09-07 09:00 - 10:00
The Mental Health Association of South MS is pleased to offer this training for Peer Support Specialists.

Speaker: Keith Windsor

Description: The role of the Peer Support Specialist in Re-entry from jails, prisons, and hospitals will be discussed. Session will also address overcoming barriers and recognizing the unique value of Peer Support Specialists with prior justice involvement.

Continuing Education hours are available for the following credentials:
DMH Certified Peer Support Specialist, DMH Addictions Therapist, DMH Community Support Specialist, DMH Mental Health Therapist, Licensed DMH Administrator and DMH IDD Therapist. If your credential is not listed, an Attendance Certificate can be provided upon request.

Location: Virtually via Zoom.
Questions or additional information: Sandra Morrison at mhatraining1@gmail.com

Register here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-09-07 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 >>

Family Connections: Parenting and Recovery
2023-09-07 12:30 - 13:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
September is Recovery Month, when we celebrate the gains made by people in recovery from substance use and/or mental health: every person, every family, and every community.
It’s never just about one person being in recovery: families can – and do – recover together. With support, they can establish a new family dynamic, learn about the challenges of substance use and/or mental health, and heal together. Each family member may gain a new perspective and practice new behaviors – not simply to rebuild a relationship, but to create a healthy one.
Sometimes change can be especially complicated when it involves a parent or caregiver. Their roles often come with established ideas of how that parent/child relationship will develop over the lifespan. When a child of any age experiences mental health and/or substance use challenges, it changes the dynamic. You’ll meet a father and son who will share their individual experiences, and how they built the relationship their family has today.
Register here >>
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Participants will learn about navigating the changes that may occur in relationships that are a natural part of recovery.
Acceptance Factor: understand how a family with lived experience adjusted their roles and expectations before, during, and after recovery.
Social Justice Factor: The family sees each person’s potential and works together to support one another in their individual goals.

Want more Family Connections? Follow NFSTAC on Eventbrite to see what’s coming up next.
This event is free and open to all families, parents, caregivers, and to the family workforce, organizations and communities that support them. You can also request No-Cost Technical Assistance or Training from NFSTAC at: www.nfstac.org/request-ta.
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center of Excellence (COE) Grant #1H79F6000160-Fam-CoE is funded by SAMHSA. The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center is led by the National Federation of Families.
Providing Family Support Across the Lifespan | www.nfstac.org | info@nfstac.org

Getting Candid: Practical Guidance for Framing the Conversation Around Youth Substance Use Prevention
2023-09-07 13:30 - 15:00
National Council, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Learn how to create the space for meaningful conversations by attending a free 90-minute workshop. Getting Candid: Framing The Conversation Around Youth Substance Use Prevention Message Guide and Toolkit from the National Council, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will increase provider confidence and skill in youth prevention conversations. This virtual workshop includes engagement strategies for building trust, gleaning insights, framing conversations around substance use prevention, and updating the foundational project research, substance-specific messages, and newly released resources.
Register here >>

Process Addictions
2023-09-08 09:00 - 12:00
Mental Health Association of South MS
Speaker: Dr. Damien Thomas

The Mental Health Association of South MS is pleased to offer this training for Peer Support Specialists.

Continuing Education hours are available for the following credentials:
DMH Certified Peer Support Specialist, DMH Addictions Therapist, DMH Community Support Specialist, DMH Mental Health Therapist, Licensed DMH Administrator and DMH IDD Therapist. If your credential is not listed, an Attendance Certificate can be provided upon request.

Register here>>

Supporting the Transition to College for Youth With Psychosis: A Case-Based Discussion
2023-09-08 11:00
National Training & Technical Assistance Center
This session is an ECHO format case-based discussion covering the process of assessing readiness for college, accessing accommodations, and preparing youth, with a history of psychosis, to transition to college. Many young people are interested in higher education but are unsure of what that may look like, after receiving a diagnosis of a primary psychotic disorder. We hope to equip attendees with basic knowledge of psychosis spectrum disorders, considerations for a transition to college, and resources for supporting these young adults to achieve success!
Learning Objectives

Understand the definition of psychosis and psychosis spectrum disorders
List at least three life skills that young adults should be able to manage independently, prior to transitioning to college
List at least three characteristics of a college that should be considered in determining a best fit school for a young adult with psychosis
List at least three potential college accommodations that could be beneficial for a young adult with psychosis
Access resources for young adults with psychosis

Intended Audience
Anyone working with or supporting young adults with psychosis.
Register here >>

SAMHSA's Office of Recovery Webinar
2023-09-08 13:00 - 14:00
The Office of Recovery and the National Federation of Families
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
On Friday. September 8th, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET, the Office of Recovery is proud to present a webinar titled “Recovery is a Family Affair: The Power of Family Peer Support,” co-led by Carol Cecil and Barb Greene from Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children (KPFC) – a statewide affiliate of the National Federation of Families.
Register now to hear these two dynamic presenters as they share how family peer specialists are instrumental in providing valuable family support in the recovery journey.
Register here>>

Community Health & Wellness Fair
2023-09-09 12:00 - 15:00
United Women of Faith
St. Stephen United Methodist Church
Please Join St. Stephen United Methodist Church!
Saturday, September 9, 12-3 pm
St. Stephen U.M. Church
4530 MS-15
Maben, MS 39759

Free health screenings
Information about local resources
Drawings for Door Prizes and more!!

For Vendor information, contact:
Jan Bryan, Magnolia Health
Jannett.j.bryan@centene.com
601-760-1716
Lease Wardlaw, Nurse Practitioner
Leasewardlaw003@gmail.com

Peer Support Training
2023-09-11 - 2023-09-15
Are you a parent or caregiver raising or 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 who is on the same journey?

Then being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent Peer Support? Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support another parent/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:

September 11-15, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: August 14, 2023)
November 13-17, 2023 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: October 16, 2023)
January 8-14, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: December 4, 2023)
March 18-22, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: February 16, 2024)
May 13-17, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 12, 2024)

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.
