Families as Allies

Stomp Out Bullying
2024-10-24 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Nfusion Metro
Join NFusion Metro for the ‘Stomp Out Bully Youth Showcase’ hosted by Jim Hill High School Ms. Junior, Kennedi Howard! Get ready to be wowed by talented performers like Lanier Rangerettes , Provine Cheer Team, Central MS Kappa League, and More. Let’s stand up against bullying together!
Register here>>

MCADV Candlelight Vigil
2024-10-24 18:00 - 19:00
Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence
We invite you to join us as we gather in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Our vigil will take place at 6 PM on the South steps of the State Capitol.
If you have a loved one whose life was taken too soon due to domestic violence and would like their name read aloud during the vigil, please click the link below to share their information with us.
If you have any questions or need support regarding the candlelight vigil, please don’t hesitate to call 601-981-9196. We are grateful for your support as we come together in solidarity.
Register here>>

Save the Date: Annual Community Health Fair
2024-10-26
Community Counseling Services
Save The Date:
What: Annual Community Health Fair
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Where: St James United Methodist Church
722 Military Road
Columbus, MS 39701
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

14th Annual SHERO Gala Awards Dinner
2024-10-26 06:30 - 22:00
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith
Butterflies By Grace Defined By Faith (BBGDF) is pleased to invite you to join us at the 14th Annual SHERO Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 6:30 pm for a special evening celebrating our 14th anniversary and honoring this year’s recipients of advocates, survivors, and change makers.
The theme of the night is “It Is Necessary.” All proceeds from the gala will fund our programs which offer educational workshops and practical workshops & resources at no cost to women in our community.
Join us in this extraordinary celebration of the tireless advocacy and passionate work of BBGDF on behalf of domestic violence.
Register here>>

Out of The Darkness Walk at Ballard Park
2024-10-26 11:00
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The Community Walks, held in hundreds of communities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their connections to the cause and a platform to create a smarter culture about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.
It’s more important than ever for us to stay connected. Register Today and help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Register here>>

October Fest 2024
2024-10-26 12:00 - 17:00
Jayne Avenue Community Center
October Fest 2024 is on October 26. It will feature food, fun, live entertainment, a youth talent show with cash prizes, and more. It is free and open to the community!

We are encouraging our community members to Get Out the Vote this November. Candidates are invited to come. We are also calling for vendors!

Circle of Color Book Club will also be there to give out FREE BOOKS!

Belmont Baptist Church October Fest
2024-10-26 17:00 - 19:00
Belmont Sunday School and Youth Fellowship Ministries
Enjoy family, food, fun, and fellowship at the Belmont Baptist Church October fest, which will be held on October 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Raymond, MS.

What Is UDL (Universal Design for Learning)? An Introduction for Families
2024-10-28 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that helps give all students an equal opportunity to succeed. This approach offers flexibility in the ways our students access material, engage with it, and show what they know. Join us for a look into a framework that helps create a fully accessible curriculum for all our students.
Presented by: Patty Gautier, Family, Data & Dissemination Coordinator, REACH MS
Register here>>

Children and Lead: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Them
2024-10-29 12:30 - 13:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Children under 6 are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning. The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. In this fun and informative session, participants will learn about the dangers of lead, common sources of lead, lead exposure prevention, and community resources for families.
Register here>>

Family Exchange - October Session
2024-10-30 13:00 - 14:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
This presentation focuses on the importance of sustaining passion and commitment while engaging in the difficult yet rewarding work of advocating for and supporting families navigating the mental or behavioral health system. Attendees will gain insights into balancing the personal and professional demands of this field while protecting the passion that drives their work.
Register here>>

Ambetter Health Day
2024-11-02 11:00 - 14:00
Ambetter from Magnolia Health
Come join the fun at our Ambetter Health Day! This FREE family-friendly event is open to Ambetter from Magnolia Health members and the public. Ambetter from Magnolia Health, along with our community partners, will share health and wellness resources for the whole family.
Supplies are limited, so come early!Join Ambetter

Below the Surface (Vitality Café)
2024-11-06 18:00 - 19:00
Be Strong Families
Our A Taste of Cafés series previews Cafés—Be Strong Families’ internationally known, structured, small group conversations! Join Be Strong Families for a free session where you can participate in peer-to-peer discussions that facilitate transformation, healing, and strength within families.
The theme of this meeting is Below The Surface. The story goes that while we can see the swan gliding gracefully across the water, what we cannot see is how furiously it is paddling beneath the surface so that it can stay afloat. It isn’t easy to show the world our struggles. But how does this affect our vitality? Let’s talk about it at this vitality café.
Register here>>

Registration is Live! NFF 35th Anniversary Conference
2024-11-07 - 2024-11-09
National Federation of Families
For 35 years, the National Federation of Families has brought together families, parents, community leaders, providers, partners, and legislators at our Annual Conference. We work to leverage our lived experience and learned solutions for the support and advancement of families whose children—of any age—experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. To accomplish this, we welcome diverse expertise and voices of lived experience to learn from and alongside at our annual conference.
This year, join the National Federation of Families for their 35th Annual Conference in Orlando, FL! Don’t miss valuable breakout sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities to network and promote your support services.
Register here>>

Employability Job Extravaganza
2024-11-07 09:00 - 13:00
Arc of Northeast Mississippi
With sponsorship and support from the Arc Northwest Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Arc of Northeast Mississippi is thrilled to host this Inclusive Job Fair in Northeast Mississippi. The fair aims to provide students with invaluable educational experiences while showcasing their potential to local businesses.

Please note: This event is not open to the public. Students will be transported to the venue by bus.

Networking Lunch: Connecting the Dots: Creating a Network of Care
2024-11-07 10:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Families for Kids
Help Me Grow would like to invite you to their Free Networking Lunch, Connecting the Dots: Creating a Network of Care.
Limited Seating is available.
Register here>>

Understanding Military Children’s Mental Health: Evidence-Based Resources and Trauma-Informed Approaches
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:30
National Training & TA Center for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health
Military families face unique and complex challenges that can directly impact the mental health of their children. This webinar will delve into the specific psychological, emotional, and social issues faced by military families and their children, exploring trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based solutions tailored to provide support.
This session is an essential opportunity for practitioners to gain expert knowledge and practical tools to support better the mental health and well-being of military families and their children.
Register here>>

Magnolia Medical Foundation Grand Re-Launch
2024-11-07 15:00 - 17:00
Magnolia Medical Foundation
Join Magnolia Medical Foundation for their Grand Re-Launch on Thursday, November 7th, 2024! There will be lots of food, music, and fun!!

3rd Annual Mississippi Minority Mental Health Symposium
2024-11-08
Premier Professional Counseling Services
The 3rd annual Mississippi Minority Mental Health Symposium, a premier event dedicated to fostering education, collaboration, and advocacy on mental health issues in Mississippi will take place Friday, November 8th at Knight Nonprofit Center in Gulfport, MS.
This year’s symposium will emphasize the critical importance of cultural competence in mental health care and wellness.
Register here>>

Torchbearers Celebration
2024-11-08 18:00 - 21:00
Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Help us celebrate families, friends, businesses, and professionals who are helping us improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Register here>>

One Loud Voice: A multi-disciplinary approach to child abuse
2024-11-12 - 2024-11-14
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi

2024 One Loud Voice
SAVE THE DATE

November 12 @ 4:30 pm – Networking Social
November 13 & 14 from 8 am-5 pm – Conference

Beau Rivage | Biloxi, Mississippi
The largest conference of its kind in Mississippi, One Loud Voice provides both basic and advanced training in the detection, investigation, prosecution, and healing interventions in all types of child victimization, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, fatalities, sexual exploitation, abduction, trafficking, and internet-related exploration.
If your organization is interested in the health and safety of children or in training law enforcement, child protective services personnel, prosecutors, or other professionals involved in protecting children, this premier conference is ideal for you!

Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee Meeting
2024-11-12 09:30
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.
Register here>>

Teaming and Collaborating Part 1: Participating on Your Child's Team
2024-11-12 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Family members and other team members need to exchange information and share knowledge and expertise. This session will provide tips on why parents need to be part of and feel like part of the team.
Register here>>

Transition: Steps for Success
2024-11-12 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>>

Invitation to Exhibit at the MHSA Fall Leadership Institute
2024-11-13 - 2024-11-15
Mississippi Head Start Association
The Mississippi Head Start Association would like to invite your company to participate as an exhibitor at their upcoming Mississippi Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute. The event is scheduled for November 13th-15th at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Biloxi, MS.
Should you have any questions or require further information, feel free to reach out to Felicia Thompson, at feliciadthompson@gmail.com
Register here>>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2024-11-13 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 >>

Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council
2024-11-14 10:00
Department of Mental Health
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to make recommendations;
To serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses; and
To monitor, review, and evaluate, not less than once yearly, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Click here for notice information.

Meeting Location-in person
Region 8 Mental Health Services
613 Marquette Rd,
Brandon, MS 39042

Contact Information
August Irving
601-359-6204
august.irving@dmh.ms.gov

Teaming and Collaborating Part 2: Family Members Working with Other Team Members
2024-11-14 10:30 - 11:00
Teaming and Collaborating Part 2: Family Members Working with Other Team Members
The quality of relationships and interactions between parents and professionals on IFSP or IEP teams affects the team’s success in achieving desired outcomes for the child. Join us to learn how to work with parents and/or professionals in ways that will assist with communication and conflict resolution.
Register here>>

Teaming and Collaborating Part 3: Sharing What You Know with Professionals
2024-11-15 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
You know your child best. Sharing what you know with professionals can help them provide the most appropriate services and supports. As a parent or family member you have much to contribute to the team. Join us and learn tips on how to share and other important tips.
Register here>>

The Game Plan: (Dad’s Café)
2024-11-15 12:00 - 13:30
Be Strong Families
Our A Taste of Cafés series gives you a preview of Cafés—Be Strong Families’ internationally known, structured, small group conversations! Join us for a free session where you can take part in peer-to-peer conversations that facilitate transformation, healing, and strength within families.
The theme of this meeting is The Game Plan. The goal of every game is to win. The strategy: prepare well, always do your best and show up. When it comes to creating a strong family, what is the game plan? How do you prepare to be a good dad? Join our candid conversation about different strategies for a winning game plan.
Register here>>

Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Graduation
2024-11-15 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>>
