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October 13, 2022

The Ally: What it Means to Support Our Children
 

What does it truly mean to work together to support our children? That thought went through my mind several times as we put together this week's issues of The Ally. 

Families as Allies' Community Partnership Celebration is Monday, November 7. I hope you will join us. It is always a delightful evening. It is also Families as Allies' primary fundraiser. Asking for money is not the easiest part of my job, but it gives me a reason to examine whether Families as Allies is using our funds to work together to support our children. I think we are. This week we share some of the ways we use your donations. (I am always happy to share if you'd like more information about how we use funds and donations.)

This past Monday was World Mental Health Day and last week was Mental Illness Awareness Week, providing many opportunities to examine how we can work together to support our children. This week we share things we are working on to support families and children. Please let us know what you think.

Last week was the appeal hearing in Mississippi's ongoing mental health lawsuit. That suit could be going in a direction that affects the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Solicitor General for Mississippi shared remarks at the hearing that all Mississippians, especially those with disabilities and their families, should consider. We encourage everyone to closely watch these developments so we can all work together to support our children and all people with disabilities. 

Please check out our events section for upcoming trainings and events.

Joy Hogge signature
 
[Photo by Külli Kittus on Unsplash]

NEWS
 
Our Community Partnership Celebration is always a wonderful evening of celebration and fellowship. Please join us at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar on November 7, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:30 for our Ninth Annual Community Partnership Celebration (CPC). 
 
A panel of judges for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments for the State of Mississippi's appeal in the U.S. v. Mississippi lawsuit regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Wednesday, October 5, in New Orleans. 
 
This past Monday, October 10, was World Mental Health Day 2022. Each year the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinates World Mental Health Day. This year's theme was "Make Mental Health & Well-being for All a Global Priority."

EVENTS
 
Mississippi’s State Agencies are required to post notices of regular meetings on the Mississippi Public Meeting Notices Website.
 
The MSICC advises and assists the MSDH First Steps Early Intervention Program. Families and professionals are encouraged to attend.
 
Coats/socks/non-perishable food giveaway Free Workshops - Medicare/Medicaid/Wills/Healthy Lives COVID 19 vaccinations/boosters 35 + vendors Kids Park for ages. 5 years & up For more information contact: 601-750-8680.
 
Expand your understanding of ADHD and related concerns during this informative and educational learning experience.
 
The Mississippi Board of Mental Health Meeting will be held in person on Oct. 20th at Ellisville State School.
 
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.
 
The Families as Allies quarterly board meeting will be held in ZOOM and is open to anyone who wants to attend.
 
This group will focus on opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making groups, provide coaching guidance.
 
Support the MFfK mission and enjoy food, crafts, resale vendors, music, games, and Trick or Treating Fun at this family event.
 
Join us for our Ninth Annual Community Partnership Celebration to honor this good work and make sure that it continues.

RESOURCES
The Pregnancy Assistance Fund Program is a partner program between Teen Health Mississippi and the Mississippi State Department of Health to help support expectant and parenting youth's access to resources and services. Through the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF), we provide trainings and resources...
Frequently Asked Questions about Rights of Children in Homeless Situations
 
The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was created to support family caregivers of all ages, from youth to grandparents, and regardless of where they live or what caregiving looks like for them and their loved ones.
 
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
 
Video feature from WTOK TV.
 
Contact us to volunteer! Opening Hours: Mississippi's First National Recognized Diaper Bank Mondays, Wednesdays,and Fridays 10 am - 2 pm 1 in 3 families in the Mississippi Delta is living in poverty.