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December 6, 2023

The Ally: Your Lived Experience Can Make Systems and Services Better
 

It's good to be back with a full newsletter this week. I hope all of you find it helpful. In it, we share different ways to work together to make things better for our children, including joining the Stakeholder Committee for a new model of mental health services and attending the Division of Medicaid's Medical Care Advisory Committee this Friday, December 8.

Remember, the things you've learned along the way with your child give you insight into what might be helpful for other children and families. Sharing your lived expertise can make services and systems work better for all children and families.

I also want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you for your Giving Tuesday donations! So far, we've raised a little over $2,000 on Facebook. That fundraiser lasts through Wednesday, December 6, so there is still time to give on Facebook. Thank you to those who donated through our website and helped us raise an additional $735 for Giving Tuesday. We so appreciate your support. Every dollar helps families help their children.

Please make plans now to attend our Tenth Annual Community Partnership Celebration on Monday, January 29, at 5:00 p.m. It is always a wonderful event, and the funds we raise help us carry out our mission - ensuring families are partners in their children's care. Tickets and sponsorships are available. Watch this space to see who our honorees will be. We're excited!
We invite all families to our Drop-In Family Support Time on December 7 at noon CST. All are welcome. If you supervise or employ parent peer supporters, please join us on December 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. CST for Parent/Peer Support Conversation for Anyone Working with Parent Peer Supporters. We will discuss recruiting ideas, certification issues, and any other topics you want to discuss.

Please see our events calendar for more meetings and trainings, and don't forget to check our resources. 

Joy Hogge signature

NEWS
 
The MCAC meeting is a great way to learn more about the Division of Medicaid and the policies affecting children and families.
Helping a Loved One Dealing with Mental or Substance Use Disorders - Link to PDF
 
Please let us know if we can support you in becoming more involved with the CCBHC planning grant or the standing stakeholder committee.
 
After reviewing the MYPAC rate study, we submitted the following public comments to the Mississippi Department of Medicaid.

EVENTS
 
Preparing for work is a big step in the journey toward adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families.
 
Staying Strong Amidst the Holiday Bustle: Let's get together to talk about how to create a holiday tradition that gives us genuine joy.
 
Family members may drop in to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations.
 
Navigating the divide between our expectations and reality when it comes to the holidays and special days.
 
We want to hear your feedback on how we're doing from your perspective and how we can be most supportive to you.
 
This is a mental health resource fair for the community to come and learn about businesses and organizations who focus on mental health.
 
Join other parents for a monthly meeting and online gathering to coach and support other parents in any system.
 
This holiday season, we invite you to participate in Operation Shoestring's annual Angel Tree event on December 15th.
 
The BIDD has launched an awareness campaign recognizing March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
 
It's easy to get caught up in the end-of-year rush. Join us for a reflective conversation on regaining your vitality.
 
The Department of Mental Health Board Committee meetings will be held before the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.
 
While the experience of grief is universal, we all go through the process of grief and healing in our own unique way.
 
Please join us at Bravo Italian Restaurant and Bar on Mon, Jan 29, 2024 from 5:00 - 8:00 for our Community Partnership Celebration.

RESOURCES
 
The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities is a national health care transition resource center. The goal of the center is to em
 
In the United States, about one in six children have a developmental disability. Federal law guarantees them an equal education. But students, parents, teachers, and advocates say the system is broken. There are 7.2 million students with disabilities in the United States. This package explores how...
 
What can you do when people say thoughtless things about your child who learns and thinks differently? Use these tips for responding to insensitive comments.