Community Engagement
Date Posted: April 22, 2026
Our staff enjoyed connecting with families and partners across the community through several recent outreach events. We’re proud to show up where it matters most…
C.A.R.E. Open House
Families joined us for our first quarterly C.A.R.E. Open House on March 21, 2026, a welcoming event designed to connect caregivers
with supportive services while enjoying food, fun, and meaningful engagement together. While children played on the playground and participated in STEAM enrichment activities, parents took part in Behavior Bingo and Family Feud–style sessions that guided in-depth conversations about positive disciplinary alternatives. Families also had opportunities to engage in child and youth group activities and receive support completing required quarterly documentation. Refreshments, games, giveaways, and prizes added to
the celebration, and the event was hosted in partnership with Midtown Charter School.
Working Together for Stronger Starts for Children
We are excited to announce new partnerships that expand access to critical services for children and educators across Mississippi. Through collaboration with Mississippi University for Women Project WISESTART, we are conducting developmental screenings at affiliated childcare centers in Lowndes County to help identify needs early and connect families with support. In addition, our partnerships with Midtown Public Charter School and Revive Collegiate strengthen behavioral health services for students while providing practical training and support for teachers. Together, these collaborations help us reach children earlier, equip educators more effectively, and build stronger foundations for healthy development and learning.
We are excited to announce new partnerships that expand access to critical services for children and educators across Mississippi. Through collaboration with Mississippi University for Women Project WISESTART, we are conducting developmental screenings at affiliated childcare centers in Lowndes County to help identify needs early and connect families with support. In addition, our partnerships with Midtown Public Charter School and Revive Collegiate strengthen behavioral health services for students while providing practical training and support for teachers. Together, these collaborations help us reach children earlier, equip educators more effectively, and build stronger foundations for healthy development and learning.
RROC Meeting at Centerwell (Featured Image Above)
Relatives Raising Others’ children partnered with Centerwell Senior Care on February 28, 2026 to explore health services and other resources to grandparents and other seniors caring for their kin. Children and caregivers enjoyed a day of food, fun, and fellowship.
Relatives Raising Others’ children partnered with Centerwell Senior Care on February 28, 2026 to explore health services and other resources to grandparents and other seniors caring for their kin. Children and caregivers enjoyed a day of food, fun, and fellowship.
Pouring with Purpose
This Candle Making and Mental Health Mixer was held at the Mississippi e-Center following the RROC meeting. This inspirational event brought community members together for an evening of creativity, connection, and emotional wellness. Participants created custom candles as a symbolic act of reflection and stress release while engaging in meaningful conversations about mental health and hearing encouragement from guest speakers. The event provided a welcoming space for learning, support, and fellowship centered on hope, healing, and personal purpose.
This Candle Making and Mental Health Mixer was held at the Mississippi e-Center following the RROC meeting. This inspirational event brought community members together for an evening of creativity, connection, and emotional wellness. Participants created custom candles as a symbolic act of reflection and stress release while engaging in meaningful conversations about mental health and hearing encouragement from guest speakers. The event provided a welcoming space for learning, support, and fellowship centered on hope, healing, and personal purpose.Child Health Awareness Capitol Day
Staff joined the Early Childhood Development Coalition and the American Academy of Pediatrics on March 11, 2026 for a half day at the Mississippi Capitol to promote early childhood service delivery and to launch the ECDC “One Dial Supports a Child” information line. Families, providers, and even legislators can call 1(800)241-KIDS (ext. 2) for information about early childhood resources across the state. Members of the coalition had a chance to meet legislators, tour the capitol, and learn about other early childhood resources.
Staff joined the Early Childhood Development Coalition and the American Academy of Pediatrics on March 11, 2026 for a half day at the Mississippi Capitol to promote early childhood service delivery and to launch the ECDC “One Dial Supports a Child” information line. Families, providers, and even legislators can call 1(800)241-KIDS (ext. 2) for information about early childhood resources across the state. Members of the coalition had a chance to meet legislators, tour the capitol, and learn about other early childhood resources.
CHEER Conference
At the 5th Annual CHEER Conference, held April 18, 2026, and hosted by Mississippi University for Women serving early educators across Lowndes County, MFFK proudly announced its official partnership with MUW Project WISESTART to expand access to developmental screenings in local childcare centers. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate early educators while advancing coordinated services that benefit children, families, and providers across the community.
At the 5th Annual CHEER Conference, held April 18, 2026, and hosted by Mississippi University for Women serving early educators across Lowndes County, MFFK proudly announced its official partnership with MUW Project WISESTART to expand access to developmental screenings in local childcare centers. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate early educators while advancing coordinated services that benefit children, families, and providers across the community.
ASJN Parade
At the 6th Annual South Jackson Parade and Festival hosted by the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods on April 18, 2026 in Jackson, MFFK joined community partners, families, and local leaders for a day focused on connection, safety, and neighborhood pride. Staff shared resources with residents, strengthened relationships with community stakeholders, and had the opportunity to meet the new City of Jackson Police Chief Dr. RaShall Brackney while supporting collaborative efforts to build safer, stronger neighborhoods.
At the 6th Annual South Jackson Parade and Festival hosted by the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods on April 18, 2026 in Jackson, MFFK joined community partners, families, and local leaders for a day focused on connection, safety, and neighborhood pride. Staff shared resources with residents, strengthened relationships with community stakeholders, and had the opportunity to meet the new City of Jackson Police Chief Dr. RaShall Brackney while supporting collaborative efforts to build safer, stronger neighborhoods.
Each of these opportunities to connect with families, educators, and partners reminds us that strong communities grow through relationships, shared purpose, and continued support for children and caregivers across Mississippi.