Mississippi Center for Autism

08/21/2025

08/21/2025

https://www.wlox.com/2025/08/21/ocean-opportunity-offers-coast-kids-free-entry-mississippi-aquarium/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAMUet5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqNrf07doQEEQ3AlSOfFVpzrS_tj_Ka_Oau8RpRIoXOX7CBMlGsLkUFG4gns_aem_GZnf7dWTWmYCn7MQ9qntqw

Over the next three months, free admission to the aquarium will be available for children 12 and younger.

08/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BEk24jM66/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌟 Busy month ahead for Embrace Abilities! We’ve got a full calendar of events lined up—and we couldn’t do any of it without our incredible board and volunteers. Huge shout out to every single one of you who gives your time, energy, and heart to make these moments possible for our families. Check out what’s coming up and let’s make it a month to remember! 💙

08/19/2025

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Hello Biloxi Excel by 5 families! We've missed you and we're excited to let you know we will be opening the center up on September 26! Remember that in order to use the resources at the center, you'll need to complete an orientation session for the new school year. Sessions are listed below and begin on Tuesday, August 26. We can't wait to see you!!

08/19/2025

The Mississippi State Fair will have its first annual Disability-Friendly Day on Tuesday,October 7th so that families and individuals impacted by disability will be able enjoy the Mississippi State Fair in a low-sensory, supportive environment! MSPTI will also be there!

What to expect:
✅ Sensory tents
✅ Wheelchair-accessible restrooms & routes
✅ Inclusive entertainment
✅ Resource carnival
✅ Petting zoo & more!

Register below and learn more: https://joniandfriends.org/mississippi/

Questions? Contact Azia Smith at azia.smith@joniandfriends.org

08/19/2025

🎅 Ho, ho, ho… but make it sensory-friendly!

Save the date and RSVP to our Santa’s Sensory Workshop at Lynn Meadows 🎅✨ FB event - tickets will release in October so you don't want to miss them.

We’re bringing the magic of Christmas to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center with our very first Santa’s Sensory Workshop

📍 Thursday, Dec 4 | 5–8 PM
✅ FREE & family-friendly
✅ Inclusive activities, quiet spaces, and a sensory-friendly Santa 🎅

Let’s make this holiday season merry, bright, and accessible for all! ✨

08/15/2025

🌟 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩! 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬! 🌟

Our small but mighty board has been able to accomplish a lot, but as Embrace Abilities continues to grow, we’re looking for reinforcements to keep the momentum going. With outreach events coming up and our Sibshops program thriving, we need more hands on deck to make sure every family feels welcome, supported, and included.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰:

• 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Are you organized, people-savvy, and experienced in coordinating teams or community projects? Help us recruit, schedule, and support our amazing volunteers as we grow! You’ll play a key role in keeping our programs running smoothly and our team connected.

• 𝐒𝐢𝐛𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬: Help us keep things running smoothly for siblings of children with different abilities! If you’re organized, friendly, and enjoy working with kids, you’ll be a huge asset.

• 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Lend a hand at our indoor and outdoor events—help with setup, activities, or just being a friendly face.

• 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡: Spread the word, connect with local families, and represent Embrace Abilities at community events.

𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝:
• Admin/Clerical
• Parent Advocacy (IEP/medical)
• Social Media/PR
• Special Events Planning
• ...and more!

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬?

✔ Use your unique strengths
✔ Flexible opportunities—help out when you can
✔ Be part of a supportive, family-focused team
✔ Volunteer appreciation events
✔ Public recognition for your impact

We love celebrating our volunteers—join us and you’ll be part of a community that values your time, heart, and commitment.

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖: Need volunteer hours? You’re welcome to join us—we just need a parent to sign a consent form.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩? Link in comments!

Check all the roles you’re interested in on our Volunteer Form, or email info@embraceabilitiesms.org.

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭—𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩, 𝐭𝐨𝐨!

08/15/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HiS9J5Vev/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hey friends! 🫶

We’re getting ready for the 2025 Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk, and we're on the lookout for a passionate Volunteer Coordinator to help us organize this year’s amazing team of helpers.

This is a great opportunity to support inclusion, meet awesome people, and make a real impact in our community. No experience needed — just a big heart and willingness to help! 💙💛

💌 Want to learn more? Send us an email at info@gcdss.org and let’s chat!

08/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ApqtF6Dg1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📣 CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Join us for the 2025 Mississippi Minority Mental Health Symposium — a powerful two-day event focused on education, access, and equity in mental health care.

🗓️ December 4–5, 2025
📍 Gulf Coast Event Center | Gulfport, MS

We’re looking for passionate, dependable volunteers to help us create an unforgettable experience for attendees across the state. Whether you're a student, professional, or community advocate — we want you on the team.

🎯 Volunteer roles include:
🔹 Registration + Check-In
🔹 Event Set-Up & Break Down
🔹 Technical & Room Support
🔹 Speaker + Vendor Assistance
🔹 General Event Support

🎓 Perfect for students in:
Social Work • Psychology • Counseling • Public Health — or anyone who cares about mental health equity in Mississippi.

💡 Why volunteer?
✅ Get your volunteer hours verified
✅ Complimentary meals
✅ Network with top-tier mental health professionals
✅ Be part of a movement that’s changing the conversation around minority mental health in Mississippi

You must be able to attend virtual planning meetings.

📝 Interested or know someone who should be involved?
📲 Scan the QR code or sign up at msminoritymentalhealth.org

Let’s work together to create space, shift culture, and raise awareness. 💚

08/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19NGtynshB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Save the date for the 25th Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society - Gcdss Buddy Walk! We can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday, October 25th at the Gulfport Sportsplex! 💙💛♥️