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The latest news on our blog.

The latest data, stories, and updates from our work across Mississippi, straight from the team. From new research to community milestones, this is where we share what we're learning, doing, and building for Mississippi's children.

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Guest Guest

Chat with Dr. Michael Rich

Join us for a Chat with Dr. Michael Rich, known as “The Mediatrician,” for an engaging and interactive conversation designed especially for families. Drawing from his work at Center on Media and Child Health, Dr. Rich helps parents understand how screens affect children’s growing brains, behavior, and relationships—without guilt. Instead of focusing on strict rules, […]

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Leadership Transition Announcement

Dr. Ashley Parker Sheils Named Next Executive Director Following the Retirement of Founding CEO, Dr. Linda Southward Jackson, Mississippi – The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) Board of Directors announces the retirement of the founding CEO, Dr. Linda Southward, effective December 31, 2025. Dr. Southward worked to establish the Foundation in 2019 and led it […]

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Update Update

Early Childhood Council: 2025 Updates

Cheryl’s Work with Families and Educators This has been a full and energizing season for our Parent Engagement Coordinator, Cheryl Dexter. She has spent the fall traveling across Mississippi and beyond to share practical, research-based guidance on early language development, social emotional health, and developmental milestones. Cheryl presented at the Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference […]

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2026 Summit

Seats are filling quickly, and registration will be closing soon for the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi’s 2026 Summit, Sowing Seeds of Success: Cultivating a Bright Future for Mississippi’s Children. We hope you will make plans to join us for this year’s TWO DAY event! Sowing Seeds of Success will take place April 29-30, 2026, at […]

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Nominations for County Champions for Risk and Reach Report

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi is inviting you to share who you are thankful for. Across the state, so many organizations are working every day to support young children, youth, and families. In 2026, we will be highlighting one outstanding organization or agency in every county in […]

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Child and Family Friendly Events in Mississippi – Summer 2025

CFM has hand-crafted an extensive list of Summertime family-friendly events across Mississippi in 2025!**  Click here to view the list, and email info@childrensfoundationms.org if you would like to request an event be added. **The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi is NOT affiliated with any of these events and is NOT responsible for the content and programming […]

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Spring Updates from the Early Childhood Council Team

The first quarter of 2025 has been a vibrant and productive time for our Early Childhood Councils (ECCs), filled with new programs and community engagement. Our team has been on the road, supporting councils and helping launch fresh activities across the state. Hattiesburg Excel By 5 kicked things off with a well-attended community leader breakfast, […]

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Child and family-friendly holiday events in Mississippi – November and December 2024

CFM has hand-crafted an extensive list of family-friendly events across Mississippi in November and December 2024!* Click below to view the list, and email info@childrensfoundationms.org if you would like to request an event be added. *The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi is not affiliated with any of these events and is not responsible for the content […]

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CFM team end-of-year updates!

Our CFM team has been on an incredible journey this year as we have grown our staff and continued to work to improve the well-being of children in Mississippi! Since August, the Early Childhood Council (ECC) team has traveled the state, from the coastal communities to the northern communities, fostering relationships and working on initiatives […]

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Exciting July and August Updates from the Early Childhood Council Team!

As we enter the final stretch of summer, the Early Childhood Council (ECC) team has been busy with various activities and events with our councils. Our dedicated team members—Jessica, Cheryl, and Bailey—have been working hard to advance our mission of creating equitable outcomes for all children in Mississippi and strengthening our connections with communities across […]

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Pi Day and National Children’s Craft Day Activities

Happy Pi Day AND National Children’s Craft Day! Annually, on March 14, we celebrate the mathematical constant π AND the importance of crafting with children! Did you know that crafting is good for your mental health? Crafting is a natural anti-depressant; research shows that those suffering from PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and any level […]

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February 2024 Family Friendly Events in Mississippi

CFM has hand-crafted an extensive list of family-friendly Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and other child-friendly events across Mississippi in February 2024!* Click below to view the list, and email info@childrensfoundationms.org if you would like to request an event be added! *The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi is not affiliated with any of these […]

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2023 Halloween Events Across Mississippi

We’ve compiled an extensive list of over 100 family-friendly Halloween events across Mississippi! Choose your region below to download a list of events in your area. The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi is not affiliated with any of these events and is not responsible for the content and programming of each one. Please use your discretion […]

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Disaster Relief Info

We are heartbroken over the storms that have uprooted so many communities and families in the state of Mississippi. For those looking to assist with disaster relief efforts or need assistance themselves, please see the organizations and resources below: Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service United Way of West Central Mississippi FEMA […]

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2023 Black History Month Resources

February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the contributions of African Americans in the United States. While Mississippi is home to some of the most well-known civil rights activists and events in our country, we are also the birthplace of innumerable black artists, musicians, actors, educators, athletes, authors, and others who have […]

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Child Safety and Protection Month

November is Child Safety and Protection Month! CSAPM was established to raise awareness about the potential dangers that children face daily. The CDC notes that an estimated 9.2 million children annually had an initial emergency department visit for an unintentional injury. Furthermore, on average, 12,175 children 0 to 19 years of age die each year […]

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Halloween Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us! For those who celebrate, Halloween is a night filled with creativity, fun, too many sweets, and perhaps a bit of stress. It’s important to remember that the quality time spent with your children is incredibly important to their healthy development, and Halloween night is an excellent time for family […]

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