Blog & Announcements

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 […]

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 […]

We’re excited to announce the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi’s 2026 Annual Summit, themed Sowing Seeds of Success: Cultivating a Bright Future for Mississippi’s Children! Each year, this event brings together leaders, educators, advocates, and changemakers from across the state to share ideas, celebrate progress, and inspire collective action for Mississippi’s children and families. Due to overwhelming demand and our goal of providing more […]

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 […]

Guides to Community and Program Resources for individuals seeking support (State-level data) Housing and Workforce Resources by state (as of April 2025) Food Resources by state (as of October 2025) 211: For a comprehensive referral service, call 211 or visit your local 211 website. They can connect you with a wide range of local resources […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]