Bulletin Board


Date
Events for JFS
 

June 9, 2010

NEW Synagogue Support Program Encourages

Interfaith Couples to Share Their Concerns

Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford and Jewish Family Service of New Haven will sponsor an open forum for area interfaith couples to share their concerns and needs as they work to create a Jewish home environment and actively participate in synagogue life.  The program’s format will begin with a panel discussion in which interfaith couples who are members of Beth Israel Synagogue will talk about particular needs and identity issues regarding child rearing, holildays and family synagogue involvement. There will be an opportunity for dialogue with all who attend.

The program will be held at Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard St. in Wallingford on June 9 at 7pm.  It will be facilitated by Rabbi Hesch Sommer, D. Min., Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Counseling Services for Jewish Family Service of New Haven.

The program hopes to offer interfaith couples a unique opportunity to open a dialogue within the synagogue setting exploring the specific challenges and concerns interfaith families face on a variety of subjects, including synagogue participation, childrearing, adult education and lifecycles.  In addition, participants will have an opportunity to join a support group - facilitated by Rabbi Sommer  - that will continue the dialogue begun at the June 9 program.  Both the program and the support group are free to all who are interested.  The program and support group are made possible through the support of Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.For more information, contact either Beth Israel Synagogue (203-269-5983) or Rabbi Hesch Sommer at Jewish Family Service 203-389-5599,  ext. 117.

June 10, 2010 JFS ANNUAL MEETING - 5:30 p.m. at JFS office, 1440 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT.  Please RSVP to 203 389-5599, ext. 100 or jtorello@jfsnh.org
June 17 & 24

2010

NEW Looking Ahead: A Two Session Workshop

For Women Following Breast Cancer Treatment - June 17 & 24, 2010

When a woman is first diagnosed with breast cancer, her world turns upside down.  She is fighting for her life. The fear and chaos she is feeling can be overwhelming.  The period of time after treatment is often when  a woman feels the need to re-focus her energies and come to understand how to move on in her healing journey. Prayer, connecting with other survivors and focusing on the future will be the focus of a new, innovative program offered by Jewish Family Service of New Haven.

What is the new normal of a woman’s life after treatment for breast cancer?  Please join us for moments of:

Prayer: affirming the message of thankfulness through prayers

Study: exploring Jewish sacred texts which offer insights into healing and recovery

Dialogue: sharing with others our hopes and fears

Meditation: creating in a safe environment the chance for private reflection and introspection

Using our Jewish tradition as a vehicle of support and hope, you are invited to join Rabbi Hesch Sommer, Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Amy Rashba, LCSW, both of Jewish Family Service in New Haven for these sessions of caring and concern.

The workshops will meet at JFS, 1440 Whalley Ave., New Haven on Thursday evenings, June 17 & 24 from 6:30-8:00pm.  For more information, please contact either Rabbi Sommer, ext. 117 or Amy Rashba, ext.113 at JFS (203) 389-5599.  These workshops are offered at no charge and are made possible by Jewish Family Service of New Haven with the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

 

Monday,

June 28th

It's Not How Far You Fall, But How High You Can Bounce....Come hear noted expects speak abou job prospects in our area, ways to take advantage of new opportunities and how to recover our leadership direction. Patrick Flaherty, Ellen Buller and Jeffrey Sonnenfeld are featured speakers. FREE  Click on hyperlink for more information. 
July/August 2010

NEW Summer Workshop on Loss and Mourning

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek and Jewish Family Service of New Haven will be partnering to provide a summer workshop and possible support group for those who are facing issues of loss and mourning.  Beginning in either late July or early August,  Rabbi Hesch Sommer, Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Counseling for JFS, will lead a workshop and meet with individuals who might be interested in a limited time support group to cope with the loss of a loved one as we approach the High Holy Days.  The workshop will take place at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek at 55 East King’s Highway in Chester.  For more information, please contact either the congregation (860-526-8920) or JFS (203-389-5599,  ext.117).

 

Thursdays, July 8, 15, & 22 and 29th

NEW JFS Announces July 2010 Infant Homestudy Group

Jewish Family Service is conducting a homestudy group for people interested in infant adoption.  The group will be held on Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the JFS offices, 1440 Whalley Avenue, New Haven.   Interested families must attend all sessions and prior registration is required.  Some of the topics this group will address will include:

-How adoption is the same/different from parenting by birth

-What the adoption experience is like for birth parents

-Coping with adoption and the child’s cultural background

-How to help children understand adoption and feel good about their heritage

-How to handle the technical details of different types of adoption

Home study courses are offered by JFS periodically throughout the year for families interested in adopting infants and younger children.  This group helps families prepare to be parents and to decide what types of adoption to pursue.  If you are interested in learning more about the infant adoption process, please contact Amy Rashba at (203) 389-5599 ext. 113.  Families of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome.

 

APRIL 2010

Children's Social Skills Group   - Jewish Family Service of New Haven, Inc. will offer Social Skills Programming for children.  This social skills program addresses the play needs and social skills deficits of children ages six to eleven years of age. 

These groups are designed to meet the needs of children with social, emotional concerns, as well as children with special needs.

Group size is limited to 6 children.

Social Skills Group  (6-8 yrs. old)

Dates: 

Thursdays, April 1, 8, 22, 29; and May 6, 13, 27; June 3, 10, 17

Time:    4:00-4:50 pm

Fee:     $600 for 10 sessions

Instructor:  Marian Roy, M.S., Counselor/Educator

These small group sessions enable children to interact and learn new skills with a group of appropriately matched peers.  Sessions include a lesson targeting identified skills, cooperative play time (crafts, games, activities) and discussions organized to practice and enhance targeted skills.  A parent briefing follows each session.  A parent/child interview and an intake form are required prior to registration.  All children who may benefit from a social skills group are welcome to participate in these sessions.

 

Social Skills Group  (9-11 yrs. old)

Dates:

Thursdays, April 1, 8, 22, 29; and May 6, 13, 27; June 3, 10, 17

Time:   5:10-6:00 pm

Fee:    $600 for 10 sessions

Instructor:  Marian Roy, M.S., Counselor/Educator

This small group will focus on increasing appropriate peer interactions and practicing skills related to getting along with peers and working cooperatively in a group setting.  Fun social skills games and projects will provide activities to reinforce positive appropriate behaviors.  A parent/child interview and an intake form are required prior to registration.  All children who may benefit from a social skills group are welcome to participate in these sessions.

For more information or to register your child, please contact Margaliet Ligtenstein at (203) 389-5599, ext. 105. 

 

NEW

New Support Groups Forming at JFS

Jewish Family Service of New Haven is offering new support groups in a variety of topics.   To register for one of the groups listed below or for more information, please contact Heni Schwartz, LCSW, at (203) 389-5599 or toll-free (866) 389-5599, ext. 111.

Caregiver Support Group, Children’s Social Skills Group, Widow/Widower Support Group

Adult Psychotherapy Support Group, Infertility Support Group, Divorce/Separation Support Group

Dealing With Difficult Relationships Support Group, Dealing with Unemployment/Loss of Job Support Group

   

 

ONGOING Schedule a FREE information session to learn about adoption options including domestic, intercountry and older child adoptions.  A JFS Adoption Specialist will meet with you for a no obligation session.  Call to schedule your appointment today!   arashba@jfsnh.org or call (203) 389-5599, ext. 113.  
ONGOING Widow Support Group - Are you recently widowed or feel you need support in the loss of a loved one or partner?  A new support group is forming for recently widowed people.  Time and date to be determined by participants.  Contact Heni Schwartz at (203) 389-5599 or toll free 1-866-389-5599 ext. 111 or hschwartz@jfsnh.org for more information. 
ONGOING Divorce Support Group - A new support group is beginning for people who are in the stages of divorce or newly divorced.  Time and date to be determined by participants.  Contact Heni Schwartz at (203) 389-5599 or toll free 1-866-389-5599 ext. 111 or hschwartz@jfsnh.org for more information. 
Monthly Court Mandated Parent Education - Offered by Jewish Family Service and Catholic Family Service of the Connecticut Association of Family Service Agencies.  This is a court mandated program.   Two evening classes (total of 6 hours) held over two weeks.  $125 fee (cash not accepted).   Must attend both classes (non-refundable fee).  In some cases, fee may be waived by the court.  Please specify this when calling. Classes fill up quickly and are limited to first 15-20 applicants.  To obtain an application please call (203) 389-5599 or toll free 1-866-389-5599.  Application must be completed, and received with the fee and your seminar dates will be confirmed directly by the organization providing the seminar that month.