Jewish Women's Support Circle (9)
Join Rabbi Rothstein, Neta Meltzer, Laura Gilman a MOCSA representative and other Jewish women on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 to share space, resources and heal from the trauma associated with the violence perpetrated by Hamas in the October 7th attacks and the subsequent denial of these crimes which has left many Jewish women isolated in our pain.
RSVP: https://www.jfskc.org/here-for-you/
HERE TO HELP-SPECIAL NOTE
JFS is here for our community, either during times of everyday need or incredible crisis such as our Jewish community is currently experiencing. We’re working to bring additional resources and support services to members of our community. If you need support, please contact the JFS Navigator at (913) 730-1433. For a list of services JFS provides, visit us at www.jfskc.org.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FOOD PANTRY NEEDS FOR MAY
The two locations of Jewish Family Services Food Pantry provide food and other essentials for more than 500 families monthly. Now, we need the public’s help to keep shelves stocked. Please consider donating items to the pantry; the most needed this month are multipurpose cleaners, dusting cloths and dish soap. Any and all items are appreciated. Items can be dropped off in designated barrels at the Jewish Community Campus and JFS’ Brookside Office (425 E. 63rd St.) during business hours.
Donors may also purchase items for the food pantry directly through the JFS Pantry Wish List on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3XH5v7Z) or make a financial contribution to the pantry at jfskc.org/donate.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OFFERS GRIEF GROUP BEGINNING MAY 9
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is offering a Grief Therapy Group for those identifying as Jewish in the Kansas City area. Beginning May 9 from 4-6 pm, the Grief Therapy Group will meet for nine consecutive weeks at the Jewish Community Center. The group is co-facilitated by Amy Povich, JFS therapist and LMSW and Rabbi Mark Levin. Those interested in the group do not have to be a current client of JFS.
Participants will go through a set grief curriculum and are asked to attend each week. Registration will close following the second session. To participate in the Grief Therapy Group, please contact Jen Lydon, JFS Counseling Intake Coordinator, at jlydon@jfskc.org or (913) 521-4355.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OFFER A VARIETY OF SUPPORT GROUPS:
- SPECIAL NEEDS PARENTING GROUP
Special Needs Parenting Peer-led support group is adjusting, though the monthly groups will certainly welcome families of children that have any special need, whether it be dyslexia, anxiety, or anything really, we’ve come to realize that can include almost 100 percent of parents.
The group will continue to meet on the second Thursday of the month alternating between a support group for conversation and hosting a special speaker or workshop that is inclusive for all parents. This month’s meeting on May 9 features a program “Parenting with Healthy Boundaries,” with JFS Therapist Ryan Kubic discussing successful strategies to manage summer struggles. The program will take place Conference Room A, 7-8:30 p.m. Please register at: https://www.jfskc.org/event/parenting-with-healthy-boundaries/?instance_id=12688
Below is the schedule for the coming months:
- June 13-Group
- July 11-Group
For more information, please contact Jodi Perelmuter at jperelmuter@jfskc.org or call (913) 327-8259.
MAY 30: SUMMER SPLASH AT BROOKSIDE KICKS OFF WIPE OUT FOR JFS PANTRY
Start your summer off with a fun, free event at the Jewish Family Services Summer Splash open house take place on Thursday, May 30 at its Brookside Office, 425 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, Missouri. From 4:30pm-6:30pm join JFS for cool treats, fun & games, tours, hands-on volunteer opportunities, community partners and resources and the chance to bring rolls of toilet paper for the JFS Wipe Out toilet paper drive! This year’s goal for the summer Wipe Out drive is collecting 3,000 rolls of toilet paper, which covers one month of toilet paper for the JFS Food Pantry!
Attend this free event where there will be tours of JFS, summer treats and an opportunity to donate toilet paper to help Wipe Out the need for toilet paper!
Did you know…
• JFS distributes 3,200 rolls of toilet paper each month through the KesherKC Food Pantry
• Toilet paper, other personal hygiene and paper products are not covered in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and are some of the most requested items
• By donating toilet paper, you are promoting the well-being of neighbors by making sure every resident has access to much-needed household necessities.
To register for the event or learn more: www.jfskc.org/summer-splash. The entire community is invited to attend.
MINDFUL MONDAYS CONTINUES WITH HELPFUL TOPICS
Jewish Family Services offers a free and easy and opportunity to stay focused and help put things in perspective to meet the challenges of everyday life. Mindful Mondays is a free, virtual weekly program providing tools and tips to enhance your well-being every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Led by Julia Billquist, LMLP, JFS therapist, these sessions use the Zoom platform and are, but registration is required at this link https://www.jfskc.org/event/mindful-mondays-virtual/ or on the JFS website, at www.jfskc.org. Once registered, participants will receive a link to join each session; participants can attend one or all sessions.
For more information about Mindful Mondays, including a list of each week’s themes, visit www.jfskc.org or contact Billquist at jbillquist@jfskc.org.
GIVE BACK! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN VARIOUS JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES EFFORTS
Looking to give back to your community? Jewish Family Services has lots of volunteer opportunities and will work with your schedule. Volunteer opportunities include:
- KesherKC Food Pantries Shopper: The Food Pantry Shopper Volunteer will work with the Food Pantry Coordinator to serve the needs of our guests/clients through weekly food distribution. This volunteer will be helping guest/client identify and select items for their households according to food distribution guidelines.
- KS Food Pantry Delivery Drivers: The KS Food Pantry Delivery Driver will work with the KS Food Pantry Coordinator to serve the needs of our guests/clients through monthly food distribution. Many homebound individuals in the Kansas City Metro region rely on JFS to provide food and our delivery drivers help make this happen! If you have two hours a month to serve others and make a real impact—we have a job for you!
- JET Express Drivers: Jet Express drivers utilize their personal vehicle to provide rides for older adults and other community members. Volunteers provide safe and reliable transportation ensuring members of our community remain active, healthy, and connected to their community.
- Spiritual Care Volunteers: These volunteers work with the Jewish Community Chaplain to extend care to those in need. These volunteers visit people in the Jewish community who are experiencing health and healing challenges. After receiving training, volunteers visit people in area hospitals and eldercare facilities and sometime home visits.
For more information visit https://www.jfskc.org/volunteer/ or email volunteer@jfskc.org or call 913-730-1410.
JOIN THE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES TEAM: POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Jewish Family Services has several openings, and one might be a perfect fit for you!
- Children Therapist: The Child Therapist plays a pivotal role in growing our children’s therapy program with therapeutic services for children ages 2-18 grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based treatments. They will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with parents or caregivers to promote the child’s well-being. Learn more about joining the JFS team and apply here.
To learn more, please visit https://www.jfskc.org/employment-opportunities/.
