Jewish Family Service is the professional social service and mental health division of the Jewish Community Association of Austin and a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign. JFS provides a wide array of mental health and support services to the Jewish community and to the wider Austin community, including counseling and psychotherapy, support groups, case management, emergency financial assistance, and community consultation and education programs. JFS also provides consultation related to the inclusion of people with disabilities in services and programs in the Austin Jewish community. JFS offices are located at 11940 Jollyville Road, Suite 110 South, Austin. Contact JFS at (512) 250-1043 and by e-mail at jfs@shalomaustin.org.
Girl Power Ages 12-15
Do you have a daughter who is struggling with body image, eating issues, self esteem and/ or friendships? This is challenging time in a girl’s life, and it can be extremely helpful to learn strategies from a professional on how to best address them while being supported by other girls going through similar challenges. This group will be professionally facilitated by the Child and Family Therapist at JFS, Karen Arluck, LMSW. Date/ Time/ Location to be determined by participant preference. Please contact Karen Arluck, LMSW, for more information at(512) 250-1043 or karen.arluck@shalomaustin.org.
Austin Interfaith Inclusion Network Symposium Adults
Join the Austin interfaith community at this one-day event to learn with national and local experts, clergy, parents, and people with disabilities committed to increasing the inclusion of people with disabilities in the faith life of Austin. Please let us know if you would like assistance to participate in this symposium. This event is funded through a grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities in collaboration with Jewish Family Service and OneStar Foundation.For more information, contact Judith Sokolow, MSW, LCSW at (512)250-0143 or judith.sokolow@shalomaustin.org. Meets in JCC Community Hall- Stage Side.
W I 9 AM-3 PM I 10/17 I 1x I $0m/$0nm
Communications Skills for Children 101 (Parents) Starts Fall 2012
Communication skills are the building blocks for children of all ages to learn to form positive relationships with those around them. While some of these skills are taught in school, it can be very helpful to work on strengthening and enforcing them with your at home. In this class you will learn how to help your children: get along better with other children and adults around them, learn to identify and react to feelings in a constructive way, handle difficult and/or challenging situations, problem solve, and more. This class will be geared towards parents of children 3-7 years old, however if you have a child outside of these age limits and you are interested, we may be able to expand the age groups. Please contact Karen Arluck, LMSW, for more information at (512) 250-1043 or karen.arluck@shalomaustin.org.
Emotional Eaters Support Group
Do you find yourself looking in the refrigerator or eating when you're not hungry? Often people eat for reasons besides hunger, such as loneliness, boredom, anger, anxiety, or depression. Jewish Family Service facilitates group discussions for people looking for ways to manage eating patterns that may have gotten out of hand. If you are interested, please contact Karen Arluck, LMSW at karen.arluck@shalomaustin.org or at (512) 250-1043.
Interfaith Couples Discussion Group
This discussion group is for those currently involved in an interfaith relationship in which one person in the couple is Jewish. Topics include religious identity, dealings with family and friends, the "December Dilemma," raising children, and addressing ethnic differences. For more information, contact Mitch Sudolsky at (512)250-1043 or mitch.sudolsky@shalomaustin.org.
KAVOD: A Support Group for Jewish Adults Caring for Elderly Parents
This professionally facilitated support group focuses on empathy, coping, and problem-solving, while sharing the joys and challenges of caring for aging parents For more information and to register, contact Judith Sokolow, MSW, LCSW, at (512)-250-1043 or judith.sokolow@shalomaustin.org. Meets in ECP Multipurpose Room.
Th I 7:30-9 PM I Begins 10/18 I $0m/$0nm
Marriage 101
Beyond the Chuppah is a hands-on guide for enriching Jewish and interfaith relationships. This class is based on the proven Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). Couples will learn how to recognize the special issues that are unique to Jewish and interfaith relationships and learn the skills they need to create a marriage that’s intimate, loving and fun. Using practical tools from “Beyond the Chuppah” couples will discover how to “fight right” to resolve conflicts, improve their communication skills, do what’s right for the children, and, most of all, appreciate the pleasure of each other’s company. For more information please contact Karen Arluck at (512) 250-1043 or karen.arluck@shalomaustin.org.
Transparenting Course
Transparenting is an educational program designed to teach effective parenting during the transitions of divorce or parental separation. Topics include: feelings associated with divorce, suggested ways for talking to children about divorce, ways that children of different ages react during transition and others. Date/ time/ location to be determined by participant preference. Please contact Karen Arluck, LMSW, for more information at (512) 250-1043 or karen.arluck@shalomaustin.org.
Volunteer for Seniors 18 & Up
Jewish Family Service is seeking volunteers of all ages to participate in Volunteer for Seniors, a program aimed at helping older adults strengthen their connection to the Jewish community. This program gives volunteers the opportunity to reach out to create lasting relationships with seniors who are living on their own or in congregate living settings. Volunteers are needed for a variety of activities such as friendly visits, transportation to Shabbat services, JCC or community events, and more. All volunteers will receive training and ongoing support from JFS. Please contact Jewish Family Service at (512) 250-1043 if you are interested in volunteering.
Wellness with a Disability Support Group All Ages
This professionally facilitated group provides participants an opportunity to address issues related to living with a disability. Participants share ways to cope, reduce stress, improve relationships, solve problems, and increase a sense of well-being. To participate, contact Judith Sokolow, LCSW (512) 250-1043 or judith.sokolow@shalomaustin.org.
F | 2—3:30 PM | ongoing