From Teens to . . . Seniors, Community Matters!

Dear JFS Comminity,

Are you a traditional, club, or open faced "sandwich?" Carol Abaya characterizes three different kinds of "sandwiches" for those who are part of the "Sandwich Generation."  The categories cover anyone who is involved with elder care at the same time that they need to care for their own children-young or old.

We are branching out with new programs and services in our second location in Springfield as well as Northampton and the Berkshires. With more than 25% of households with children under age 12, we are responding to the varied needs of these individuals and their families. Those needs include parenting workshops for teens, elder case management to assist the adult children of elders, caregiver and bereavement support groups and counseling.

Race to Nowhere

Many "Sandwich Generators" attended a screening and discussion, last month, of the film, Race to Nowhere on the Jewish Community Campus in Springfield. After the screening, JFS Social Worker Amy Siege (Left Photo), led the 60 people in attendance in a discussion about the high stakes culture of our children's lives.  It was a meaningful exchange highlighting a multitude of observations, feelings and concerns about how to best to prepare our youth to be healthy contributing members of our society. 

Elder Care Services

You can get peace of mind with help from JFS. Today, many people, like you, are relying on us for Eldercare Services. From free phone consultations to a comprehensive In-Home Elder Care Assessment-you can count on us to ensure that your parents or loved ones are able to age in place safely and with dignity.

Caregiver Support Groups

In Northampton: Every Tuesday from 10:45-12:00pm, in the Jewish Family Service office at Congregation B'nai Israel, 253 Prospect Street with Vivien Weiss, MA, LICSW, Facilitator. This program is free and funded in partnership with Highland Valley Elder Services.  Pre-registration is required, please call (413) 737-2601 to register for this group.   

In Springfield:  A new caregivers support group is forming!  Join other members of our community who are experiencing similar joys and challenges of caring for a loved one with Sara Weinberger, MSW, Facilitator.  You don't have to go it alone.   This group will meet at the JFS Wing on the Jewish campus, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield.

For more information on any of these programs or to register, please contact Joanna Aviles, (413) 737-2601 or email info@jfswm.org. 

Best regards, 

Bob

Robert D. Marmor, MSW, MBA
Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts