By , Special to JTNews
Jewish Family Service offers a wide variety of culturally sensitive workshops and groups designed to strengthen individuals, families and the community through its Jewish Family Life Education program.
Jewish Family Life Education consists of three areas: Public Programs and Events, Professional Training and the Speakers Bureau.
Each quarter Jewish Family Life Education offers more than a dozen workshops, workshop series and support groups on topics of interest to the community. These include: couples and relationships, addiction recovery, parenting, grief and loss, survivors of abuse, single parenting, infertility, gay and lesbian relationships, eldercare, interfaith families and more. Occasionally, we offer weekend retreats and Shabbatons.
Of particular interest in October are workshops for adult children, “Moving Your Parents To Seattle” and “Communicating with Your Aging Parents.” Relationship issues will be covered in two discussions: “Jewish Parents of Interfaith Couples” and “Judaism and Divorce.” The latter is part of a year-long Jewish Perspective Series that will closely examine what Judaism has to offer us during difficult life transitions. Two discussions are planned especially for parents: “Raising Boys” and “Eating Disorders and Your Teen.” Both workshops aim to offer parents tangible tools and support. Caregivers of loved ones will find support from the Eldercare Support Network.
For the first time, JFS will offer a three-part series, “Careers in Transition,” offering insight for people at all stages of their working lives, from those just starting out to those who are ready for a change due to choice or circumstance. Another first-time opportunity, “Volunteering and Jewish Tradition,” offers the history and principles of volunteerism.
Classes are usually held at the agency’s Seattle office on Capitol Hill, or at the Eastside office in Bellevue.
Jewish Family Life Education also offers a full range of professional training programs to schools, businesses, social service and mental health agencies, hospitals and professional organizations. JFS staff people can facilitate a board retreat, assist teachers with managing bullying in the classroom, educate a group of attorneys about the laws of Jewish divorce or lead a seminar on stress reduction for employees.
Topics offered by the JFS speakers bureau range from an overview of the Jewish Family Service agency to a presentation customized to the group’s request.
Jewish Family Service also offers ongoing support groups for Jewish women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner. These are held in confidential locations and childcare is provided. Contact Michelle Lifton at 206-461-3240, ext. 3159, for more information.
For more information about other Jewish Family Life Education programs, contact Karen Gorrin, director of Community Outreach and Education, at 206-462-3240, or visit the JFS Web site at www.jfsseattle.org.