Unless otherwise noted, all events are virtual. Some events require an RSVP or enrollment in our programs, so please confirm your spot in advance. Please check directly with JFS on program dates, as dates may change.
Join artist and gardener, Karen Lyman as she shares the latest tips and techniques to create fabulous containers beyond red geraniums and spikes during a free virtual presentation.
Based on the elements of fine design, Lyman will present everything you need to know to make your next container garden a work of art. A Johnson County Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Lyman combines her art background and gardening knowledge to create many fabulous container gardens for herself and others to enjoy.
The free virtual program is part of the Learn Laugh & Love series sponsored by Jewish Family Services and The Heritage Center at The J. Register to receive the Zoom link at Meeting Registration – Zoom.
For questions, please contact Susie Hurst, JFS Director of Family LifeEducation, at susieh@jfskc.org.
We live in a hectic, fast-paced world now made more challenging by the ongoing pandemic. More people are experiencing stress and anxiety and are reaching out for tools to help them cope with our complex reality.
To address the rising need, Jewish Family Services is offering Mindful Mondays, a free, virtual mindful training program offered every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to noon through Dec. 13.
Using the Zoom platform, the sessions are free, but registration is required at Mindful Mondays registration link. Once registered, participants will receive a link to join each session. Participants may attend one or all virtual sessions.
Mindfulness is a practice anchored in science and focused on being intensely aware of what an individual is sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation of judgement.
Led by Sondra Wallace, MSED, JFS YouBeYou and Mental Health Coalition Coordinator and Julia Grimm, LMLP, JFS therapist.
Weekly themes:
Sept. 27: Self-Compassion
Oct. 4: Generosity
Oct. 11: Non-Judging
Oct. 18: Body Scan
Oct. 25: Letting Go
Nov. 1: Sitting with Emotions
Nov. 8: Trust
Nov. 15: Values
Nov. 29: Generosity
Dec. 6: Acceptance
Dec. 13: Patience
For more information, contact Sondra Wallace at swallace@jfskc.org.
Learn more about the critical challenges facing Kansas Citians and how JFS is responding during our virtual speaker series beginning Oct. 15.
For our first session, join Laura Gilman, LCSW, MSW, MA, Director of Older Adult Services, and Kelly G. Loeb, MSW, Older Adult Care Manager, and Medicare Counselor, to learn how JFS is offering older adults more options for living independently while saving them and the community thousands of dollars. Register here.
The 45-minute sessions will include current stories from clients, an overview of issues, and interactive discussions with organizational leaders. The sessions are free, but advance registration is required for each session.
“Working with more than 10,000 individuals a year, our team has a unique lens into the complicated problems facing Kansas Citians. This series is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the critical social issues we’re collectively tackling,” said Don Goldman, Executive Director and CEO of JFS. “It’s also an opportunity to have a dialog with us about the evolving challenges due to the pandemic.”
Medicare re-enrollment is just around the corner and Jewish Family Services is offering free consultations to help individuals sort through options and save money. Dec. 7 is the last day to enroll. Our experts will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Medicare counseling is by appointment only for all Medicare-eligible current and new JFS clients regardless of income. Appointments are offered via Zoom, in-person or phone.
Medicare experts Kelly G. Loeb, MSW, and Liz Conaway Muensch, JFS Older Adult Care Managers, provide impartial, unbiased counseling and education. JFS does not provide insurance, brokerage services and has no financial stake in assisting beneficiaries with Medicare choices.
“Our main goal is to help educate and save people money,” said Kelly G. Loeb. Last year, individuals who received JFS Medicare counseling enjoyed an average savings of $2,805 per person for a collective total savings of $790,409.
“Even if a beneficiary’s medications haven’t changed in a year, it’s still a good idea to review coverage – savings can come from switching pharmacies, using a mail order service for or even receiving some medications at no cost through patient assistance programs,” Kelly said.
During the 30- to 60-minute consultations, plan details including prescription and other healthcare savings will be discussed. Individuals must bring a current list of prescription medications and their red, white, and blue Medicare cards.
To schedule an appointment for free Medicare counseling, call (913) 327-8278 or email medicare@jfskc.org. Have questions? View our most commonly asked Medicare Counseling FAQs 2021.
Our very own Laura Gilman, JFS’s Director of Social Work, will speak at Senior Care Solutions Team’s Third Thursday Talks on November 18, 2022. Senior Care Solutions Team is a collaborative of 11 Kansas City Area businesses focused on providing the best services to seniors.
There will be a happy hour and hors d’oeuvres for Social Workers, Case Managers, and Nurses followed by a CEU-accredited presentation from one of our members or a watch party for well-known presenters from across the country. Laura will lead attendees in conversations that will identify relevant community resources for aging in place as well as how to access them.
There are more than 46 million Americans age 65 and older; in the Kansas City metro, almost 320,000 are considered older adults. At JFS, sustaining quality of life throughout the aging journey is everything. A 2014 AARP Study found that out of a representative sample of Americans 50 and older, 87 percent wanted to age in their own homes. Knowing that you want to age in your home is one thing. Actualizing it is another. JFS wants you to know you do not have to do it alone!
Aging in your home takes intention, flexibility to adapt as needs change and evolve, and connection to resources. Learn about cutting-edge aging trends and interventions with local aging experts and alongside one another.
You can register for this event on Eventbrite.