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.
Grandparenting: Expectations vs Reality
Join The J Kc on March 3, from 7 – 8:00 p.m. for a virtual workshop featuring Keynote Speaker: Barbara Unell Journalist, Author, Educator
Cost: FREE
Pre-registration required
Presented by: Beth Torah, Beth Shalom, HBHA, Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Ohev Sholom, Rabbinical Organization of Greater Kansas City, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, and The J
(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.)
Description:
Congratulations, you are a grandparent! It’s so exciting, and an event you likely have been looking forward to for a long time. Will this new experience bring challenges, as well as joy? Absolutely! Join acclaimed journalist, author and educator, Barbara Unell as she shares an easy 3-step consistent approach to collaborative, supportive family relationships that turn those challenges into opportunities of resilience and respect.
Workshop Format:
- Keynote and opportunity for Q&A
- Breakout session pre-selected: see below for options
- Interactive sessions encouraging participation through Q & A
Breakout Session Options:
- A Drama-Free Cure for Today’s Behavior Blues
Facilitated by Barbara Unell
Join in this feel-good session to find your comfort- and confidence-zone with your grandchild’s behavior in today’s new oh-so-stressful world, where play, school and everything else feels unpredictable. Check into the online tool, Behavior Checker®, with one of the creators, Barbara Unell. Get your behavior questions answered and see, up close and personal, how this tool helps lead to healthier relationships and enhances the lifelong mental, physical and emotional health of adults and children. - Navigating Complex Family Relationships in your Role as Grandparent
Facilitated by Kathleen Halling JFS therapist
Explore ideas for negotiating roles and boundaries with your adult children. Gain insight in why boundaries matter and how to work together to strengthen your relationships by keeping communication open. - Engaging with Your Grandkids: Creative Ways to Connect in Person and Long Distance
Facilitated by Judy Jacks Berman, Director of Early Childhood Education, Congregation Beth Shalom
Are you looking for fun things to do with your grandchildren? Judy will share ideas and demonstrate activities to make your time with your grandkids special and help you create long-lasting memories. - When your Grandchildren are not Being Raised Jewish
Facilitated by Rabbi Beryl Paddor, Congregation Ohev Sholom
Join this thoughtful discussion about the unique challenges faced when your grandchildren are being raised in a different religion. Is it ok to share your Jewish customs and values? Can you still celebrate Jewish holidays together? Explore how to find acceptance of their choice while staying true to your Jewish heritage.
Learn, Laugh, & Love: Marlene Katz Presents Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz
Listen to the delightful presentation of America’s most beloved couple, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The Lucille Ball show captivated millions of viewers as a husband and wife team. Marlene Katz will present their life stories. Many people called her the Queen of Comedy. It was the opinion of many that Lucille spent her entire life trying to figure out a way to make Desi do what she wanted him to—she was a ball of fire.
Cost: Free
Virtual-zoom Registration required:
https://zoom.us/j/96223777817
Marlene Katz is a professional educator who shares her love of history with audiences of all ages. She taught at schools in the KC area and is a professional storyteller specializing in famous women’s biographical depictions in history. She especially enjoys presenting the topic of kindness in older adult living communities.
Register to receive Zoom link for this FREE program
Meghann Hennen, a Jewish preschool teacher, based in Cleveland, Ohio, discovered challah’s incredible impact on her life firsthand when she decided to start her own challah business on Instagram—during the pandemic. Hear her inspirational story and place orders for her amazing challah!
We are hosting a free community Health Fair at our Brookside East office and food pantry from 1-3 p.m., Oct 1, 425 East 63rd St.
Participants will have the opportunity to receive free services provided by JFS and several of its community partners including:
- Medicaid or Medicare counseling
- COVID-19 vaccine shots
- HIV testing
- Medical assistance
- Food and household items
- Information about JFS’ Counseling and Wellness programs.
“Taking care of your mental and physical health often takes a back a seat when you are struggling financially and facing food and housing insecurities. We see this everyday among our clients,” said Maggie Haghirian, LMSW,director of KesherKC, JFS’ social service and food pantry program.
“Neglecting your health can obviously lead to other ongoing challenges for you and your family,” she said. “We are excited to offer and provide access to many free healthcare services along with our other community partners.
The October 1 Health Fair is open to the public – no registration is required. Participating community partners are KC CARE Health Center, Kansas City’s Medicine Cabinet and Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. JFS provides human services for people facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis — regardless of faith, age, culture or lifestyle.
Learn more about the critical challenges facing Kansas Citians and how JFS is responding during our virtual speaker series.
In our second session, Kerry Scott, LCSW, Child and Family Therapist, will share stories of the increased anxiety facing children and parents today due to the pandemic, the effective strategies for tackling current challenges, and the hope JFS provides. Register here.
“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.”