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.
Help stock our Food Pantry! The most-needed items in August are toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo and canned mained dishes (ravioli, spaghetti).
Donors are asked to pull into a designated parking space on the west side of the building and call the number listed; a volunteer will pick up items directly from cars.
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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.
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.
Medicare re-enrollment is just around the corner and starting Oct. 15, Jewish Family Services is offering free consultations to help individuals sort through options and save money 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 food choices have a profound effect how we feel not only physically but mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Learn about ways to incorporate plant-based meals into your daily diet during Learn, Laugh & Love: “The Surprising Benefits of Plant Based Nutrition,” at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 presented by Jewish Family Services and The J.
“Many of the nutrients we need to survive and thrive are not only found in plants first, but they are actually better absorbed and digested. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can positively impact feelings of anxiety, depression and fatigue,” said Lauren Glass, LCSW, with JFS, and presenter of the virtual event.
Glass is also certified in plant-based nutrition and is a certified yoga Instructor. She has many years of experience working with older adults, children and families. Glass gravitates towards cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy in her work. Her favorite techniques involve breathing, mindful movement and other short meditative practices clients can freely access whenever and wherever needed.
Register for the free event at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAscu6grDgjGN2zLAyEHSfNTj2NGo-9u1Nt. After registering, a Zoom link will be sent. The Learn Laugh & Love series is sponsored by Jewish Family Services and The Heritage Center at The J. For questions, please contact Susie Hurst, JFS Director of Family Life Education, at susieh@jfskc.org.
Help stock our Food Pantry! The most needed items in November are canned vegetables, sauces and condiments, baking mixes, dish soap for dishwashers and hand-washing, cleaning wipes, trash bags, and food packaging items such as zip-top bags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap.
During the Community Food Drive, drop off will be in the front circle drive of the Jewish Community Campus where JFS volunteers and staff will take items directly from cars.
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.
JFS is hosting an Open House from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m, on Thursday, June 16th at our Brookside East office. Come take a look at all the services we provide and meet our amazing team.
We’ll have ice cream, custom JFS popcorn, and music in our parking lot to celebrate seeing you after so long! Come enjoy the festive atmosphere and see our TP architectural wonder, built by our friends at BRR Architecture.
Did you know that each month, Jewish Family Services provides more than 800 families with food and non-perishable items through the two locations of its food pantry? Food drives help ensure our guests have a wide variety of items to select from and keep expenses down.
While JFS is happy to accept any shelf-stable food or personal care items, the most needed things for June are crackers, toilet paper, and toothpaste. On Sunday, June 19, 2022, from 10 a.m. to Noon, JFS will hold its monthly community-wide food drive at the Jewish Community Center campus. Please drop off donations with volunteers who will be located in the front circle drive.
Donations can also be dropped off in the JFS barrel in the Jewish Community Campus’ lobby during business hours or at the Brookside office with an appointment by calling 913-327-8250. Donors may also purchase items for the food pantry directly through the JFS Pantry Wish List on Amazon.
Did you know that each month, Jewish Family Services provides more than 800 families with food and non-perishable items through the two locations of its food pantry? Food drives help ensure our guests have a wide variety of items to select from and keep expenses down.
While JFS is happy to accept any shelf-stable food or personal care items, the most needed things for July are canned veggies, canned and dry fruit, canned chicken, and baby wipes. On Sunday, July 17, 2022, from 10 a.m. to Noon, JFS will hold its monthly community-wide food drive at the Jewish Community Center campus. Please drop off donations with volunteers who will be located in the front circle drive.
Donations can also be dropped off in the JFS barrel in the Jewish Community Campus’ lobby during business hours or at the Brookside office with an appointment by calling 913-327-8250. Donors may also purchase items for the food pantry directly through the JFS Pantry Wish List on Amazon.