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.
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.
JFS is hosting a free Vaccination Clinic from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the White Theatre at The J, 5801 W 115th St, Overland Park, KS.
Pfizer Covid19 vaccines and flu shots will be offered. The Pfizer booster shots will be for ages 65+ or individuals with underlying medical conditions, and essential workers (teachers, grocery workers, and healthcare workers).
Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, email info@jfskc.org.
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is a hosting a free community Health Fair at its Brookside East office at 425 East 63rd St. in Kansas City on October 12 from 3 to 5 p.m.. 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
- 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 12 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.
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.”
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.
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is a hosting a free community Health Fair at its Brookside East office and food pantry – 425 East 63rd Street in Kansas City on October 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. 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 29 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.