Become a Compassionate Companion
When people are suffering, whether they are in decline, undergoing challenging treatments, or near the end of their lives, helping them live safely and independently in their homes and improving quality of life becomes more important than ever. Volunteers play a vital role in carrying out this mission. Seniors At Home, in collaboration with CPMC, is offering a comprehensive 25-hour Palliative and End of Life Care Volunteer Training Program beginning October 21, 2008. No prior medical or hospice experience is necessary. To learn how you can make a difference in just a few hours a week, please contact Rachel Kesselman at 415-449-1288 or RachelK@jfcs.org.

Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
Find comfort from peers in this Bereavement Support Group. This 8-week group will be facilitated by professional grief counselors and will support the process of healing after the loss of a loved one. We will explore the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of the grieving process in a safe and supportive environment. The group will meet on Mondays, beginning October 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at JFCS in San Francisco. A $100 fee is suggested with scholarships available for those in need. Pre-registration and interview are required for participation. For more information or to register, please call (415) 449-3777 or email Info@SeniorsAtHome.org.

Food Crisis!
JFCS stocks a food pantry that provides assistance to many low-income families and seniors around the county. The pantry is stocked through the generosity of the Marin community and, right now, the inventory is very low! Will you help us assist young families by providing baby food, cereal and other staples, and seniors who have to make difficult choices between buying food and buying medicine? We especially need canned beef, chicken and fish; canned vegetables and fruit; pasta and pasta sauces; hearty soups; baby food; hot and cold cereals; and other staples. For more information, contact Bonni 415-419-3632 or BonniS@jfcs.org.

Café By the Bay
Café By the Bay is a JFCS group for Holocaust survivors, which gathers monthly. Join us on Wednesday, 9/10, 1:00 – 3:00 pm when Rabbi Daniel Isaacson will help us prepare for the upcoming High Holidays. For more information, contact Lorraine Harris at 415-419-3635 or LorraineH@jfcs.org. FREE!

Help Planning for Aging Parents
Are you worried about the needs of your aging parents and wondering what is available to help them, and you, cope with the demands of change that aging brings about? JFCS Seniors At Home offers a multitude of resources, including individual consultations. In one to three sessions with a geriatric specialist, you and your family can get guidance, resource information, and support that will help you in caring for your loved ones and planning for the future. Let us help you. We are here for all ages. Call our Senior Intake line 415-507-0564.

Held at 600 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. All groups marked with an * are for parents to attend with children. Pre-registration is required, unless otherwise noted. To register, call 415-491-7959 or online by clicking the links below or going to www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org.

In the Playroom

Drop-In Playtime* (Birth – 5 years) No pre-registration needed
Meet other parents and our parent educators while your children enjoy our playroom. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am. $8 per family, or $35 for 5 sessions.

Parenting Workshops

Choosing A Preschool
So many options, so hard to choose! We’ll help you navigate the preschool maze and approaches to choosing a quality program. Great preparation for the Marin Preschool Fair to be held on October 23! With Lori Rifkin, Ph.D., co-author of Finding A Preschool in San Francisco and Marin. Wednesday, 9/24, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. $30. Register here.

Parenting Adopted Children
Parenting adopted children can be different from parenting biological children. Learn about parenting in general, and about the needs of adopted children at different ages. With Bonnie Romanow, Early Childhood Specialist. Thursday, 9/25, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $35. Register here.

Raising Daughters
Girls growing up today have fantastic opportunities, coupled with potential challenges and obstacles. Learn to identify and counteract some of the issues facing girls today. Gain an understanding of typical development and patterns girls tend to follow. We will share strategies for strengthening girls’ self-esteem and building strong parent-child relationships. With Bonnie Romanow, Early Childhood Specialist. Thursday, 10/2, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $35. Register here.

Taming Toddlers and Twos
One of our favorite workshops, this two-part series will help you gain developmental understanding of how best to support your little ones and preserve your sanity at the same time! We will cover setting limits, guiding behavior, developing social skills, understanding tantrums and more. With Jennifer Reynolds, MFT. Tuesdays, 9/16 and 23, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $70, 2 sessions. Register here.

Social Skills Group for Children With Special Needs
This clinical group is based on Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking Model and consists of an initial screening/assessment, 6 child group sessions, 2 parent groups and ongoing parent collaboration. The goal is children gain increased social awareness and skills and make friends. The focus: gaining perspective; non-verbal communication; non-literal language; flexible thinking; social awareness. For elementary/middle school age children who may be diagnosed with Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disorder or a Language Disorder. Facilitated by Suzanne Abeloff, SLP, and Rebecca Breen, LCSW. For information, contact Rebecca Breen at 415-409-3609 or RebeccaB@jfcs.org.

Sometimes A Workshop Isn’t Enough…
Do you have concerns or questions about your child’s development, interactions or behavior? Parents Place offers individual parent and family coaching and consultation. Our expert staff will spend time with you to assess, plan and recommend the best options for your situation. We can also observe your child at preschool if you have developmental concerns. For more information, call us at 415-491-7959.

Donate Your Vehicle
You can turn your CAR into CARE for at-risk children and families in our community by donating it to Parents Place. We pick up the car and handle the paperwork. You receive its value as a tax deduction. All you need to do is call 1-877-800-HUGS.