All programs held at Jewish Family and Children’s Services at 2150 Post Street in San Francisco, unless otherwise noted.

Working with Seniors

Safe at Home
Reach out to a lonely senior as a Safe at Home Telephone Reassurance Caller. Callers offer homebound seniors daily conversation, as well as check on their health and well-being. Calls are made weekdays 9:00 – 10:30 am from our San Francisco office to seniors living in San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin and Sonoma counties. Time commitment is 1 – 2 hours per week, and substitute callers are highly desired (hours vary). Orientation and ongoing training are provided. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@jfcs.org.

Be the Wheels for a Senior
If you have a car and a little time to spare, why not put both to good use? Seniors At Home is seeking volunteers to drive seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. In only a couple of hours a week, you can make a difference in someone’s life. For additional information, please contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@jfcs.org.

Senior Companion Volunteers
Bring a smile into a lonely senior’s life. Seniors At Home is seeking volunteers to provide companionship and support for lonely seniors by visiting weekly. With just four hours a month—taking a walk together, having coffee, or listening during difficult times—volunteers can brighten the day for a senior in San Francisco. For additional information, please contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@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, from 6 – 8pm. 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.

Help Assemble Rosh Hashanah Bags
This is a special event to gather together in an effort to help frail seniors, new émigrés and people with disabilities experience the joy of the High Holiday season. Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at JFCS. Free parking will be available in the agency garage (enter on Sutter Street). For more information, or to volunteer, contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@jfcs.org. RSVP by September 17.

Rosh Hashanah Holiday Bag Delivery
You can help frail seniors feel the joy of the High Holiday season! Join us on Sunday, September 28, 10:00am – 1:00 pm at JFCS. Open to adults of all ages. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@jfcs.org. RSVP by September 18.

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 is offering a comprehensive 25-hour Palliative and End of Life Care Volunteer Training Program beginning October 16, 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.

Cafe By the Bay
A place where Holocaust Survivors gather at weekly social events not only to discuss Holocaust issues, but also to enjoy each other's company, live music and educational programs. Cafe by the Bay takes place at JFCS every Thursday, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, except the last week of every other month. For additional information, please contact Cherie Golant at 415-449-3832 or CherieG@jfcs.org.

Lunch & Learn
An educational and entertaining lunch program for Café by the Bay participants and other Holocaust Survivors. Lunch & Learn is held on the last Friday of every other month at JFCS. Lunch is 12:00 – 2:00 pm, and help with set-up, greeting guests, serving a catered lunch, schmoozing and clean-up is needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive an hour early for set-up and to help with clean-up after the event. For additional information, please contact Cherie Golant at 415-449-3832 or CherieG@jfcs.org.

Be a Youth Mentor!
Can you spare an hour a week? Spend it volunteering with youth! On the Mark volunteers mentor 8 – 18 year-olds in one-on-one matches, providing supportive friendship, encouragement, guidance and help. A fun and rewarding way to help students in your community. Volunteers commit to one hour a week for at least six months. To volunteer, contact Taylor Epstein at 415-359-2463 or TaylorE@jfcs.org.

Middle School Volunteer Opportunity!
Team Tzadek is a community service volunteer program for b’nai mitzvah pre-teens and teens (6th, 7th and 8th graders) and their families. This popular program complements religious and day school curricula, and is designed for youth from diverse congregations. Working as a team, students participate in hands-on mitzvah projects while learning about our community’s needs. Team Tzadek launches a new schedule of fun and worthwhile activities each fall. Projects include Chanukah holiday visits to seniors, preparing meals for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, helping to renovate a low-income client’s home, and many other hands-on service opportunities.Applications for the 2008-2009 program are now available! For more information, please contact Taylor Epstein at 415-359-2463 or TaylorE@jfcs.org.

High School Volunteer Opportunity!
The Next Chapter is a volunteer program for 11th and 12th grade students who would like to learn more about the Holocaust. Teen volunteers are matched with Holocaust Survivors from Poland to interview and record their oral histories. Students work with the researchers at the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw to find information about the Survivor’s home town, and current Jewish life in Poland, as well. Students meet once a week to learn about Holocaust history, conduct research and complete the oral history essays. Applications for the 2008-2009 program are now available! For more information, please contact Taylor Epstein at 415-359-2463 or TaylorE@jfcs.org.

Resume and Career Support for High School Students
Build your professional resume! JFCS is offering a complete resume building class as well as resume improvement support. Develop skills and techniques to build a professional resume. Classes and support are FREE. Contact Josh Aufhauser, josha@jfcs.org or 415-359-2477 with questions or to sign up!

Bilingual (Russian & English) Friendly Visitors Needed
Read in Russian to a blind elderly émigré, use your basic computer savvy to help a senior navigate the computer, or just provide companionship and an opportunity for English conversational practice! Your visits to an elderly refugee from the Former Soviet Union can really make a difference. For additional information, contact Masha Gutkin at 415-449-2919 or MashaG@jfcs.org.

Living Creatively with Chronic Illness/Disability
This group is for persons under age 65, living with chronic physical illness/disability. Meets weekly for 12 weeks at JFCS. It is $10/session, with a sliding scale available. A prescreening interview is required. Facilitated by Abby Kovalsky, LCSW. For further information about the next available class, please contact Abby at 415-449-1224 or AbbyK@jfcs.org.

Help Assemble Rosh Hashanah Bags
This is a special event for "twenty-and thirty-somethings" to gather together in an effort to help frail seniors, new émigrés and people with disabilities experience the joy of the High Holiday season. Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at JFCS. Free parking will be available in the agency garage (enter on Sutter Street). For more information, or to volunteer, contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@jfcs.org. RSVP by September 17.

Rosh Hashanah Holiday Bag Delivery
You can help frail seniors and others feel the joy of the High Holiday season! Join us on Sunday, September 28, 10:00 – 1:00 pm at JFCS. For families and people of all ages. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Debbi Goodman at 415-449-3832 or DebbiG@jfcs.org. RSVP by September 18.

Held at Parents Place, 1710 Scott Street, San Francisco, unless otherwise noted. All groups marked with an * are for parents and children to attend together.

For New Parents

New Mother/New Baby* (up to 6 months)
Meet with other new mothers to discuss the life-changing joys and challenges of motherhood. With Lee Ann Slaton, MS. Wednesdays, September 17 – November 12 (no meeting 10/8), 12:30 – 2:00 pm. FREE. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Baby Signs
Communicate with your child before they can speak. With Jeni Clancy. Thursday, October 2, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. $40/person, $55/couple. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Parent/Child Activity Groups and Playgroups

Drop In Play (up to 4 years)
Meet with other parents while your children enjoy playing with each other. Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:45 am and Thursdays, 12 noon – 1:00 pm. $8 per family per visit.

Boogie to the Beat* (6 – 24 months)
Music, movement and socializing. With Jeni Clancy. Wednesdays, September 17 – October 8, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. $80 for four sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Boogie to the Beat* (6 – 24 months)
Music, movement and socializing. With Jeni Clancy. Wednesdays, October 22 – November 12, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. $80 for four sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Look! I Can Cook!* (2 – 4 years)
Children will learn, hands on, the basics of food prep—mixing, stirring, spreading, measuring and more. With Jeni Clancy. Fridays, September 19 – October 10, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm. $100 for four sessions. Includes food and supplies. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Look! I Can Cook!* (2 – 4 years)
Children will learn, hands on, the basics of food prep—mixing, stirring, spreading, measuring and more. With Jeni Clancy. Fridays, October 17 – November 7, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm. $100 for four sessions. Includes food and supplies. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Not Just Art* (2 – 4 years)
From squiggles to giggles, join the fun. Art projects, storytelling and song, creative art expression for you and your child to share. With Jeni Clancy. Thursdays, October 16 – November 6, 2:00 – 3:00 pm. $100 for four sessions, includes supplies. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Ready, Set, Go! Preparing for Preschool* (2 – 3 years)
Playgroup/discussion for parents and children in a preschool-like setting. With Lee Ann Slaton, MS and Jeni Clancy. Thursdays, September 18 – November 20 (no meetings 10/9 or 10/16), 10:00 am – 11:30 am. $195 for eight sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Ready, Set, Go! Preparing for Preschool* (2 – 3 years)
Playgroup/discussion for parents and children in a preschool-like setting. With Lee Ann Slaton, MS and Jeni Clancy. Fridays, September 19 – November 7, 10:00 am – 11:30 am. $195 for eight sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

The Early Years/Behavior and Development

16th Annual Preschool Preview Night
Preschool Preview Night is a successful, established event that brings together Bay Area parents and preschools in an informational extravaganza. At Preschool Preview Night, parents have the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from over 80 schools and 40 supporting companies. Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 – 8:00 pm, at the San Francisco County Fair Building. $5 per person, children free. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Boys and Discipline (3 – 8 years)
Why boys sometimes require a different approach than girls. With Robert Scott, MSW. Thursdays, October 23 and 30, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. $60 for 2 sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Choosing a Kindergarten
How to make informed decisions and then relax! With Lee Ann Slaton, MS. Monday, September 15, 5:30 – 7:00 pm. $35. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Choosing a Preschool
How to make informed decisions and then relax! With Lee Ann Slaton, MS. Thursday, October 2, 5:30 – 7:00 pm. $30. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Handling Anger: Yours and Your Child’s
Tips and resources for safe and constructive ways of expressing anger, and how to pass these skills on to your child. With Pnina Tobin, MPA. Tuesday, October 21, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. $35. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk
Are you looking for help with the everyday challenges and frustrations of living with children? Join a supportive and informative group where you will learn to encourage willing cooperation and practice discipline techniques that really work. Based on the book by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. With Bonnie Romanow. Wednesdays, October 15 – November 5, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. $140 for 4 sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Moms in Career Transition
A four-week career exploration group for moms who are looking to re-establish satisfying careers, presented by Jewish Vocational Services’ Jewish Employment Network, Parents Place and Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ Single Parent Program. With Linda Lesem, skilled career coach (and mom). Thursdays, October 23 – November 13, 9:30 – 11:30 am. $100 for 4 sessions. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Mothers and Sons
We want to raise our children without gender stereotypes but at the same time we need to acknowledge that there are differences between boys and girls. With Dr. Mical Falk. Monday, October 27, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. $35. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

No More Diapers! (Toilet Training)
Helping your child take this important step of independence. With Jeni Clancy. Thursday, September 25, 5:30 – 7:00 pm. $30. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Parenting a Child with Asthma or Allergies
Workshop and discussion group, including tips and resources, for parents to address the emotional side of raising a child with asthma or allergies, and how these challenges affect the family dynamic. With Mimi Greisman, M.Ed. Monday, October 20, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. $30. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Raising Bilingual/Multicultural Child
What works best? Is younger always better? How do you support another language if you are monolingual? What if you already speak another language at home? How do you maintain it? Come make sense of it all by hearing With Mimi Greisman, M.Ed. Tuesday, October 7, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. $10. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Positive Discipline
Topics of discussion include: behavioral development, temperamental differences, and practical limit setting techniques. With Lee Ann Slaton, MS. Wednesday, September 24, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. $35. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Raising a Strong Willed or Highly Sensitive Child
Helping you support your child's growth and development. With Pnina Tobin, MPA. Thursday, October 23, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. $35. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Separation Transitions: Making Them Work For You and Your Children
Separation can be challenging for parents and for children. Learn techniques to make separations and transitions more comfortable for your child and for you. With Mimi Greisman, M. Ed. Monday, September 22, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, $30. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Your One Year Old
Developmental milestones, sleeping and eating behaviors, and beginning limit-setting. With Lee Ann Slaton, MS. Tuesday, October 7, 12 noon – 1:30 pm. $30. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning for Families with Young Children
Handling the expense of parenting, maintaining your family's lifestyle should something hapen to you, achieving long-term financial goals, and developing a family safety net, including an estate plan. With Ira Fateman, CHP. Thursday, October 23, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Call 415-359-2454 or register online.

Special Needs

Special Needs: Socialization Playgroup (3 – 5 years)
Playgroup focusing on working on social skills such as turn-taking and initiating play with other children. With Vanessa Kahlon, MFTT and Susan Byrd, LCSW. Limited to six children per group. Tuesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, beginning in January. Call 415-359-2472 for specific dates and other info.

Social Skills Groups for Children

New Groups focused on social skills will be offered at Parents Place, beginning late August/early September, both for preschool and elementary school children. To obtain more information and to set up a free screening appointment, please contact Janina Nadaner, MFT, Clinical Director, Parents Place, 415-359-2446 or JaninaN@jfcs.org.