All low-cost/no-cost JFCS and Parents Place programs listed below are non-sectarian and open to all members of the public.

JFCS RIDES Program
This program is designed to help seniors go to medical appointments and Jewish community activities. Rides are $5 per destination ($10 round trip). There is a $30 annual enrollment fee that includes an in-home interview. For more information call Vicki Wedegaertner, RIDES Coordinator, at 707-303-1532 or email vickiw@jfcs.org. JFCS RIDES is funded through client fees, individual contributions, and corporate sponsorships.

Senior Services Assistant
Make a difference in the lives of our community seniors! The JFCS Senior Companion program has expanded and is now providing a very valuable added service to seniors with significant mental health challenges. If you love working with seniors, have background, experience or interest in working with those suffering from mental illness, or any other kind of illness, this opportunity is for you! We offer excellent training, supervision and support. For more information, contact Vicki Wedegaertner at 707-303-1532 or email vickiw@jfcs.org.

Volunteer Drivers Needed for JFCS RIDES Program
We are seeking friendly, responsible volunteers to transport seniors to appointments in the community. Use your own car and work as much or as little as you would like. We can reimburse for mileage and you select your geographic area. We need volunteers in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Petaluma. Training will be provided. Please contact Vicki Wedegaertner, Volunteer Coordinator, at 707-303-1532 or email vickiw@jfcs.org.

At JFCS, 1360 N. Dutton Ave, Suite C, Santa Rosa.

FREE Elder Law Consultation
First Thursday of each month, 9:30 am – noon, Alice Perlman offers consultations for seniors (60+) and for those who have legal questions regarding Conservatorships, Estate and MediCal planning for aging family members and friends. Call 707-571-8131 to schedule an appointment.

FREE How to Teach Your Children the Value of Money, Thursday, September 18, 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

Funded by the California Department of Social Services. Call Liz Jimenez, 707-303-1509.

Call now to sign up for the following programs beginning in September. Space is limited.

• Support Groups for Children and Parents—ongoing groups.
• Support Group for LGBT Parents with Adopted Children—provides support within your community to explore ideas, concerns and needs.
• Socialization Playgroup for Adopted Children* (3 – 4 yrs.)—help your adopted child practice social skills in play with their peers. With Claire Beery, MA and Amy McIntyre, MA. Concurrent parent support group with Liz Jiminez, MSW.
• Crisis Intervention, Counseling and Consultations—Assistance for adoptive families dealing with challenging issues. Call with any questions.
• Introduction to Lifebooks—A Lifebook organizes important personal information helping adopted children connect with their unfolding biography. With Barbara Joy. Thursday September 4, 6 – 8 pm. Childcare offered.
• Creating LifeBooks—Ongoing Monthly Workshop starting Thursday, September 11. Childcare offered.
• Support Groups for Tweens, Teens and Parents—Semi monthly groups.
• Enhancing Social Skills for Early Elementary School Aged Children (5 – 8 yrs)— Help your adopted child enhance and improve social skills in play with their peers. With Amy McIntyre, MA. Concurrent parent support group with Liz Jimenez, MSW. Thursday afternoons 3:30 – 4:45 pm. Space is limited.

Held at 1360 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa. To register, call Anita at 707-571-2048 or register online at www.sonoma.ppsignup.org. Pre-registration required. All groups marked with an * are for parents/caregivers and children to attend together.

Parents and Children Together

Drop-in Playtime* (Infants – 4 yrs)
Parents meet with our Parent Educator while children play together. With Claire Beery, MA. Fridays, 10:00 – 11:30 am. $8 per family. No pre-registration.

Being with Babies*(0 – 1 yrs. 4 Sessions)
Strengthen connections with your child as you learn how babies develop in their first year. With Claire Beery, MA. Mondays, October 6 – 27, 10:00-11:30 am. $80 for 4 sessions.

Positive and Effective Parenting

Developing Social Skills in Preschool (3-5 yrs., 6 Sessions) This play therapy curriculum helps your preschool child practice social skills and learn to handle conflicts. Limited to 6 children. With Amy McIntyre, MA. Wednesdays, September 24 – October 29, 1:00 – 2:15 pm. $120 for 6 sessions.

Positive Discipline for the Preschool Years (3 – 5 yrs.)
Strategies to guide behavior and bring out the best in you and your child. With Ann Parsons, BS. Thursday, September 25, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $30.

Beyond the Birds and the Bees (5 – 13 yrs.)
How to talk with your kids about bodies and sexuality. With Myra Polikoff, MFT. Monday, September 29, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $30.

Setting Limits with Toddlers and Twos (12 – 36 mos.)
They are wild, wonderful and exhausting! Explore how best to set limits and minimize challenges while keeping your focus and sense of humor. With Bonnie Romanow, Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $30.

"You're Driving Me Crazy!" Handling Parental Anger (All Ages)
Learn about the sources of anger, your triggers, and ways to respond that leave everyone feeling better. With Amy McIntyre, MA. Two sessions to choose from: Thursday, October 9, OR Wednesday, December 3, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $30.

Positive Discipline Practice Group (3 – 5 yrs.)
Open to parents who have attended the Positive Discipline for the Preschool Years class. A chance to follow up on strategies you are practicing. With Ann Parsons, BS. Thursday, October 23, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $30.

The Complete Father
Fathers must juggle commitments as providers AND parents. Learn tools to balance your life and create success with your family. With Timothy Stein, MFT. Thursday, October 2, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. $30.

When Adjusting to Life with Your New Baby Is Difficult. Get support and information to make it through this difficult time. With Claire Beery, MA. For Moms and babies. Every Wednesday, 12:30 – 1:30 pm. $15 per session.

For Single Parents
With Claire Beery, MA. Monthly, 1st Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. $20 per session. Childcare available.

Do you have concerns about your child or your family?
We offer individual and family Consultation Services. Our expert staff will help you assess your situation and explore options to meet your needs. Common areas of concern include guidance and discipline, handing aggressive behavior, sleep habits, separation & divorce, co-parenting, single parenting, sibling relationships and much more. Fee subsidy available. Call Claire Beery for more information. 707-303-1521.