JFS support groups begin in September
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ is offering a variety of support groups this fall. They are an opportunity for people with similar personal experiences to express feelings and share coping strategies under the guidance and skill of experienced, empathetic, licensed, professional therapists. Groups can be effectively utilized in addition to other counseling services or independently. JFS offers group counseling and support groups in the JFS offices as well as in community venues, including local synagogues and schools.
A new group is “Breaking Free of Childhood Anxiety,” a six-week program for parents and caregivers to learn about childhood anxiety as well as strategies and tools to use when responding to their child’s anxious behavior. This group utilizes SPACE (which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale. For information, go to www.jfsmetrowest.org/space25.
“A Journey Through Grief” is a bereavement group for older adults who have lost a spouse or significant other. The group will meet on Thursdays, beginning September 18. For information and to register, contact Amanda Kielbania, LCSW, at akielbania@jfsmetrowest.org or (973) 637-1712. Most major insurances are accepted.
“Domestic Violence Support – Healing & Growth Group 1” is a free virtual group which offers psycho-education and information on the definition of domestic violence, recognizing symptoms and responses, and identifying coping strategies. Upon completion, members are welcome to move on to Group 2 as appropriate, which focuses more on experience, sharing, and making connections. Prescreening is necessary. Call (973) 740-1233.
A free Parkinson’s Disease caregiver support group is for those who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s Disease and want to learn about coping skills and becoming a more effective care partner. The group meets monthly at 11:30 a.m., on September 8, October 20, November 10, and December 8. It’s open to spouses, adult children, and siblings of older adults. For information, email caregivers@jfsmetrowest.org or call (973) 637-1740.
A free virtual Family Support for Alzheimer’s Disease support group for families and caregivers with emotional support and education they need to understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, meets multiple times each month on Mondays and Thursdays. For information, email caregivers@jfsmetrowest.org or call (973) 637-1740.
A free Montclair Caregiver Support group for individuals caring for an older adult who want to learn about coping skills and becoming a more effective care partner, meets on Thursdays at 2 p.m., on September 11, October 9, November 13, and December 11 in Montclair. Pre-registration is required. Call Michelle DeWitt at (973) 744-3278 or email caregivers@jfsmetrowest.org.
A free South Orange/Maplewood Caregiver Support group for individuals who are taking care of an older adult and want to learn about coping skills and how to become a more effective care partner, meets monthly on Mondays at 11 a.m. It’s open to spouses, adult children, and siblings of older adults. For information, email caregivers@jfsmetrowest.org or call (973) 637-1740.
A free group for Parents & Caregivers of Adult Children with Disabilities connects parents and caregivers to discuss advocacy strategies and resources. Ongoing virtual group sessions will be held on Mondays, beginning September 15. For information email Kristin Dunne, LCSW, at kdunne@jfsmetrowest.org or call (973) 637-1749.
Siblings of Children with Disabilities: This group allows siblings to explore their emotions in a fun and supportive environment. Ongoing group sessions will be held on Mondays beginning September 8. For more information and to register, contact Kim Clerie, LSW, at kclerie@jfsmetrowest.org. Free.
Playgroup with a Purpose is a free ongoing weekly group for parents with their babies aged 0 to 12 months to share and connect. It’s in collaboration with Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel and meets Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m., beginning September 10. For information, email Sophie Harris, at sharris@jfsmetrowest.org.
Go to www.jfsmetrowest.org/support-groups-fall2025 for more information.
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