JFCS sets workshops

By Jewish Review Staff

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In recent months, Jewish Family and Child Service and numerous local Jewish organizations have expanded their efforts to create collaborative programming between each of these organizations and JFCS.

For several years, organizations have discussed collaborative programming with JFCS. Recently, programs have come to fruition. Organizations involved in the conversations have included Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Neveh Shalom, Havurah Shalom, Gesher, Beit Haverim-SMJC, Portland Jewish Academy, Cedar Sinai Park, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, Mittleman Jewish Community Center and the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

“It is exciting for the MJCC to be able to partner with JFCS to provide workshops that our community has specifically requested and shown interest in,” said Jordana Levenick, MJCC programming director. “We hope these workshops will be filled with useful information in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Bringing these workshops back to the Jewish community living room is a perfect fit.”

Beginning this fall, JFCS will bring information to the synagogues and organizations through their bulletins, newsletters, and Web sites. In collaboration with the organizations, JFCS also will provide workshops for parents, seniors and people with disabilities, as well as JFCS traditional services such as counseling, case management, home care and specialized programs for Russian speakers, Holocaust survivors and people in crisis.

As a result of these outreach efforts, JFCS has conducted in-service trainings for camp counselors and teachers this summer.

Beginning this fall, JFCS will be offering a Life Learning Series of parenting workshops for the community at the MJCC. Topics include: Developmental Stages and What to Expect From Your Child; Dealing with Discipline and Parental Guilt; Behavior Management and Helping Children with Emotional Regulation; Anger Management and Problem-Solving; Dealing With And Setting Limits Around Sleep And Bedtime Issues; Talking With Your Child About Sex; Advocating for Your Child at School – Cementing the School/Home Partnership; When Teasing Becomes an Issue and Techniques for Dealing With It; and How to Set and Reach Your Goals for the New Year.

Other workshops will be scheduled for winter and spring of 2008. These will include workshops for seniors, caregivers and their families, and additional staff in-service trainings.

For details, visit the JFCS Web site at www.jfcs-portland.org.