Support Groups
JFCS/East Bay has ongoing support groups on a wide variety of topics designed to address your needs and interests. In addition, we offer periodic workshops series, as well as individual workshops that can be presented at your workplace, your child's school, or our offices.
Click to view summaries and times:
| Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6:00 pm JFCS/East Bay - Berkeley office Group leader: Helene Linker (510) 704-7480, ext. 745 |
For relatives and friends who have suffered the loss of a loved one. This group offers heartfelt support and guidance for feelings of loneliness, loss and isolation, coping with anger and other unexpected emotions, learning how to live with the grief process, and how to move forward with your life. We also cover contending with changing family dynamics, reestablishing connections with your community, facing changes to your financial status, as well as dealing with estate and other financial decisions. Pre-registration required. (Funded in part by Sinai Memorial Chapel.)
3rd Sunday of the month, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley
Group leader: Rita Clancy
(510) 704-7480, ext. 257
4th Sunday of the month, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
JFCS/East Bay - Walnut Creek office
Group leader: Judy Blumenfeld
(925) 927-2000, ext. 763
Fee: no charge
Café Europa is a special monthly gathering for Holocaust survivors, their adult family members, and friends. This unique program features social activities, speakers, musical programs, and refreshments. (Funded in part by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc.)
Group leader: Melanie Wartenberg
(925) 927-2000, ext. 626
A social and educational group for Jewish adults with developmental disabilities. Please call for fee, schedule, and location details.
Expressive Art Therapy for Women Over 50
Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:30 pm
JFCS/East Bay - Center for Older Adult Services
Group leader: Judy Blumenfeld
Contact: Lisa Yordy
(510) 558-7800, ext. 716
Fee: $45 per session (sliding scale available; Medicare accepted)
A supportive and relaxed environment for exploring retirement, transitions, and health; expressing the positive aspects of aging; and reflecting on wisdom and gratitude. Group activities include discussion and simple art and writing exercises. Women of all cultures, religions, and sexual orientations welcome. No previous art experience needed. Twelve-week commitment and registration required.
Tuesdays, 3:00 to 4:30 pm
JFCS/East Bay - Berkeley office
Group leader: Karen Lottman, LCSW
(510) 704-7480, ext. 210
Fee: $45 per session (Medicare and Medi-Cal accepted)
A group for people managing chronic illness and disability. Get support from others and give support in return. Ease isolation, and be heard in an accepting environment. Twenty-week group.
Long-Distance Family Caregiver Support Group
Second and fourth Wednesday of the month
5:00 to 6:30 pm
JFCS/East Bay – Center for Older Adult Services
Group leader: Sheri Hartman, LCSW
Contact: Lisa Yordy (510) 558-7800, ext. 716
Fee: $25 per session (sliding scale available)
Are you an adult caring for your older parents who live out of state? Come join others who are struggling with the same everyday difficulties and unique problems. Moderated by Sheri Hartman, LCSW, the group will address issues such as: choosing in-home caregivers; housing placement; family conflict; dementia and depression; age disabilities; serious medical problems; and more . . . Registration and four-month prepayment required.
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 pm
JFCS/East Bay - Berkeley office
Group leader: Rikki Sudikoff, LCSW
(510) 704-7480, ext. 761
Fee: $35 per session (sliding scale available)
If you are feeling shut out by your teen, struggling to make decisions alone or feeling increasing burdens of responsibility, come join other single parents of teens for a ten-session support group moderated by psychotherapist Rikki Sudikoff, LCSW. Ten-week group. Registration required.
