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JSSA Growth and Learning Programs - Summer 2009

Child and Teen Social Skills Therapy Groups

***Please note: All Rockville children's social skills therapy groups will now be held at our new location, 200 Wood Hill Road.

In small groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn appropriate social behaviors, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, dealing with teasing and emotions, and making friends. The fees for these groups range from $65-$75 per session (and some may be insurance-reimbursable). There is a $15 materials fee for the "JSSA Social Skills Guide for Parents," designed especially to help parents reinforce skills at home.

Rockville - 200 Wood Hill Road - (ongoing groups)**

General Social Skills Groups

• Boys, K-1
When: Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., June 17-August 12
Leaders: Wendy Baber, LCSW-C and Ju Liu, MSW Intern
**Please note that as of May 14, this group is now full.

• Boys, grades 4-5 (ages 9-11)
When: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m., June 10-August 19
Leader: Zach Lehman, LCSW-C

**Please call 301-816-2633 for more information.

Fairfax - (ongoing groups)**

Asperger's Social Skills Therapy Group

• Boys and girls, ages 16-18
When: Tuesdays, 5:00-5:50 p.m., June 23-August 11
Leader: To Be Determined

**Please call 703-204-9100 for more information.

Children's Workshops

Handling Angry Feelings
Anger is a normal emotion, but it can be overwhelming for many children. In this three-session workshop, children will examine their “boiling points,” practice ways to keep self control, use “power talk” instead of acting out, and complete an “anger contract” (with input from parents) for real-life application.
Ages 8-9
When: Tuesdays, August 4-18
Ages 10-11
When: Thursdays, August 6-20, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $150 for the entire series
Leader: Stanley A. Fagen, Ph.D.
Registration: 301-816-2633

Children's Clubs and Camps

NEW!!! JSSA and Camp JCC present the BFF Club!!
Building & Fostering Friendships
Special Summer Social Skills Programs
An after camp enrichment program for children ages 8-10.
This exciting summer program, offered at the JCC of Greater Washington, (6125 Montrose Road, Rockville) is based on the latest research-proven methods for improving children’s social skills, and JSSA’s Social Skills Group Model, developed by well-known child psychologist, Dr. Stanley Fagen.
     Led by JSSA’s experienced social workers, small groups of children ages 8-10 learn important skills for making and keeping friends. The first week focuses on displaying friendly behaviors such as listening, sharing, working cooperatively with peers, reading social cues and making social conversation. Week two promotes skills for maintaining control over emotions and actions, even when excited, angry or upset. Children learn better ways to cope with teasing, problem-solving, expressing feelings constructively and developing patience and self-restraint. The three-week program allows for more direct practice of key social skills.
When: Camp JCC sessions 1 & 2 (June 22-July 17)
Monday – Thursday (after camp) from 3:15-4:30 p.m. 8 classes; $275
Camp JCC session 3, (July 20-August 7)
Monday-Thursday (after camp) from 3:15-4:30 p.m.; 12 classes; $415
Where: The JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, RockvilleRegistration: 301-816-2633.
For more information please call 301-610-8373.

NEW!!! JSSA and Camp JCC present the BFF Club!!
Building & Fostering Friendships
Special Summer Social Skills Programs
A 2-week intensive camp for children ages 8-10 (Grades 3-5).*
This fun and enriching program is based on the latest research-proven methods for improving children’s social skills, and JSSA’s Social Skills Group Model, developed by well-known child psychologist, Dr. Stanley Fagen. Children, ages 8-10, enjoy focused social skills workshops in the mornings and have the opportunity to practice learned skills through fun afternoon camp recreational and group activities.
     Led by JSSA’s experienced social workers, children ages 8-10 in small groups will learn how to demonstrate friendly behaviors and establish and maintain positive peer relationships. Daily activities include structured learning, role-playing, games and modeling desired behaviors.
Rewards and self-ratings are utilized to enhance participation and to monitor acquisition, performance and implementation of skills. Weekly parent meetings offer psycho-educational information and provide feedback.
     *Please note: This camp program is appropriate only for children with social skills deficits, anxiety disorders, ADHD and high-functioning Asperger’s. All potential campers will be interviewed to assure that the BFF camp is appropriate for their needs.
BFF Camp Dates: Monday-Friday, August 10-21; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost Per Session: $950/Member $1150/PublicRegistration: 301-816-2633.
For more information please call 301-610-8373.

JSSA and the JCC of Northern Virginia present: Camp Shalom
     This exciting program is based on the latest research, proven methods for improving children’s social skills, and JSSA’s (Jewish Social Service Agency’s) successful Social Skill Therapy model developed to help children with ADD/ADHD, high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. The camp’s mission is to improve each child’s ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with peers and build a solid foundation for making and keeping friends within a relaxed, fun and creative environment.
     Admission Process: Each application will be dated and time stamped. In March,
interviews will be conducted with each child submitting an application. Counselors
from both JSSA and JCCNV will be involved in each interview. Families will be
notified of acceptance into camp after the interview and application has been completed.
Social skills topics covered include:

• Friendly behaviors: initiation of friendships, listening, taking turns and sharing
• Making conversation, responding to others, working as a team
• Impulse and emotional self-control
• Inhibition and delay
• Anger management
• Handling teasing, relaxation/stress management and more...

When: Session 1: Grades 1-3 June 22–July 3
Session 2: Grades 4-6 July 6–July 17
**Please note that Session 2 is now full.
Session 3: Grades 4-6 July 20–July 31
**Please note that Session 3 is now full.
Session 4: Grades 7-8 August 3–August 14
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Cost: $1,162/session; discounted JCCNV Member rate: $927/session
Where: The JCC of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
For more information and to register, please contact Dana Chilbert at 703-537-3031 or DanaC@jccnv.org. Camp Shalom registration materials can be found in the JCCNV Camp Guide (see pages 9, 10 and 15).

Autism Spectrum Disorders Across the Lifespan

Get Connected: Adult Social Skills
For men and women ages 19-30 who may have Asperger’s syndrome and are having difficulty transitioning into successful young adulthood. Challenges may include social or independent living skills. Participants learn and practice skills for making friends, initiating conversation, making decisions, expressing feelings, understanding nonverbal cues and managing disappointment.
When: Tuesdays, June 2-July 28 (no session June 16); 7:00-7:50 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $65/session (may be insurance-reimbursable)
Leader: Dawn B. Kaye, LCSW
Register: 703-204-9100

Moving Up and Out: Life and Job Readiness Skills for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome
This eight-session workshop is for men and women ages 19-30 who would like to build their life skills to promote independence, including: budgeting and money management, personal hygiene and cooking. Participants will learn the basics of finding and keeping a job, including time management skills, telephone etiquette, interviewing, appropriate workplace behavior and communication skills.
When: Wednesdays, June 3-July 22; 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $40 per session
Leader: To Be Determined
Register: 703-204-9100

Making Friends: A Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome
JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for young adults diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome or related disorders. This club provides social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment with guidance from professionally trained staff who work with participants on improving social skills and overall comfort in social situations. A variety of monthly outings (including parties, bowling, dinners, miniature golf and museum tours) will be scheduled.
When: Sundays, June 7, July 19 and August 16. Times and locations TBA.
Events will be led by JSSA’s Dawn B. Kaye, LCSW and the JCCNV’s Dana Chilbert, MSW.
Cost: $25 per event, or $200 for an annual membership which includes 12 events.
For a schedule of events, costs and more information, please contact Dawn Kaye at 703-204-9100.

Parent Training Workshop
This psycho-educational parent training program is for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in elementary and/or middle school. Clinicians teach parents strategies for coaching their children on improving social skills. Parents learn strategies including: assessing the child’s needs, developing positive thinking about friendships, direct teaching, social problem-solving, teaching life lessons, demonstrating empathy, reinforcing positive social skill displays and role playing.
When: Wednesdays, July 22-August 12; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $30/session in advance; $35 at the door
Leaders: Jamell White, LCSW-C; Caron Starobin, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8361

NEW!!! Gearing Up for the School Year: Looking and Feeling Your Best
This co-ed four-session workshop for high school aged adolescents with autism spectrum disorders addresses strategies for being your best in social and academic settings; including remaining calm, cool and relaxed. Topics include: appropriate self-care, time management and organization.
When: Tuesdays, July 28-August 18; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $140 for the series
Leaders: Katie Giganti, LCSW-C; Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8358

Support Group for Parents of Children with Asperger’s, Autism, PDD-NOS
Parent group to share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks, and gain support. No charge.
When: 1st Tuesday of every month: June 2, July 7, August 4; 7:00 8:15 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leader: Jamell White, LCSW-C
Registration: 301-610-8361

Support Group for Parents of Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and Related Disorders
This monthly support group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources, and balancing one’s own needs with those of adult children with special needs.
When: 4th Wednesday of every month, June 24, July 22, August 26; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $15/per session
Leader: Dawn B. Kaye, LCSW
Registration: 703-204-9100

Special Needs

Sibling Support Workshop
This co-ed six-session group is for siblings of children with physical or developmental disabilities. Groups will be formed based on age and specific needs. Workshop topics include: education on the different disabilities, coping strategies (e.g., anxiety, anger and other emotions related to having a sibling with a disability), and how to improve communication between parents and children.
When: Dates and times TBD
Cost: $210 for the series of six sessions; pre-payment required.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Registration: 301-610-8355

Family Support Group
In these free ongoing monthly groups, parents and family members of children with disabilities share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms and strategies for living for today and planning for the future. No charge.
6123 Montrose Road Group
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month: June 16, July 21, August 18; 7:15-8:45 p.m.
Leader: Martha Mervis, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8371
200 Wood Hill Road Group
When: 1st Wednesday of every month, June 3, July 1, August 5; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Leader: Ruth Berger, LGSW
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8357

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Deaf Adults Support Group: Lifetime Relationships, Lifetime Lessons
Support group for adults (ages 25+) to share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms, and strategies for improving relationships. This group focuses on mental health issues impacting relationships, including but not limited to bipolar disorder and depression. Learn how to live for today and plan for the future.
When: Wednesdays, May 27-June 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Email Lkatz@jssa.org for registration. Pre-registration required.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $65/session (insurance-reimbursable; funding may be available for residents of Montgomery County).
Leaders: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C (Lkatz@jssa.org); Judy Pannier, LCPC (Jpannier@jssa.org)
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200
**Group limited to 8 participants.

NEW!!! Support Group for Siblings of Deaf Brothers/Sisters
This co-ed four session workshop for siblings of deaf children/adolescents will help them explore better ways to get along with deaf/hard of hearing siblings and learn more about deaf culture and deaf-related issues. We will explore better communication between siblings and their deaf brother/sister, and ways of handling anxiety, anger and other emotions will be discussed. Activities will involve games and other fun scenarios.
When: Wednesdays, July 8-29; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $35/session; $40 for the entire series if pre-paid (funding may be available for residents of Montgomery County).
Leaders: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C (Lkatz@jssa.org); Judy Pannier, LCPC (Jpannier@jssa.org)
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200

View the Rockville and Fairfax Summer 2009 Growth and Learning Programs brochure [PDF]. For Rockville group information, please call 301-816-2633. For Northern Virginia group information, please call 703-204-9100.