Jewish Social Service Agency
Serving Maryland, DC & Virginia
        For the best in child, family and aging services... Think JSSA
for workshops and groups
      
For more information please contact us: 301-838-4200 or 703-204-9100 or email us 

 

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Workshops and Groups - Summer 2008

For:  Children, teens, adults, seniors, families and individuals with special needs. 

Service description:  Whether a social skills therapy group for 6-year-olds with Asperger's syndrome; a 10-session program to help parents develop effective behavioral strategies for challenging children; a memory-coaching workshop for older adults; or a weekly bereavement group for adults grieving the loss of a loved one, JSSA's therapy, support and workshop groups provide the opportunity for anyone in our community struggling with a wide range of learning, behavioral, emotional and physical challenges to learn from our highly skilled professionals and to share with others who are facing similar challenges.  JSSA offers ongoing groups throughout the year with new groups forming in the winter, spring, summer and fall:*

 Children's Social Skills Therapy Groups
 Children and Teen Workshops
 Parenting Programs

 Adoption Workshops

 Adults, Seniors and Families
 Special Needs
 
 Northern Virginia Groups

*Please note that JSSA is continually forming additional groups based on individuals' and parents' specific needs and requests. We update our web site continually with new group/workshop offerings. So please check back often!

Service providers:  Clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, educational specialists and vocational counselors.

Service location:   JSSA offers groups in our Maryland and Northern Virginia locations.

Getting started: Pre-registration for groups is required. For group information in Montgomery County, please call 301-816-2633 and for Northern Virginia please call 703-204-9100. You may also send an email inquiry, to request that the most current workshop and group brochure be emailed or mailed to you.

Payment:  Information about JSSA's fees and charges is available upon request. JSSA accepts full fee as well as most insurance and managed care plans for this service. JSSA also accepts Medicare and Medicaid and can provide financial assistance on a sliding fee scale based on need.

View the Rockville Summer 2008 Workshop, Therapy and Support Group brochure[PDF]. For Rockville group information please call 301-816-2633. 

View the Northern Virginia Summer 2008 Groups (below). For Northern Virginia group information please call 703-204-9100. 

Children's 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 $10 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, kindergarten-grade 1**

When: Wednesdays, 4:30-5:20 p.m., July 2-August 27;

Leader: Wendy Baber, LCSW-C

 

Boys, grades 4-5 (ages 9-10)

When: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m., June 25-August 27;

Leader: Zach Lehman, LCSW-C

 

**Please note that this is an ongoing group with very limited new space availability. Please call 301-816-2633 for more information.

Asperger's syndrome groups

Boys, grades 5-6 (ages 10-11)**

When: Wednesdays, 5:45-7:00 p.m., July 2-August 13;

Leader: Caron Starobin, LCSW-C

**Please note that this is an ongoing group with very limited new space availability. Please call 301-816-2633 for more information.

 Children and Teen Workshops

Children of Divorce
Through four interactive group sessions, children (ages 11-14) will learn that they are not alone in the divorce process. Art, role-playing, letter-writing, self-esteem exercises and verbalization of feelings provide the tools for them to remain hopeful and positive. Parents will meet separately for two sessions to learn how to identify distress signals and better help their children through this process.
When:
Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28; 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville 
Cost: $240/series. Pre-payment required.
Leaders: Heidi Cohen, LCSW-C, and Jennifer Firestone, LCSW-C

Teen Therapy Group

Boys, ages 14-17, use didactic and process-oriented strategies to develop and enhance skills for making and keeping friends, increasing self-esteem, improving social interactions, and managing negative feelings.

When: Mondays, June 23-August 25; 7-8:00 p.m.

Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville

Cost: $65/per session (may be insurance-reimbursable)

Leader: Zach Lehman, LCSW-C

 

Handling Angry Feelings

Anger is a normal emotion, but it can be overwhelming for many children. In this workshop, children examine their "boiling points," practice ways to keep self-control, use "power talk" and positive self-talk instead of acting out, and complete an "anger contract" (with input from parents) for real-life application.

Ages 8-9

When: Tuesdays, July 8-22; 4-5:00 p.m.

Ages 10-11

When: Thursdays, July 10-24; 4-5:00 p.m.

Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville (both groups)

Cost: $150 for the entire series

Leader: Stanley A. Fagen, PhD

 

Adoption and the Jewish Family

The Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) is pleased to join with JSSA's Adoption Options to present this workshop for BOTH prospective and adoptive parents. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C and Beth Lutton, LCSW, Executive Director of Adoption Options, this workshop will include a panel of adopted adults and Rabbi Philip Pohl of Nevey Shalom in Bowie, Maryland and former rabbi of B'nai Shalom of Olney. Rabbi Pohl has counseled adoptive families around life cycle events – from conversion to B'nai Mitzvah. We will address the common questions and concerns of prospective and adoptive parents including developing one's Jewish identity and acceptance by the Jewish community.

When: Thursday, June 12, 2008; 7:00–8:30 p.m.  
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville

Cost: $35/personTo register, please visit http://www.adoptionsupport.org/cal/index.php.

 
Parenting Programs

Parents of Children with Asperger’s, Autism, PDD-NOS
Share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks, and gain support. Two groups offered. No charge.
When:
Mondays, June 16, July 7, August 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.;

Tuesdays, June 3, July 1, August 5; 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville

Leader:
Jamell White, LCSW-C
Please register monthly, 301-610-8361
 

Adoption and the Jewish Family

The Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) is pleased to join with JSSA's Adoption Options to present this workshop for BOTH prospective and adoptive parents. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C and Beth Lutton, LCSW, Executive Director of Adoption Options, this workshop will include a panel of adopted adults and Rabbi Philip Pohl of Nevey Shalom in Bowie, Maryland and former rabbi of B'nai Shalom of Olney. Rabbi Pohl has counseled adoptive families around life cycle events – from conversion to B'nai Mitzvah. We will address the common questions and concerns of prospective and adoptive parents including developing one's Jewish identity and acceptance by the Jewish community.

When: Thursday, June 12, 2008; 7:00–8:30 p.m.  
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville

Cost: $35/person

To register, please visit http://www.adoptionsupport.org/cal/index.php.

Adults, Seniors and Families
  • Support Group for Bereaved Parents
    Ongoing group for parents grieving the death of a young or young adult child. No charge.
    When:
    Monthly in the evening
    Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
    Leader: Suzanne Adelman, LCSW-C
    Pre-registration required: 301-816-2683

     

    Support Group for Newly Widowed Spouses
    Ongoing group for adults who have lost a spouse or partner in the past year. Prospective members are requested to wait to join until 2 or 3 months have passed since the death. No charge.
    When:
    Monthly, 2nd & 4th Wednesday; 9:30-11:00 a.m.
    Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
    Leader: Sharon Peska, LGSW
    Pre-registration required: 301-816-2658

     

    Support Group for People with Early Memory Problems
    This eight-session support group is designed for people who have been diagnosed with early memory problems. Discussion topics include: the causes of memory problems, how to cope with memory changes, and ways to improve relationships with family and friends. Make new friends and explore ways to keep life fun and healthy.
    Interested participants will meet with the group leader for a brief assessment before the group begins.
    When:
    Tuesdays, July 8-September 2; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
    Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
    Cost: $120/series. Pre-payment required.
    Leader: Jane Sahmel, LCSW-C

     

    You and Your Aging Parents
    Monthly
    support group for adult children with aging parent issues: coping with illness, sandwich generation, balancing your own needs, worrying about frail parents living alone.
    When:
    Dates TBA; 7:30-9:00 p.m.
    Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
    Cost: $15/session
    Leader: Beth Hess, LCSW-C

    Pre-registration required:
    301-816-2634

     

    Family Support Group
    In this ongoing monthly group, 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.
    When: Tuesdays, June 17, July 15, August 19; 7:30-8:45 p.m.
    Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
    Leader: Martha Mervis, LCSW-C
    Pre-registration required:
    301-610-8371

     

    Support Group for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Grieving the Loss of a Parent
    This seven-session evening group is for deaf or hard of hearing adults ages 25+ who are grieving the death of a parent within the past two years.
    When: Wednesdays, June 4-July 16; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
    Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
    Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
    Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; Voice: 301-838-4200

    **Group limited to 8 participants.

     

    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: Thursdays, starting June 19; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
    Cost: $15/session (may be insurance-reimbursable; funding available for residents of Montgomery County). Pre-registration required.
    Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
    Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200

    **Group limited to 8 participants.

     

    NEW!!! Networking Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Family Caregivers of Persons with Mental Illness

    This workshop is for deaf family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illness offering support, education and skills for family members. Topics include: gaining empathy; coping with mental illness, worry, stress, and emotional overload. Resource materials provided.

    When: Tuesday, June 3; time TBA

    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville

    Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required

    Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org.
    Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200 

     

    Adoption and the Jewish Family

    The Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) is pleased to join with JSSA's Adoption Options to present this workshop for BOTH prospective and adoptive parents. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C and Beth Lutton, LCSW, Executive Director of Adoption Options, this workshop will include a panel of adopted adults and Rabbi Philip Pohl of Nevey Shalom in Bowie, Maryland and former rabbi of B'nai Shalom of Olney. Rabbi Pohl has counseled adoptive families around life cycle events – from conversion to B'nai Mitzvah. We will address the common questions and concerns of prospective and adoptive parents including developing one's Jewish identity and acceptance by the Jewish community.

    When: Thursday, June 12, 2008; 7:00–8:30 p.m.  
    Where:
    6123 Montrose Road, Rockville

    Cost: $35/personTo register, please visit http://www.adoptionsupport.org/cal/index.php.

     Special Needs and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Groups

    Parents of Children with Asperger’s, Autism, PDD-NOS
    Share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks, and gain support. Two groups offered. No charge.
    When:
    Mondays, June 16, July 7, August 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.;

    Tuesdays, June 3, July 1, August 5; 7:00-8:15 p.m.
    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville

    Leader:
    Jamell White, LCSW-C
    Please register monthly, 301-610-8361
     

    Family Support Group
    In this ongoing monthly group, 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.
    When: Tuesdays, June 17, July 15, August 19; 7:30-8:45 p.m.
    Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
    Leader: Martha Mervis, LCSW-C
    Pre-registration required:
    301-610-8371

     

    Support Group for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Grieving the Loss of a Parent
    This seven-session evening group is for deaf or hard of hearing adults ages 25+ who are grieving the death of a parent within the past two years.
    When: Wednesdays, June 4-July 16; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
    Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
    Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
    Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; Voice: 301-838-4200

    **Group limited to 8 participants.

     

    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: Thursdays, starting June 19; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
    Cost: $15/session (may be insurance-reimbursable; funding available for residents of Montgomery County). Pre-registration required.
    Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
    Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200

    **Group limited to 8 participants.

     

    NEW!!! Networking Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Family Caregivers of Persons with Mental Illness

    This workshop is for deaf family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illness offering support, education and skills for family members. Topics include: gaining empathy; coping with mental illness, worry, stress, and emotional overload. Resource materials provided.

    When: Tuesday, June 3; time TBA

    Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville

    Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required

    Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org.
    Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200

    View the Rockville Summer 2008 Workshop, Therapy and Support Group brochure. [PDF]  For Rockville group information please call 301-816-2633.

    Northern Virginia Groups

    Parents of Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome and Related Disorders
    This monthly 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: Wednesdays, June 25, July 23, and August 27; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, VA
    Cost: $15/per session
    Leader: Dawn B. Kaye, LCSW
     

    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 outings (including parties, bowling, dinners, miniature golf and museum tours) will be scheduled from June through December. Events will be lead by JSSA's Dawn B. Kaye, LCSW and the JCCNV's Dana Chilbert, MSW.

    For a schedule of future events, costs and more information, please contact Dawn B. Kaye at
    703-204-9100.

    For Northern Virginia group information please call 703-204-9100.