September 2024 Newsletter
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Welcoming more than 300 of our friends and neighbors to A Day in the Park: Family Wellness Day has become a highlight of JSSA’s fall. For the second year in a row, JSSA hosted our community health and wellness event and it, once again, did not disappoint.
As children jumped in the bounce house or pet soft bunnies, had their faces painted, or danced with Urbana Dance, their parents had the opportunity to learn about a variety of ways our community supports positive physical and mental wellness from more than 35 community partners. From music classes to nutrition advice to therapy to fitness, our vendor partners had much to offer our guests at Bohrer Park on Sunday. Sept. 8.
Many thanks to our lead sponsors, Adventist Health Care, EagleBank, Ntiva and NFP Partners for their support of this community event.
Our success was a true testament to the power of this community. Local vendors and providers, volunteers, and JSSA Staff all came together to show our neighbors what resources are available to help them to enhance their mental and physical well-being. Supporting our neighbors is why we are all here!
With appreciation,
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What’s Inside:
- Mobile Mental Health Unit
- Dare to Be You
- Donor Touts DAF for Planned Giving
- JSSA Training Institute
- Support Groups for the Fall
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Coming to a School Near You
Earlier this month, JSSA’s first Mobile Mental Health Unit drove into our Fallsgrove office parking lot. This 36-foot converted RV is the first and only clinical space for mental health services of its kind in Montgomery County and removes an important barrier for those seeking mental health care: access to quiet, private space.
JSSA’s Mobile Mental Health Unit expands on the innovative work we are already doing to increase access to mental health services for Montgomery County’s youth and is an extension of our MindCraft program which currently serves 75 schools in the County. Our clinical staff can use the two office spaces inside the unit simultaneously to see students seeking mental health care. We’ll be driving the unit to selected school sites throughout the 2024-25 school year and it’s our hope this unit will help ensure equitable access for students in need.
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Dare to Be You Registration Opens
Speaking of school … For many of us, the Fall brings new beginnings, especially the start of a new school year. JSSA’s programs and services support our families and neighbors in life’s many transitions. One of our new Family Support Services programs, Dare to Be You – a prevention education program for families with preschool children – is now open for registration. We focus on family relationships and helping kids make good choices.
Dare to Be You sessions run for 10 weeks, and the weekly meetings include targeted activities and dinner for the whole family. The program focuses on strengthening family relationships and building resiliency. This program teaches children and their parents how to communicate in a healthy and open way, creating greater trust.
Fall sessions begin this October. Registration is free for families with children up to age 4 in Montgomery County.
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Using a Donor-Advised Fund to Support JSSA
Donor Profile: Harold Geisel
Through his service with the United States Department of State, Harold “Harry” Geisel has seen the world. His resume boasts tours as management or administrative officer in cities across continents, an ambassadorship in Mauritius, and he served as Deputy Inspector General for the Department of State and the
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Broadcasting Board of Governors from June 2, 2008, to September 30, 2013, and, concurrently served as Acting Inspector General. A Bethesda resident for more than 30 years, Harry has also been a longtime supporter of the local community.
“I live in this community, and I know of JSSA’s impact,” Harry said, explaining his years of donating to JSSA. “I see the good JSSA does.”
Harry is one of many supporters giving through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) – a charitable investment account. When Harry contributes cash, securities, or other assets to his DAF, he receives an immediate tax deduction, allowing him to give to the account when it’s most advantageous tax-wise to do so. Then, he recommends grants be sent from his DAF to JSSA whenever he chooses.
“I can time my contributions to the DAF to make the most sense tax-wise and then contribute to JSSA when funds are needed,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to give money to my favorite nonprofits.”
If you’d like more information on how to donate from a DAF, please contact Drew Wynn at 240-961-8910 or email dwynn@jssa.org. Follow the link below to learn more about how to turn your assets into a tax-deductible gift that supports JSSA and those we care for.
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October 10 is DAF Day!
Giving through your DAF allows you to simplify your taxes and amplify your impact on JSSA’s vital work in your community.
The Jewish Community Foundation at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is now offering $1 million in matching funds for your JCF DAF gift to JSSA. To learn more about this match, please contact Drew Wynn at dwynn@jssa.org or 240-961-8910.
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New from the JSSA Training Institute
As a trusted community health provider, JSSA is proud to provide culturally sensitive care to all our neighbors. Our next Training Institute session is designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and awareness they need to serve clientele from across our community, so our team and surrounding community providers can continue to provide culturally sensitive care.
Research has shown that Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations experienced worse rates of anxiety and depression than their non-Hispanic, white counterparts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, even before the events of 2020 and 2021, we know Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-identifying Americans received lower-quality care, while many were unable to access mental health services at all.
The training will begin with a presentation to contextualize the issue and present best practices. This will be followed by a panel discussion of BIPOC transitional-age youth who will share their experiences of mental health and accessing care. Youth on the panel join us from our Healthy Minds Fairfax Youth Advisory Council.
Participants earn two Category I Continuing Education credits. The session is free and open to the public.
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Support Groups Available this Fall
JSSA works hard to create opportunities for our neighbors to seek mental health support when and where they need it. Through a variety of support groups, our teams are creating safe spaces for exploration, healing, and learning. Here’s a snapshot of some current and upcoming support groups for the fall. Please register if you find yourself in need of support or share the information with a friend or loved one who may benefit.
Cultivating Resilience: Mental Health and Well-Being
Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.; August 14 – October 2
Join us for a free, virtual, drop-in supportive space for people in the Jewish community struggling with the impact of antisemitism as we move from the trauma of Tisha B’Av to the strength of Rosh Hashana. This is a safe space to engage with others, process concerns, and learn mental wellness practices. In this season of building hope and resilience, we can draw on the power and comfort of the community to help us address our fears, share resources, and build connections. Registration required.
Supporting Your Student on Campus – For Parents & Guardians
Tuesday, September 24, 7:30pm-8:45pm via Zoom
As emerging adults, most college students are at an important developmental stage, still benefiting from family support and wisdom while also strengthening their own independence. The current climate of heightened anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric on many campuses may be especially challenging to navigate.
With the fall semester beginning, and with the memories of last spring semester still fresh in our minds, parents, guardians and loved ones of college students are welcome to join a community conversation and learning with Adena Kirstein, Executive Director at George Washington University Hillel and Rabbi Rachel Hersh, JSSA Director of Jewish Engagement on how we can best support our own college-age kids. This session is free and open to all. Registration required.
Teen Therapy Group
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.; October 1 – December 17 (in-person meetings at Fallsgrove office)
This psychodynamic therapy group is for 14 – 17-year-old teens. Group members will learn new coping skills, increase self-confidence, and enhance their skills for making and keeping friends in a positive and supportive environment. For more information about this group please contact Zach Lehman at 301-450-3209 or zlehman@jssa.org.
Grief Support During the Holidays
Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.; October 31 – December 12
Grief and loss can be especially challenging for older adults around the holidays. JSSA will be hosting a free online support group for aging adults who are grappling with the death of a loved one. This small group will provide space to connect with others who can understand the unique challenges of grief. Participants should be over 60 and at least three (3) months since the loss. Please contact Kara Feidelseit at kfeidelseit@jssa.org, or 240-673-1024 for more information.
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The Ina Kay Building
200 Wood Hill Road,
Rockville, MD 20850
donate@jssa.org
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