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 workshop series, as well as individual workshops that can be presented at your workplace, your child's school, or our offices. Please click here to request more information about current groups or to inquire about possible future groups such as an Older Men's Support Group or Local Caregiver Support Group.
Click to view summaries and times:
Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
JFCS/East By - 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.)
Group leader: Rita Clancy
(510) 704-7480, ext. 257
Please call for updated dates, times, and locations.
Café Europa is a special 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.
Job-Search Strategy/Support Group
2nd Wednesday of the month, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
JFCS/East Bay - Berkeley Office
Group leader: Laurie Nelson
(415) 596-0056
Fee: no charge
An informal, monthly drop-in meeting for job seekers at all levels and all professions. This group is a safe environment to discuss job-search concerns and issues. Participants have the opportunity to discuss their job search with a special focus on peer support and sharing best practices for landing jobs in this challenging hiring environment. This supportive group environment allows participants to discuss concerns, receive constructive feedback, and achieve practical strategies for taking the next step in the job search. No registration required.
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
Contact: (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. This group addresses 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.
