Collat Jewish Family Services

10/26/2023

Finding the right way to speak with a child or teenager about death, war or terrible uncertainty is not easy. It is our job as parents to reassure our children even when we ourselves are feeling vulnerable. We want to be truthful but not give them more information than they need or can digest. We want to create a feeling of safety but also instill in them an understanding of our imperfect world.

It is a difficult balance, and it can be helpful to have a few general guidelines. visithttps://cjfsbham.org/talking-to-children-about-difficult-topics/ for tips to guide you in these conversations.

10/23/2023

The LJCC is collaborating with a number of partner agencies and other local nonprofits to create an art exhibit that will collectively celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. “Gemilut Hasadim at The J: A Collaborative Exhibit” will feature paintings created independently by groups and individuals from our partner agencies that explore the Jewish theme of gemilut hasadim, or the giving of loving-kindness.
Organizations participating in “Gemilut Hasadim” include:

Birmingham AIDS Outreach
Chabad of Alabama
Cohn Early Childhood Learning Center
Collat Jewish Family Services/Caring for Adults through Respite, Enrichment & Socialization
Hadassah
I3 Academy
Levite Jewish Community Center
Temple Beth-El
Temple Emanu-El
NOTE: This exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Leonard Lewis LJCC Fund of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation.

10/17/2023

Please join Temple Beth-El and JFF-BHM TOMORROW at 7:00 pm for an evening of Torah on Tap at Hi-Wire Brewing Company.
This is an opportunity for the Birmingham community to come together for an evening of learning and discussion about infertility in the Torah. This meaningful conversation will be led by Rabbi Henkin of Temple Beth El.
This event is FREE* and open to anyone in our community.
(*First beer is provided by TBE/JFF)

RSVP link in bio or email Julie at [email protected]

Questions? Email JFF-BHM Manager,
Julie Cohen at [email protected]

10/16/2023

Join CJFS Social Worker, Amy Neiman and CJFS Executive Director, Lauren Schwartz, for an interactive conversation on how to share the events in Israel with your children.
Click the link below to register and receive Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlfuquqzktGt1Dqp5YCRgLZcuJDcKKxiNp #/registration

10/12/2023

How much can Amy save you on your current Medicare prescription plan? Make your appointment today to find out by calling or emailing Amy at 205.278.7131 or [email protected].

10/09/2023

Join us as we support and stand with our Jewish Community. The entire Birmingham community is welcome to attend - Registration is required for ALL who attend.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2pwz8vha

10/08/2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel, including friends, family and colleagues. May they be safe and shielded from further pain and loss.

CJFS is here for our community as we process these tragic events together, in solidarity with the people of Israel.

10/05/2023

'Simple Ways You Can Make Life Better for an
Older Adult' In this month's Counselor's Corner, CJFS
Clinician LaBrena Friend, LMSW, shares 5 easy ways
that you can improve the life of an older adult in your
life. Click this link to learn how...https://cjfsbham.org/simple-ways-to-make-life-better-for-an-older-adult/

10/02/2023

This month's 'Honor Our Parents' Shabbat service is FRIDAY, OCT 20. Everyone is welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected] or 205.278.7101, if you can join us for a complimentary lunch after the service.

09/26/2023

Are you, or someone you know, grieving the loss of a loved one? Joining a support group can help. A support group provides an opportunity to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information to manage the grief of a loss.

CJFS/Jewish Family Services Collat , in partnership with Community Grief Support, is offering a 8-week Grief Support Group starting THIS THURS, SEPT 28. To register or learn more, contact Caleigh Alevy, [email protected] or 205.278.7101.

09/21/2023

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is known as the holiest day of the Jewish year. Leading up to and on that day, Jews traditionally ask for forgiveness for our wrongdoings from God and from our fellow human beings. For all our friends who observe, may you have a meaningful fast and be sealed for good in the Book of Life.

09/18/2023

Wondering what items to donate to the High Holiday Food Drive? Here are some of our most requested items: toiletries, dish soap, tuna/chicken in individual pouches, shelf-stable meals that are microwaveable and shelf-stable milk. Want to skip the store?
Here is our the link to our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RRFPZRHVJKTE/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?

Please remember that we are unable to accept food past the expiration date. We are grateful for all your donations and wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year - Shana Tova!
Temple Beth-El Temple Emanu-El

09/11/2023

Many – and probably most caregivers – would tell you that attending a support group is the most important part of their week. Did you know that CJFS offers free support groups for those caring for loved ones with dementia? Read more here...
https://cjfsbham.org/cjfs-caregiver-support-group/

08/29/2023

Sign up today for our Sept. 1 intergenerational Shabbat Service, with a delicious lunch hosted by the Levite JCC of Birmingham! Please RSVP by Aug. 30 to [email protected] or 205.278.7101, And if you can volunteer to drive an older attendee to this event, please let Caleigh know!

08/28/2023

Do you know a child dealing with anxiety or OCD? CJFS is offering a new program that may help their parents help them. CJFS Social Worker Amy Neiman, LMSW, is offering an 8-session class where parents can learn tools for helping their children overcome these issues. Want to know more? Attend one of two free informational sessions on Sept. 6 at 8:30 am or 5 pm. For more information, contact Amy at [email protected] or 205.278.7106.

08/25/2023

On Sunday, CJFS celebrated the fantastic volunteers who pack and deliver groceries for low-and moderate-income older adults each month through our Senior Grocery Initiative! Community demand is high for this program, which is a partnership between CJFS, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and Junior League of Birmingham. We hope to build our volunteer pool so we can deliver groceries to even MORE seniors! Interested in volunteering or learning more? Contact Caleigh Alevy, [email protected] or 205.278.7101.

08/23/2023

Do you know someone grieving the loss of a loved one? Please share with them that CJFS, in partnership with Community Grief Support, is offering a 10-week Grief Support Group beginning Sept. 6. Meetings will be at noon on Wednesday's at the Levite JCC of Birmingham. To register or learn more, contact Caleigh Alevy, [email protected] or 205.278.7101.

08/21/2023

Today is World Senior Citizen’s Day! It celebrates the contribution of older people in our lives. Reach out to an older adult in your life today and let them know how much you appreciate them!!

08/21/2023

The CJFS Personal Care Program, which provides in-home assistance to low-and moderate-income seniors, is celebrating its 20th year! Watch this short video to learn all this program does to support independence and enrich quality of life!

08/18/2023

It's time to register for our Sept. 1 intergenerational Shabbat Service, with a delicious lunch hosted by the Levite JCC of Birmingham! Please RSVP by Aug. 30 to [email protected] or 205.278.7101, And if you can volunteer to drive an older attendee to this event, please let Caleigh know!

08/17/2023

Do you know someone grieving the loss of a loved one? A new Grief Support Group begins Sept. 6, sponsored by CJFS and Community Grief Support, and all are welcome! To learn more, contact Caleigh Alevy, [email protected] or 205.879.3438.

08/14/2023

Our volunteers Beth, Nancy and David have been busy stuffing envelopes to spread the word about our annual Friends campaign. The Friends campaign enables CJFS to support independence and enriched quality of life in greater Birmingham! To be a friend of CJFS, visit https://cjfsbham.org/giving/

08/14/2023

You won't want to miss this video message from CJFS Friends Campaign Chairs Karri Neal and David Ovson! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLM9Fl2onbg

08/08/2023

Buy any $12.99 bouquet at Winn-Dixie on Montevallo Road, and CJFS will receive $1 - now throughout August! That's a win-win!!

08/07/2023

This month's community Shabbat Service at the Levite Jewish Community Center will include lunch - but you must RSVP! As always, we're also seeking volunteer drivers who can help transport attendees who don't drive. To register, contact Caleigh Alevy, Caleigh@cjfsbham,org or 205.278.7101.

08/01/2023

We are so proud of our partnership with Jewish Fertility Foundation and were amazed at the courage of JFF Birmingham Manager Julie Cohen in sharing the heartwrenching story of her daughter, Adina Pearl, in the JFF podcast "Fruitful and Multiplying"
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fruitfulandmultiplying/episodes/TMFR-From-Infertility-Treatments-to-Abortion-Remembering-Adina-Pearl-feat--Julie-Cohen-e25v8n6

07/31/2023

What does it mean to set appropriate boundaries in a relationship - and why is it important? In this month's Counselor's Corner, CJFS Lead Clinician Mark Driskill, LICSW, explains. https://cjfsbham.org/establishing-healthy-boundaries/

07/28/2023

Thank you to Chabad Of Alabama Camp Gan Izzy campers and their families for their amazing generosity to the CJFS Food Closet!

07/16/2023

When the Birmingham Jewish Federation's Women's Philanthropy group came to pack bags for our Senior Grocery Initiative, they went above and beyond! In addition to packing 30 pounds of food for more than 60 low-to moderate-income older adults, these women generously donated and packed essential toiletries as an unexpected gift for program participants. Senior Grocery Initiative, a partnership between CJFS, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and the Junior League of Birmingham, engages volunteers to make these life-changing delveries each month. We could not do it without amazing community support like this!

07/12/2023

As part of its Volunteer Fair on Sunday, Temple Beth-El and its Social Action Committee hosted a food drive for the CJFS Food Closet. We are so grateful!

07/12/2023

Do you have an extra hour a month you can spend delivering lunch to isolated older adults through United Way of Central Alabama Meals on Wheels? It will enrich your life and the lives of those you serve!

Did you know that the average Meals on Wheels delivery route only takes about an hour? That means that with just a little bit of time out of your week, you can make a difference for a senior in your community.

Learn how you can get involved today! https://mowjeffco.org/volunteer/

06/26/2023

In this month's Counselor's Corner Caleigh Rathmell Alevy, LMSW, shares information about our upcoming Grief Support Group, co-sponsored with Community Grief Support. Along the way, Caleigh explores her own journey of bereavement after the loss of her father, her grandfather and a young friend. https://cjfsbham.org/910-2/

06/25/2023

We were excited to be among more than 100 partner agencies celebrating the 100th birthday of the United Way of Central Alabama at CityWalk Bham! We are incredibly grateful for the generous support UWCA has provided CJFS for more than three decades - and yes, all that meeting and greeting did wear out one of our young volunteers! Jewish Fertility Foundation

06/22/2023

Want to feel happy? Join us tomorrow (Friday, June 23) for CJFS's 45-minute "Honor Our Parents" Shabbat service at the Levite JCC of Birmingham! All are welcome, and we guarantee smiles!

06/18/2023

Click here to read about our new Lead Clinician, Mark Driskill, LICSW! And remember, professional counseling at CJFS is confidential and often covered by insurance. https://cjfsbham.org/cjfs-welcomes-new-clinician/

06/13/2023

CJFS needs YOU to transport a community member to our next 45-minute "Honor Our Parents" Shabbat, at 11 am on Friday, June 23 at the Levite JCC of Birmingham! Or just come and join us! To learn about being a volunteer driver, contact Caleigh Rathmell Alevy, [email protected] or 205.278.7101!

06/09/2023

Moon Taxi, The Zulu Connection, Act of Congress, Los Destakados Band and other great musical acts will be performing at CityWalk Bham when the United Way of Central Alabama celebrates its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 24 - and CJFS will be there too! Enjoy food trucks, a Kidz' Zone, a Sports Garden with representatives of your favorite local teams, and more. Stop by our table - we can't wait to celebrate with you!

06/01/2023

Elvis was ALIVE and in the building when David Lee "World Champion Entertainer" performed at last month's CJFS Hands Up Together event! Did you have your picture taken with the King? Find it in our all-Elvis photo album!

05/25/2023

'Denise' had always felt great loyalty to her colleagues and the organization where she worked. But in counseling, she recognized that when a job no longer meets our needs, 'loyalty' does not always mean staying. In this month's Counselor's Corner, Gail Schuster, LICSW, ACSW, identifies key questions we can ask ourselves when considering a job or career change.
https://cjfsbham.org/deciding-when-to-leave-a-job-and-then-what/