When something terrible happens to you, who do you turn to for support? For many of us, it is our spouse, a parent, or even an adult child. But there are those in our community who experience one of the most devastating losses - the death or incapacitation of the person they rely on most for support. So where do they turn when their cherished loved one is no longer there for them?

At JFCS, structured support is an essential service we offer to anyone who needs it. This is accomplished through support groups run by licensed clinicians. At the heart of these groups are the similar experiences the attendees share. In our Bereavement Groups, each participant has lost a loved one. In our 2nd Generation Group, each participant is the child of a Holocaust survivor. In our Israeli Women's group, each participant is newly immigrated to the US and needs help navigating life in an unfamiliar country. In our Caregiver Support Group, each participant is the primary caregiver for an aging spouse, relative, or loved one. We start new support groups, covering different topics when requests are made and demand arises, because we are dedicated to offering support to people during their most vulnerable times.

The positive impact these support groups have on our clients is highlighted in this story: A couple of years ago, we started a group for five bereaved widows. The group was led by one of our clinicians, who respectfully and sensitively guided the participants about how to both share one’s feelings and how to listen to the feelings of others. The group was scheduled to last for eight weekly sessions, but after that time was up, the group requested several extensions to keep the group going. They appreciated the support they received from each other as well as from our clinician and wanted the meetings to continue. Eventually, the formal group did end but, now, two years later, these five women still meet on their own, continuing to offer empathy, caring, and love to each other on a weekly basis. They took what they learned from their time with JFCS and have adopted it into a way of life that now includes a support system comprised of friends who all understand what each other has experienced.

Sometimes, all we need is an outstretched hand to get through tough times. The support we give others has a lasting effect and can be just the antidote that a grieving or struggling individual needs to create a brighter future.