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Developing a Mindfulness Practice | |
This following is a snippet of an article written by Michael, Director of Clinical Services at JFS. To read the full article, visit the JFS blog. | |
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Over the past decade, significant attention has been given to the topic of mindfulness. The Nations schools have developed mindfulness programs to assist students achieve. Mindfulness has made an appearance in the clinical world in the form of mindfulness-based therapies. However, the question remains, how does one develop a mindfulness-based practice and cultivate attitudes that are fundamental in the practice of mindfulness? Below are the seven key components that are the foundation to any mindfulness-based practice:
Non-Judging
When beginning a mindfulness practice your thoughts will wander. Many thoughts may flood your mind, such as future commitments, family, and work. That is perfectly fine and to be expected. There is no need to judge yourself for this. You are developing a “practice” and like any new skill, mindfulness will take time to develop. If the mind begins to wander, simply focus on your breathing as an anchor. This is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself with loving kindness and simply return your attention to the breath...
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To find out what the remaining six components are, click the box below! | |
STAFF & VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS: | |
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Let’s meet Kathie!
Kathie is an Oncology Social Worker with Cancer Care Connection, an affiliate of JFS Delaware. She has over 10 years of clinical experience serving the community and supporting individuals and caregivers impacted by cancer and other life stressors.
Why did you decide to work for Cancer Care Connection?
“After completing graduate school to begin a second career in social work, Cancer Care Connection’s advertisement for a social worker intrigued me. During my own cancer experience, there was very little attention paid to the psychosocial impact of cancer on one’s life. Later, while working in human resources, I witnessed the bio-psycho-social impact and distress that adult and childhood cancers had on my colleagues’ hearts and souls – whether they were patients, parents, family, or caregivers.”
What is the best part of your job?
“I deeply value the opportunity to provide a safe space for “unhurried conversations,” allowing patients and caregivers to voice their hopes, concerns, and frustrations to a non-judgmental professional. Witnessing the relief that listening, coaching about stress reduction tools, and providing pragmatic resources, when possible, is a privilege."
What is a fun fact about you?
“I used to be terrified of dogs, but since our son came home from college with a huge Great Dane/Lab mix, I love them. Since then, we’ve had three big dogs. Exposure therapy at work?”
Click here to read more about Kathie!
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We here at JFS Delaware would not be able to fulfill our mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community without the help of our incredible volunteers. One of those amazing volunteers is Gail. Let’s get to know Gail!
What is the best part of volunteering?
“The knowledge that you helped someone achieve something they couldn’t have done on their own….making the possible a reality.”
Would you recommend volunteering for JFS? Why?
“Yes! The need is universal and never ending and you can find a need that fits your time/talent/treasure/resources.”
What is a fun fact about you?
“I have four grandchildren and one more on the way and they are all right here in the Wilmington area!”
What is the best book you've ever read?
“The Man Who Was Magic, by Paul Gallico. Given to me by a friend in college, it made me realize that I really do believe in magic and often you make the magic yourself.”
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
“I am endlessly grateful that my grown children and their families and my mother all live within a 10-mile radius of each other. If there ever was a need, we could literally walk to find each other and be together, which I find importantly reassuring.”
Click here to read more about Gail!
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: REFUGEE INTEGRATION SUPPORT EFFORT (RISE) | |
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RISE assists new Americans by helping them secure housing and employment, providing cultural orientation, and introducing systems of support.
How Does JFS Support Refugees?
Integration
- We provide cultural orientation and teach refugee clients how to access and use public and emergency services
Employment & Education
- We assist with job readiness and English language classes, employment counseling, and job placement and retention
Health
- We support and guide refugee clients through required medical screenings and vaccinations, and help them to identify and access health care providers and treatment
Social Services
- Case Managers assist refugees in applying for low-cost housing, enrollment in education or training programs, medical and legal needs, citizenship applications, and accessing additional services as needed
How YOU Can Help: This important work would not be possible without the generosity and volunteerism of community members and partners like YOU!
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Our Mom's Space Support Groups provide a safe space for moms to connect, share, and ask questions. Mom's Space is part of the JFS Sonia Schorr Sloan Maternal Mental Health Program.
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Weekly support groups every Tuesday at 10 am on Zoom led by clinicians with specialty training (PSI trained)
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A safe space for women/birthing people to CONNECT, share, and ask questions
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Providing education about various topics pertaining to maternal mental health
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Facilitating access to additional support & wellness services
*Individual therapy sessions are also available
Mom's Space is for pregnant women up to two years post-partum. There is no cost to participate! Click here, or call 302-478-9411 to sign up!
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The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is an annual arts festival in Wilmington, Delaware. Featuring hundreds of juried artists exhibiting one-of-a-kind art, the festival is a Delaware tradition spanning over half a century.
Each year, 15,000 visitors flock to Brandywine Park’s Josephine Gardens for an end-of-summer celebration. The BFA has something for everyone: over 200 artists exhibiting in a wide range of styles and mediums, live music performances, children’s activities, and a selection of local food vendors including beer and wine.
Oksana, one of our RISE clients from Ukraine, will be displaying her art at the festival! JFS volunteer Dr. Lanny Edelson told Barry Schlecker, who manages the festival, about Oksana and Barry decided her work would be a great addition to the festival!
So be sure to come on out on September 9th and 10th.
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Jewish Heritage Night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks | |
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August 1st was Jewish Heritage Night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks game!
Rabbi Beals from Congregation Beth Shalom opened the night with the national anthem of Israel. JFS had a table on the concourse, as did the JCC, the Jewish Federation of Delaware, and PJ Library at Delaware and Brandywine Valley.
Morgan, our Outreach Coordinator, connected with many members of the Jewish community, including Jordon Rosen (former board member of JFS who is now serving on the JFD board) and Hayim Weiss, administrator at the Kutz Home. A Blue Rocks employee stopped by the table to mention that he uses JFS' services and is very happy with them, and he said that when he reached out for help, he was responded to in a very timely manner. The last person that stopped by for the night looked over our Cancer Care Connection information and told Morgan the story of her mom passing from cancer five years ago. They spoke about having the proper supports during and after that type of ordeal. Many people stopped by just to say hi.
It was a great night, and we're grateful to have been a part of it!
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Several Ukrainian Refugees Received their Driver's Licenses! | |
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Several Ukrainians in our RISE program recently got their driver's licenses! This is an important step on their path to self-sufficiency.
Click here for information on our refugee services.
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Dr. D'Souza Participates in Inflation Reduction Act Roundtable Discussion | |
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Dr. Maria D'Souza, Geriatrician and Medical Director of JFS COMPASS, participated in a roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester this month at the Middletown Senior Center. The roundtable included federal and state healthcare leaders devoted to lowering seniors' healthcare costs under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Dr. D'Souza shared her perspective on the "generational impact" of this legislation on individuals, families, and the community by freeing up individuals' funds to afford much-needed caregiver respite options, such as adult day health programs and in-home companion care. This is critical for caregivers to avoid burnout and worsening of their own health conditions, and for older Americans living with dementia to be able to remain in their homes and communities amongst their grandchildren and neighbors.
Click here for more info.
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JFS Strategic Planning Sessions | |
Members of our board and staff met this month at the Delaware Center for Horticulture for a strategic planning session to discuss the vision and direction of JFS Delaware. Exciting things to come! | |
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On August 24th our staff took part in a well-deserved Wellness Retreat. Staff members had the opportunity to participate in several activities, including painting, a sound bath, learning about self-care in case management, yoga, building a terrarium, walking in nature, and line dancing!
A big thank you to One Trip Over The Moon, LLC for facilitating!
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Ukrainian Gathering in Sussex County | |
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This past month, we hosted our last Ukrainian gathering in Sussex County for this summer. It was another great day of fellowship and learning together! We're so grateful for the support of our volunteers and partners in Sussex County for helping us make these gatherings happen!
If you would like to get involved in our refugee support efforts, visit jfsdelaware.org/volunteer/.
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FOLLOW US on social media!
Keep up with what's new at JFS Delaware!
Comment, Like, and SHARE!
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Our work is made possible by dedicated volunteers and donors like YOU! Click on the boxes below for information about how YOU can get involved in helping our neighbors, friends, and family thrive. | |
We are looking for passionate, energized, and skilled professionals who share our goals and values and want to make a meaningful difference every day. | |
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Job Openings:
- RISE Case Manager
- RISE Case Manager for Haitian Creole Refugees
- Licensed Social Worker in Wilmington
- Licensed Social Worker in Lewes
- JFS Fellowship
- Agency Administrative Assistant
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Why JFS?
- Full range of benefits
- Flexible hours & location
- Growth Opportunities & CEU's
- Commitment to DEI
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Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is a nonprofit human services agency with a mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services. With an interdisciplinary and innovative approach, we combine talent, expertise, and leadership to make our robust therapeutic and support services available to everyone, regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or special need.
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99 Passmore Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
20684 John J Williams Hwy, Suite 4
Lewes, DE 19958
(302) 478-9411
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