Learn more about the critical challenges facing Kansas Citians and how Jewish Family Services is responding during the JFS virtual speaker series beginning Oct. 15.
Each 45-minute session will include current stories from clients, overview of issues, and interactive discussion with organizational leaders. Scheduled from noon to 12:45 p.m., the sessions are free, but advance registration is required for each session by signing up at www.jfskc.org.
“Working with more than 10,000 individuals a year, our team has a unique lens into the complicated problems facing Kansas Citians. This series is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the critical social issues we’re collectively tackling,” said Don Goldman, JFS executive director and CEO. “It’s also an opportunity to have a dialog with us about the evolving challenges due to the pandemic.”
JFS Speakers Series Dates and Topics
Oct. 15: Aging in Place: How JFS is Helping Older Adults Age in Place with High Quality of Life Join Laura Gilman, director of older adult services, and Kelly G. Loeb, older adult care manager and Medicare counselor, to learn how JFS is offering older adults more options for living independently while saving them and the community thousands of dollars.
Oct. 29: Parents and Children are Experiencing Increased Anxiety Retuning to School and Group Setting. During this interactive Q&A, Kerry Scott, child and family therapist, will share stories of the increased anxiety facing children and parents today due to the pandemic, the effective strategies for tackling current challenges, and the hope JFS provides.
Nov. 15: Addressing the Complex Food Insecurity and Housing Crises in Kansas City A conversation with Jo Hickey, food pantry director, and Maggie Haghirian, KesherKC director, who will share their firsthand knowledge of clients’ daily challenges and vast network of collaborative partners working to provide effective solutions.
Dec. 6: Building a Community of Strength: Empowering Youth through Hope, Help & Strength Sondra Wallace, YouBeYou and Mental Health Coalition coordinator and chair of the Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition, will share how our youth, schools and adults are using the YouBeYou resources, Sources of Strength model and JFS services to build communities of strength anchored in caring, connected, positive relationships and social networks.