JFS invites anyone searching for help with their caregiver journey to the new Caregiver Crash Course, an educational series covering different aspects of caregiving.

The sixth and final class in this series meets on Thursday, December 14 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The topic for this class will be Caregiver Resources. Part of taking care of ourselves is knowing about community resources we can turn to for support and assistance. We will explore and discuss known resources and direct and indirect supports to assist caregivers. Bring the resources and experiences you’ve found helpful to share with others.

The course will be offered by cofacilitators Tara Burns, MA, LPCC and Bonnie Jaffe, RN. Tara is a mental health practitioner and JFS PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives in Seniors) Counselor and Caregiver Support Group Facilitator. Tara obtained an MA in Clinic Mental Health in 2019 from Adler Graduate School. Working with adults across the life span, her passion is providing services to individuals living with grief, loss, depression, anxiety, life changes and adjusting to illness and chronic pain. Her group experience involves facilitating support for bereavement, caregivers and healing through art workshops.

JFS Senior Services Supervisor Bonnie Jaffe, RN, has many years of hospital experience. In her role at JFS, Bonnie provides caregiver coaching, family consultations and leads the JFS grief and caregiver support groups. She is also a certified instructor for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Reach Community for Caregivers and Dementia Friends presenter. Bonnie is trained by Honoring Choices of MN to assist people in completing advance care directives.

The class is free and open to the public. Contact Tara at tburns@jfssp.org or (763) 300-3146 or Bonnie at bjaffe@jfssp.org or (651) 497-8248 for more information and to register and receive the Zoom link.