JFS, in partnership with Sholom, invites anyone searching for help with their caregiver journey to the Crash Course for Caregivers, a six-class educational series covering different aspects of caregiving. These classes will be part educational and part participatory with an opportunity for caregivers to learn from and share with each other.

The courses will be offered by JFS therapist and Caregiver Support Group facilitator Tara Burns, MA, LPCC. 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, will also lead the Caregiver Crash Course. Bonnie is a registered nurse with many years of hospital experience prior to joining JFS in 2008. 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.

All six classes in the series will take place in the Mains Auditorium at the Shaller Family Sholom East Campus at 740 Kay Avenue in St. Paul from noon to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. CEUs available.

Each class will be focused on a specific aspect of caregiving.

Working with Emotions & Emotional Wellbeing
Thursday, February 22, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Sholom
Having emotions is human. But emotions can sometimes be powerful and challenging to manage. Learn from emotions such as anger and guilt and gain skills to help manage difficult emotions when they arise.

Caregiver Grief and Loss
Thursday, March 28, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Sholom
Learn about different kinds of grief and loss caregivers and care receivers may experience and how to move through those experiences.

Quality Caregiving in the Home
Thursday, May 23, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Sholom
Hear thought-provoking questions that can help you identify quality care, resources and recommendations for in-home caregiving. The definition of quality care is different for everyone and needs to consider the wellbeing, needs and concerns of the caregivers and their ever-changing diagnosis and care receivers.

Improving Communication Skills
Thursday, June 27, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Sholom
Improve identification and communication of feelings, needs and concerns and how to best express yourself in a variety of caregiving situations. Learn skillful ways to communicate with the care receiver including listening, processing and responding.

Quality Caregiving in a Facility
Thursday, July 25, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Sholom
Hear thought-provoking questions that can help you identify quality care, resources and recommendations for caregiving in a facility. The definition of quality care is different for everyone and needs to consider the wellbeing, needs and concerns of the caregivers and their ever-changing diagnosis and care receivers.

Caregiver Resources
Thursday, August 22 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Sholom
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.

Register for one, two or all six classes, all 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.