Featured Program
Mental Health Matters
It’s time that mental health issues are brought out into the open and discussed in a caring, honest, and inclusive manner.
We are facing a mental health crisis in our country, with a dramatic increase in anxiety and depression brought on by the pandemic. However, the stigma surrounding mental health continues…even with the bravery of high-profile athletes like Simone Biles.
Mental Health Matters is a year-long series designed to reduce the stigma of mental health issues by providing education, increasing awareness, and inclusivity. We invite you to join us for some or all of the following programs.
Special Engagement | Book Talk
Up Against the Wind with Author David Wyley Long
When: April 5, 2022 6-7:30 PM
Where: Gordon JCC
Host: JFS with author David Wyley Long
Event Details: More info →
All the work we do at JFS is strictly confidential, so it is a rare opportunity when a client comes forth to share their story. Please join us in supporting David Wyley Long as he shares his incredible story.
David will speak about his newly released book titled Up Against The Wind, Chasing David Wiley. Spanning over 40 years, the book is the inspirational journey of a black boy, born in Newark, New Jersey, to the streets of Detroit, Brooklyn and Nashville. David tackles life with raw honesty and with enduring pain, as he speaks through his continual struggles of learning life, love, heartbreak and more.
His story is a powerful testament of resilience, hope and perseverance. David will speak about his own mental health, how he weathered life’s storms and accomplished his life goals.
Read The Jewish Observer’s recent article about David and his upcoming book talk with JFS.
On-Going Programs & Events
Interactive Art Project
When: October 2021 – September 2022
Where: Gordon Jewish Community Center
Look for the soaring hot air balloon at the GJCC right past the Sig Held Art Gallery.
On-Going Programs & Events
Beads of Courage
Host: Toni Jacobsen, JFS Clinical Director
Event Details: Contact Toni Jacobsen 615-354-1672
Beads of Courage Strand for Strength and Remembrance Workshop was created for those who are coping with the death of a loved one. During this symbolic and creative arts program, participants are encouraged to express their memories, fears, courage and hope for the future, while honoring family and self through a guided process. During this workshop, each participant will create a unique Strand for Strength and Remembrance from the symbolic beads provided. The workshop will be facilitated by Toni Jacobsen, LCSW who will guide participants through a five-step process to create their personal Strand for Strength. The program incorporates art, creativity, reflection, breathing exercises, storytelling, and remembrance.
If you are interested in participating in the pilot of this program, please call Toni Jacobsen, LCSW Clinical Director at (615) 354-1672 or send her an email.
On-Going Programs & Events
100 Cups of Coffee
Have a cup of coffee on us! Get to know your JFS Nashville professionals so that you know where to go when you need assistance and learn about our agency’s programs and services.
Call or email to schedule your coffee today with:
Ashley Franklin, LMSW Social Worker
ashleyfranklin@jfsnashville.org | (615) 354-1662
Toni Jacobsen, LCSW Clinical Director
tonijacobsen@jfsnashville.org | (615) 354-1672
Pam Kelner, Executive Director
pgkelner@jfsnashville.org | (615) 354-1644
Anna Sir, Helping Hands Coordinator
helpinghands@jfsnashville.org | (615) 354-1686
PResources
Free Resources for Parents with Anxious Children
Mindfulness practice can encourage kindness in children and help them manage their emotions. It can also aid in the search of a more enriching and harmonious way of parenting.
Call to schedule a time to pick up your free book:
Ashley Franklin: ashleyfranklin@jfsnashville.org | (615) 354-1662
Toni Jacobsen: tonijacobsen@jfsnashville.org | (615) 354-1672
*This program is funded through the generosity of a private donor
Special Engagement | Professional Development
Mental Health in the Workplace
This program was offered to staff members of Jewish Communal organizations, focused on mental health awareness and skill building in November of 2021. Participants were trained in how to safely manage and de-escalate disruptive behavior, ways to offer and provide initial help, and ways to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary.
*This program was funded by a new initiative grant through The Jewish Federation and Foundation of Nashville.
Special Engagement | Community Education
Recognizing and Responding to Mental Health Needs in Others
In Januaray 2022, all community members were invited to join us for a two-part educational program series, “Recognizing When Someone is in Need of Help.” During this workshop, participants engaged in a variety of activities to strengthen their mental health knowledge in order to help them understand their role in supporting others.
*This program was hosted by the Blue Dove Foundation and funded by a new initiative grant through The Jewish Federation and Foundation of Nashville.
