JSSA

12/23/2025

ATTENTION MCPS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Are you interested in getting certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) during winter break?

JSSA is hosting a new training in late December for MCPS high school students aged 15 and above. Participants who complete the training will get $100 as an appreciation for their commitment to fostering a supportive school environment.

Location: JSSA Fallsgrove Office, 200 Wood Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20850, 3rd Floor Boardroom

Days/Times: 12/29, 12/31 and 1/2 at 9:30-11:00am OR 1-2:30PM (Must pick either morning or afternoon segment and attend all 3 mornings or all 3 afternoons – cannot change times)
Register here: https://jssa.jotform.com/252304641163953

Participants will learn:
*Common signs and symptoms of mental illness
*Common signs and symptoms of substance use
*Common signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis, particularly su***de
*How to open the conversation about mental illnesses and addiction with friends
*The impact of school violence and bullying on mental health
*How to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult

Participants Must:
*Be at least 15 years of age and attend a Montgomery County Public High School
*Be available to attend all scheduled sessions
*Complete a pre & post-participation survey

Interested? Register Here: https://jssa.jotform.com/252304641163953

*Dates and times may be subject to change depending on how many students register and weather conditions.

12/22/2025

When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about your options for support, we can help.
With one call to (703) J-CARING (703-522-7464), our coordinator will listen to your situation with empathy and provide you with immediate guidance and referrals to help you access the most relevant community programs and services – both within JSSA and through our partners across the Greater Washington region.

Every interaction is centered on you, your goals, your comfort, and your pace. Even if you’re unsure where to start, our team will walk you through your personalized options.
Help is just a phone call away. Call (703) J-CARING now.

All calls are confidential.

12/21/2025

The Greentree Group Program offers a diverse array of therapeutic group experiences designed to support individuals across all stages of life. These groups range from short-term psychoeducational and skills-based groups to longer-term clinical processing groups and are tailored to meet diverse needs.

For children, adolescents, and young adults, groups are organized by age and focus area, addressing emotional and behavioral regulation, mood and anxiety challenges, and social skills development, especially for those with neurodivergent profiles.

For adults and older adults, our groups focus on topics such as managing mood and anxiety, navigating life transitions, and parenting support.

Please call (301) 603-2862 to speak with our group program intake specialist to learn more information about openings in our groups.

Programs for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
• High School Adolescent Psychotherapy Group
• Building Healthy Teen Relationships for Middle Schoolers
• Social Skills Group for 4th-5th Graders

Programs for Adults and Older Adults
• Bridging the Distance: Support for Parents Experiencing Family Estrangement

New groups forming!
• Young Adults: Neurodiversity and Connections, “Come as You Are”
• Women in Life Transition (45-60 years old)
• Elementary School: K-3rd Grade Social Skills
• Parenting in Today’s World, “Breaking Cycles”

Visit https://ow.ly/xBiz50XIzsr for detailed information.

Our workshops and support groups allow everyone from teens to older adults to connect with others in a supportive environment. Call now to learn how we can help.

12/18/2025

Last week, JSSA proudly celebrated the Dare to Be You fall graduation on Tuesday, December 9, at Harriet Tubman E.S.

The event brought together families, staff, and supporters to recognize the tremendous growth participants achieved throughout the program. Graduation is always a meaningful moment, an opportunity to reflect on the stronger family bonds that develop as parents and children learn and practice new skills together.

This year was no exception. Parents shared heartfelt reflections about how much they appreciated the program and how it has positively influenced their parenting, communication, and confidence at home. Several even expressed their excitement to recommend Dare to Be You to other families in their communities.

Dare to Be You is an early childhood intervention program that equips preschool-age children and their parents with tools for healthy, open communication. These skills help build trust within the family and empower children to make thoughtful decisions when facing challenges. By partnering with participating schools, the program offers families a supportive environment to learn, grow, and strengthen their relationships.

The fall graduation celebrated not just the completion of the curriculum, but the meaningful steps families have taken toward creating more connected and resilient futures.

12/16/2025

On December 11, 2025, JSSA welcomed 186 Holocaust survivors and their caregivers to Café Europa, a cherished annual gathering with lunch, Klezmer music, and dancing, held at Bnai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland. This unique annual event, one of the largest gatherings of Holocaust survivors in the National Capital Region, offers survivors an opportunity to honor their collective resilience as they celebrate the holiday season and reconnect with friends.

We were excited that Bethesda Magazine reporter, David Montgomery, joined the festivities and shares stories about the special event and some of the survivors in attendance.

The annual Café Europa luncheon held in Rockville offers fellowship, food and dancing for Holocaust survivors.

12/14/2025

For thousands of families across our region, every day counts.

Every day, someone is struggling to afford food or rent.

Every day, older neighbors search for independence and connection.

Every day, someone fights to see the light through darkness.

Join JSSA’s 18 Days of Giving and help make every day left in 2025 count. We need to raise $100,000 by December 31 to reach those who need us most with the compassionate, expert care and support they deserve.

Join us now at https://ow.ly/NTyg50XGj15

12/12/2025

⏰Today is the FINAL day of our 2X match! ⏰

This special match expires at midnight tonight. Please don’t let this opportunity slip away. In turbulent, uncertain times, shine a light of hope, and help JSSA provide support to our entire community.

Double your gift before midnight at https://ow.ly/YtCw50XGiF8

12/10/2025

JSSA's Meals on Wheels (MOW) program is expanding our support for adults in Montgomery County, MD. If you are 50-59 years of age and live in Montgomery County, you now qualify for MOW deliveries. You just need to be home to receive the meals.

Meals are delivered to your home either 3x/week or 5x/week, depending on your needs. The meals are kosher and include both lunch and dinner, milk, juice, bread, and a fruit or dessert.

If you are interested in receiving MOW deliveries, please contact Taylor McCarley at 301-816-2612.

12/09/2025

As we enter this season of light, we turn to the flickering flame of a candle and all it represents: hope, warmth, and the resilience of community.

You can bring light and hope to Holocaust survivors like Rosa, families facing financial hardships, teens struggling with their mental health, and all those who turn to JSSA for support.

This week only every donation to JSSA will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000! This match is only available until December 12, so please don’t wait to give at https://ow.ly/vAvb50XGigy

12/08/2025

Do you have an old car or truck you are looking to get rid of, but haven't gotten around to selling? JSSA can help.

12/04/2025

When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about your options for support, we can help.

With one call to (703) J-CARING (703-522-7464), you will be connected to the resources
and support services you need from our robust network of human service organizations.

Support is available:
Monday – Friday
9:00AM – 5:00PM

All calls are confidential. Resource and Care Navigation services are free to those needing support.

A partnership between The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and JSSA, the J-Caring Community Support Line can assist you with everything from mental health care and career services to emergency cash assistance, childcare and more.

You are not alone. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲: 𝟕𝟎𝟑-𝐉-𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 (𝟕𝟎𝟑-𝟓𝟐𝟐-𝟕𝟒𝟔𝟒).

Visit www.jssa.org/jcaring for more information.