54 / 76
www.theconnectionsnj.com
PAGE 54
Providing Support for Life’s Challenges Services for Families with Special Needs 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 • 908-725-7799 Admin@JewishFamilySvc.Org • www.JewishFamilySvc.Org A ten session Social Learning Group (SLG) for children (ages 8-12) or adolescents (ages 13-16) with special needs. Held Sundays in Bridgewater ~ A monthly Social Club for young adults (ages 18-35) Held on Tuesdays 4-6pm in Bridgewater ~ Support Groups for Siblings of Children with Special Needs ~ Support Groups for Parents & Caregivers ~ Counseling for children and families ~ Family Mentoring , a volunteer visitation program ~ Parent Educational Programs For more information about fees, dates and other JFS Programs and Services for individuals with disabilities and their families please contact us at: We are thrilled to introduce our Event Hair and Makeup services conveniently at our place or yours. We are also excited to host custom tailored “Girl’s Night” events including how-to hair and makeup seminars. We can’t wait to be a part of your special day and help make you feel beautiful, no matter what the occasion is. Here at “The Beauty Bar”, it’s always happy hour... Hair Services, Makeup Services, Airbrush Application for Brides & Bridal Parties, Trial, Out on the Town They teased me. Pleased me and made me Blush... We specialize in fusion hair extensions for all hair types. 144 West Main St., Somerville, NJ 08876 908-393-7009 lovethebeautybar.com kelly@lovethebeautybar.com elise@lovethebeautybar.com Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-8 Friday & Saturday by Appointment Only lovethebeautybar @lovethebeautyba r luvthebeautybar lovethebeautybar @Love_Beauty_Bar Having a child with special needs brings many challenges, especially in an era of social media where young people primarily use technology to relate. Using the internet, apps and video games to connect, children and adolescents become more isolated and may not have sufficient exposure to face interactions that facilitate social skills development. Many par- ents struggle with finding opportuni- ties for their children to learn social skills, make friends and share inter- ests, especially if the child has limited interests. Does this sound familiar? Jewish Family Service’s Social Learn- ing Group can help! The JFS Social Learning Group is a friendly and fun social group that meets in Bridgewater for a 10 week series for 3 cycles a year. Children (ages 8-12) or adolescents (ages 13- 16) meet as a small group of their peers to share experiences, make new friends, learn and practice social skills and enjoy activities together to broaden their interests. The program is facilitated by licensed clinicians, who are experienced in guiding chil- dren in mutual exchanges and build- ing children’s social confidence in a safe and secure setting. This 90 minute group is filled with teamwork exercises, drama and acting opportu- nities, art, and many other activities all developed to ensure that while learning, children are also having fun. Children who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum or with other social skills disorders thrive in a small, supportive group setting, where they can build interpersonal skills that support them in developing and maintaining friendships. While schools might offer occasional groups to children, many schools do not have the funding and/or staff to accommodate this very essential need for children and adolescents on a reg- ular basis. In addition to the Social Learning Group, Jewish Family Services offers a Parent Support Group and a Sibling Support Group for families of chil- dren with special needs. Both groups provide peer support, psychoeduca- tion, and links to community resources in a small, intimate group environment. If you know of a child, adolescent or family who would benefit from the Social Learning Group or other spe- cial needs programming, please con- tact Jewish Family Service of Somer- set, Hunterdon and Warren Counties at 908-725-7799 for more informa- tion or to enroll. There is a fee for the group, but scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the Nancy L. and Arthur E. Lee Fund for Spe- cial Needs. JFS of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties is committed to serving the needs of the community and provides a continuum of pro- grams and services open to all. For more information, please contact us at 908-725-7799 or visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org. Jewish Family Service’s Social Learning Group… A social experience and learning opportunity for children and adolescents in our community By Jennifer Ellis Walters, LCSWShop Downtown Somerville