Community Education

Services for People with Disabilities hosts informational presentations relevant to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and professionals to enhance understanding of issues that affect people with disabilities and promote inclusion within the community.

We invite presenters of all abilities to contribute to Community Education. Those interested in presenting on topics relevant to people with disabilities are welcome to complete the Request for Presenters form (PDF) and email to Kathryn Dougherty. Requests for presentations are accepted on a rolling basis and are scheduled year-round. Currently, presentations are held virtually. 

For more information on presenting through Community Education, please contact Kathryn Dougherty at 773.765.3158.

Our Jewish Community Services offer educational sessions on the following topics. All programs can be tailored to your specific needs.

Addiction/Recovery

Naloxone (Narcan) Training
We offer Overdose Prevention and Reversal Training to provide participants with the skills needed to act in emergencies involving opiates. This session includes hands-on training on how to administer Narcan, a life-saving drug that reverses opioid overdoses.

Empower: How to Use Your Medications Safely
This session covers essential topics for those who routinely use prescription medications, including understanding drug interactions, addressing adherence challenges, discussing medications with healthcare providers, and managing multiple medications.

When a Family Faces Addiction
This session covers the basics of addiction, its impact on families, the role of family involvement in treatment and recovery, and how to support a loved one struggling with addiction.

Addiction Without Drugs?
This session covers the foundations of nonsubstance addictions, including gambling, shopping, internet overuse, and pornography, along with related recovery concepts. As these addictions are rising at alarming rates, we focus on issues specific to the Jewish community.

Meditations & Self-Compassion/Self-Care:  Support Programs for Troubled Times

Birkat Kohanim Caring Meditation
This program demonstrates how meditation can help during stressful times by introducing a Jewish meditation based on the Priestly Blessing.

Bedtime Sh’ma for Anxious Minds
This program introduces the Bedtime Sh’ma to help alleviate nighttime anxiety and promote restful sleep, along with the Modeh/Modah Ani morning practice, making it ideal for all community members.

Tender and Fierce Self-Compassion
Based on Dr. Kristin Neff’s work, this program teaches self-compassion practices and is open to everyone.

Mental Health Education: Supporting Yourself and Others

BASIC Ph: Coping with Curveballs
Learn to navigate life’s challenges by identifying personal coping strategies.

Compassion in Action: Supporting Mental Wellbeing
Learn how to engage in empathetic dialogue, implement practical support techniques, and address concerns when you’re worried about someone.

Bikkur Holim/Caring Conversations
Caring Conversations is a workshop for synagogue or other organization volunteers who will be making phone calls or visits to enhance wellness and care of individuals who are ill, frail, lonely, bereaved, caregivers and others in need.

Empowering Parents:  Teaching Kids Safety Strategies
This workshop for parents focuses on balancing the need to safeguard their children while fostering healthy independence.