Classes and On-Going Groups

Summer Internship Program for High School Students

The Summer Internship will run from Monday, June 24 - Friday, August 2, 2013 - priority is given to students who will be present for all six weeks of the program. Students will work for 20 hours a week over the course of the 6 week program, earning $10.55/hour. Additionally, students attend a weekly 3-hour workshop with YouthFirst staff to learn about resume writing, conflict resolution, public speaking, and additional relevant topics. Application deadline is Friday April 12th
YouthFirst offers internships during the summer for exceptional rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Our internship programs are terrific opportunities for high school students to gain valuable experience working in various JFCS departments and in the San Francisco Bay Area community.To receive an application, please contact Alli Darrow at AlliD@jfcs.org or 415-491-3641

Summer IMPACT: JFCS Summer Camp Aug. 5-16 (Mon-Fri)

Summer IMPACT is Jewish Family and Children's Services meaningful and exciting summer camp for middle school students in Marin on weekdays from 9 am - 3 pm, August 5-16, 2013. Summer IMPACT brings campers together to engage in their community through service projects, social justice education, and Jewish values. Campers will have a blast making new friends who share their interest in, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). This program has been met with overwhelming success, and we look forward to another successful session this summer! A program fee of $180 per week is due Friday, May 10th, 2013, along with all registration materials. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please apply early - the program fills to capacity every summer! To learn more and to register please contact Alli Darrow at AlliD@jfcs.org or 415-491-3641

Santa Sabina Center

Tuesday Apr 16, May 14, 7 - 8:30 pm. Through the Ear to the Heart: Singing the Music of Hildegard of Bingen as contemplative practice. This gentle listening and singing the music of Hildegard is led by Devi Mathieu and requires no previous experience with the music of Hildegard or with medieval music. Suggested Donation $10- $20.

Wednesdays, Apr 17 (Marietta Fahey, SHF), May 15 (Joe Nassal, CPPS). 9:30 am - 2 pm. Days of Prayer. These days are offered by various guest presenters who will guide the group in quiet, contemplative reflection. Generally the days conclude with Eucharist celebration. Suggested donation $20.

Team Tzedek: A JFCS Service Learning Program for Middle School Youth Open for Registration

Team Tzedek, a highly successful program of Jewish Family and Children's Services allows 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to participate in community service projects throughout the academic year. Through workshops and community service opportunities, middle school students come together to learn about the Jewish/Humanitarian values that command us to perform acts of social justice, loving kindness, and righteous giving. Registration is now open for this fun and eye-opening mitzvah program. For more information or to sign up, please contact Alli Darrow, 415.419.3641 or allid@jfcs.org

The Next Chapter: A JFCS Holocaust Education Program for Teens Open for Registration

Students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade interview Holocaust survivors about their experiences before, during, and after the war and document the oral histories in written essays. Students attend weekly workshops on topics that include Holocaust history, documenting oral histories, writing and public speaking skills, and learning about the Jewish cultural renaissance. For more information, please contact Morgan Blum at MorganB@jfcs.org or 415-449-1289.

Manovill Holocaust History Fellowship: A JFCS Holocaust Education Program for Teens Open for Registration

Students in high school study the Holocaust at the college level. Each year, eight fellows are selected to conduct in-depth research into the nature of the Holocaust and other genocides and to gain the skills that will allow them to serve as effective advocates for strengthening tolerance in the Bay Area. The fellowship emphasizes experiential learning. Participants hear from local Holocaust survivors, pursue research on a topic of their choice, teach their peers, and participate in community events. For more information, please contact Morgan Blum at MorganB@jfcs.org or 415-449-1289.

LGBTQ Support and Discussion Group

Second and fourth Wednesdays, 5-6:30 PM, 30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 160, San Rafael. Spectrum LGBT Center welcomes young people ages 14-19 to a support and discussion group at our office in San Rafael. Are you questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender and want a safe place to talk and be yourself? This group is for you! Now meeting twice a month. Facilitate by Cristin Brew, MFT. Call for more info and directions (415) 472-1945, ext. 273 (24 hour message line).

Homeward Bound Families Have an Immediate Need

Homeward Bound of Marin has added new units in our transitional and permanent supportive housing programs for homeless individuals and families. We are very excited to offer these new resources to help these folks "move home for good." Now we are looking for help to furnish these new units! Would you please follow this link to our needs list http://hbdonations.bringit.bz/public/a6159b to see if you or someone you know may have items to donate? Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please call or email Sr. Colleen McDermott, OP at Homeward Bound at 382-3363 x217 or colleen@hbofm.org.

Homeward Bound is Looking for Volunteers

Homeward Bound of Marin began in 1974 through an interfaith effort and seeks to end homelessness in Marin County. Will you consider joining us in this endeavor? Here are several ways that you might help:

Support Homeward Bound at the Marin Farmer's Market: Love the Marin Farmers Market? Want to get involved? Homeward Bound seeks outgoing volunteers to help staff our outreach table on Thursday morning's 9-11 and 11-1 pm at the Farmer's Market at Marin Civic Center. Our volunteers, who have been present at the market for more than 15 years, answer questions about our programs, hand out newsletters and accept donations. No selling or soliciting is involved. Become a market regular and serve the community at the same time! Any interested volunteers should contact Ashley at 415-382-3363 ext 212 or email akelly@hbofm.org

Attention Chocolate Lovers: Become a Halo Helper! Be a part of our social enterprise team. We need outgoing, sociable people to help package, deliver and sell our delectable Halo Truffles and Halo Homemade products at local craft fairs, schools and businesses. These goods are created by students at the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, a highly successful program that offers culinary training to formerly homeless individuals beginning a new career. The sales sustain this vital training program which you can support. Volunteers are needed for the main sale seasons in December, around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, but may involve other events throughout the year. This is a great way to get out in the community and benefit Homeward Bound. Any interested volunteers should contact Ashley at 415-382-3363 ext 212 or email akelly@hbofm.org

Help Homeward Bound take a Bite out of Homelessness - Host a Halo Sale!
Halo Truffles and Halo HomeMades let you indulge in a treat while supporting Homeward Bound of Marin in the goal of "ending homelessness through training, housing and hope." All of our chocolate Halo Truffles and the Halo HomeMades line of jams, preserves, salsas and relishes come from the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, which offers job training to people moving out of homelessness. Call 415-382-3363 ext 244 to host a sale in your congregation or community gathering!

Attitudinal Healing -North Bay -Support Groups

Our aim is to help ourselves and others achieve a shift a shift in perception from fear to love, with an emphasis on extending love and being of service to others. Everyone is a teacher- and we are all students and teachers to each other. We have free support groups all over Marin, and one in Napa and one in San Francisco. For information call 415-457-1000, e-mail centerforah@gmail.com, or visit www.CAH-NorthBay.com.

Need Help with Your Child's Emotional Difficulties?

Matrix Parent & Resource Center Can Help If you are interested in resources for your child, check out Matrix's packet called Understanding and Finding Help for Emotional Difficulties, or search for resources in their online resource guide. For more information, go to: www.matrixparents.org.

The Marin County School Volunteers Needs Help

The Marin County School Volunteers is the only countywide organization matching volunteer tutors with public school students in classrooms and homework centers and we need your help. Your Faith Community can Adopt-A-School by becoming volunteer tutors at a school in your neighborhood or where you have an affiliation or interest. By volunteering as a group you can show your collective caring in the community. Volunteers usually help from 2-3 hours per week, although more time is greatly appreciated. Your group can volunteer on different days and times of the week, all of which can be arranged with our Program Managers and the Volunteer Coordinators at the individual schools. Becoming a volunteer tutor is an easy process. Please visit http://www.mcsv.org/ or call 499-5896 or email mcsvmcoe@marin.ka.ca.us for more information. We would love to work with you to arrange an Adopt-A-School volunteer tutor program.

Interfaith Counseling Center of the Bay Area

15 Austin Ave at SFTS. Therapists, spiritual directors, and other helping professionals are available to the community. Please check our web page, www.interfaithcc.org, or call us at 415-256-9701 to identify who best might be able to help you with your concerns. Sliding scale fee structure. To inquire about renting office space, please email info@interfaithcc.org.

No Waiting List for Senior Housing

The Ross Valley Ecumenical Housing Association (RVEHA) invites you to tour our Tam Houses in San Anselmo. There are currently openings for independent seniors to live cooperatively at low cost. Please call House Manager Chris Highland at 457-5633 to schedule a tour. To learn more about "the future of community living," visit http://www.tamhouse.org/ to read the latest newsletter, watch a video and see photos of our unique homes.

Nonprofits Talking Taxes

"Nonprofits Talking Taxes" is a workshop tailored for nonprofit staff and faith communities who seek other solutions to our state's fiscal crisis besides more budget cutes. Economists tell us that taxes are a mirror of community values. Poor schools, inadequate healthcare, a degraded environomnet are all reflections on our current tax and budget structure. But these structures can change to reflect the common good! For more information or to schedule a training, go to: www.nonprofitstalkingtaxes.org.

Great Turkey Drive

Express your gratitude during the holidays by buying a ham or turkey to be served at the free dining room at St. Vincent's. They have curbside drop-off at 820 B Street, San Rafael. Just give your donation to an employee or staff member wearing a red or blue apron. They can also buy the ham or turkey for you if you send a donation to P. O. Box 150527, San Rafael, CA 94915. For more information, please call Terry Hennessy at 415.717.1570.

Rising Sun Energy Center Green House Calls & Jobs

Looking for employment? Want to be more environmentally friendly for free? Rising Sun would love to help you save money! The Rising Sun Energy Center is an organization that focuses on creating a society that uses energy and water responsibly and equitably and we offer pro-youth programs that hire and train young people from the local community to provide FREE 'Green House Calls' in their communities. Whether you're interested in summer employment with Rising Sun, or would like a FREE Green House Call, contact Taraneh Arhamsadr at arhamsadr@risingsunenergy.org to sign up or for more information!

Need A Handyman?

Endorsed by the Friends of the Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy! Handyman: Drywall, Carpentry, Painting Service. Perfect drywall patch work and drywall installation , taping and texturing.Painting interior and exterior, oil or water-based paint. Carpentry and tile work, bathrooms or kitchens, light electrical work, plumbing. Rental property cleanup and more than 25 years experience. Affordable quality in this recession. Free estimate please call Rudy at 879-0164 or visit http://www.indoeurohome.com/handyman.html?1325707356598.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Marin County School Volunteers Needs Your Help

The Marin County School Volunteers is the only countywide organization matching volunteer tutors with public school students in classrooms and homework centers and we need your help. Your Faith Community can Adopt-A-School by becoming volunteer tutors at a school in your neighborhood or where you have an affiliation or interest. By volunteering as a group you can show your collective caring in the community. Volunteers usually help from 2-3 hours per week, although more time is greatly appreciated. Your group can volunteer on different days and times of the week, all of which can be arranged with our Program Managers and the Volunteer Coordinators at the individual schools. Becoming a volunteer tutor is an easy process. Please visit http://www.mcsv.org/ or call 499-5896 or email mcsvmcoe@marin.ka.ca.us for more information. We would love to work with you to arrange an Adopt-A-School volunteer tutor program.

Volunteer Drivers Needed

JFCS Needs Drivers for Marin Seniors. Help provide Marin County seniors with a life-transporting experience. Become a volunteer driver for seniors who can no longer drive themselves to and from medical appointments, the grocery store, and other vital services. You will be performing a good deed and helping many Marin seniors to remain independent in their own homes. All logistics are coordinated through the JFCS office in San Rafael, and training is provided. Contact Betty Hirschfeld at 419-3661 or BettyH@jfcs.org to volunteer or to receive more information.

Hanukkah Is Right Around the Corner!

Thursday, November 29, 4-6pm, Jewish Family and Children's Services, 600 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. Get into the spirit of Hanukkah by assembling holiday gift bags for seniors. It's a great activity for the entire family! JFCS needs help decorating and filling bags of holiday goodies and delivering them to seniors throughout Marin. For more information, contact Betty Hirschfeld at 415-419-3661 or BettyH@jfcs.org.

Canal Alliance: Food Pantry and Open Market Assistant Volunteers

Every Tuesday morning, The Canal Alliance opens their on site food bank to the community. Volunteers help unload the truck, sort the items (usually consisting of breads, grains, fruits, juices, vegetables, milk, and canned goods), stock shelves, and monitor the walk-through system currently in place. This would be a fun experience for a group, and an excellent way to witness how the Canal Alliance has a direct impact on the community by providing a basic need. Volunteers are needed in two shifts: from 8am-11:30am and again from 11:30am to 3:00pm. Volunteers would receive a brief overview of the agency as well as a tour. 5-7 volunteers are needed during each shift to make this experience successful. For more information, please contact Joshua Castro at joshuac@canalalliance.org or call 415.306.0452. To review additional volunteer job descriptions online please visit http://www.canalalliance.org/volunteer-programs/current-opportunities.