Counseling

Counseling is at the core of the services we provide as an agency.  We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapies.  We have a playroom and are able to treat children as young as 3 years old through play therapy.  We also have the expertise to treat clients of all other ages, including seniors. 

Our clients come to us with problems ranging from relatively mild and situational, such as loneliness due to relocation to San Antonio, to relationship problems, to more serious issues such as severe depression or recovery from trauma and/or abuse. 

Counseling is the process of defining problems with the client(s), making a plan to address the problems, and using proven strategies to enable the client(s) to make the desired changes. 

Some counselors use insight driven strategies, some seek to change thinking and behaviors, and some approach the issue by pushing for step-by-step problem solving.  However it’s done, the counselors strive to help the clients help themselves, now and in the future. 

If you or somone you know needs counseling, call (210) 302-6920 and ask for an intake worker.  Our goal is to make all of our services accessible and affordable to all!

Senior Services

JFS is committed to helping seniors.  The social services department, directed by Bill McBroom, LCSW, provides a wide range of services.  Emphasis is placed on doing a thorough needs assessment for each client and providing the services needed to resolve the existing problems.  Senior case management services address many commonly experienced problems: 

Medical crises such as a sudden loss of functioning,  falls, strokes, or any reason for hospitalization.
 
Financial difficulties arising from limited resources, medical costs such as prescriptions, or the need to purchase durable medical equipment. 

The loss of a loved one, especially a life partner. 

The need to relocate to another residence, a retirement community, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing facility. 

JFS is also ready to help the helpers.  Many seniors depend on their adult children, other family members, or friends to provide companionship, transportation, and emergency assistance.  These helpers are under a great deal of stress as they try to juggle work, family responsibilities, and their own needs for self-care.  JFS offers information, referral, and support to the caregivers.  Access to a supportive professional is vital to those who display compassion by caring for seniors.   

If you or anyone you know needs Senior Services, call 302-6920 and ask for the social service department!

Victims of Crime

JFS provides vital services to clients who have been the victim of a crime.  The services are provided both to those who have been victimized in the past, such as victims of childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and to more recent victims.

Clients of the Victims of Crime program (VOCA) have experienced domestic violence, burglary, assault,  the loss of a loved one to homicide, and many other crimes.  The VOCA program  offers a wide array of services that include:

Emergency Crisis Counseling to help victims cope with the immediate aftermath of victimization;

Ongoing  individual, couples, family, or group mental health counseling to enable clients to understand and integrate the events and minimize any long-term effects; 

Case management to help clients access and effectively use community services so they can continue to function at home, at work, and in society; 

Victims Advocacy Services that include assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation applications, help to navigate the criminal justice system, court accompaniment, information, and referral.  

If you or anyone you know needs these services, call (210) 533-1112 and the receptionist will direct you to someone who can help you.

Case Management

Sometimes you just need some help to get through the bumps in the road. 
You need to know where to find a vital resource. 

You need help to understand how to deal with bureaucracies like CPS Energy or Social Security. 

In tough financial times you may need assistance with resume writing, job hunting, or budgeting. 

As your parents age, you may need information and guidance about the best choices for seniors who are becoming dependent or may need to relocate to a safer living situation. 

Jewish Family Service offers case management services at no charge to the client.  Your case manager will help you assess and define your needs and will make a plan with you to attain your identified goals. 

If you or anyone you know needs this kind of support and assistance, call 302-6920 and ask for the Director of Social Services.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Financial emergencies can hit anyone at anytime. 

Job loss, medical emergencies, and divorce are examples of events that can create a financial crisis. 

JFS is able to provide some relief when this occurs. 

Those in need can receive assistance for rent, utilities, and prescription medications.  Potential recipients are screened by our director of Safety Net services, and payments are made directly to the creditor.  The agency distributes funds starting at the beginning of each month until the monthly funding allotment is spent.

If you are in need and believe you qualify for this assistance, call 302-6924.  We make every effort to respond to each request.

Education and Support Groups

JFS is pleased to offer several groups that offer information, education and support.
    Anger Management:  This group helps clients understand anger triggers, emotional management and self-care, and teaches healthier ways to cope with stress and frustration.  A certificate of completion is offered to those who complete five (5) sessions.  Classes are held at 5:00 PM on Mondays at our Mission Rd. office (533-1112) and at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays at our NW Military Highway office (302-6920).
     Grief Support:  This group is open to anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.  Group members learn about the normal grieving process while giving and receiving emotional support from each other.  The group is held  on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the Mission Rd. office (533-1112).
    The Bending Blend:  This is an innovative combination of yoga and group therapy open to persons of all physical fitness abilities.  It is especially useful for clients wishing to utilize body movement and breathing to manage anxiety and depression.  The group is held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Mondays at the NW Military Highway office (302-6920).  
    Parents of Adopted Children:  This is support group that deals with all aspects of raising and living with adopted children.  If you would like input on problem solving, figuring out what is normal, or just ideas about coping, join this warm, lively group.  It meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the NW Military Highway office.