Support Groups

Loss, Grief & Bereavement Support

8-week Suicide Bereavement/Traumatic Loss Support Group

Details: San Francisco, 6pm
Description: Open to people of any age who have lost a loved one or loved ones to suicide or traumatic death. A $25 donation is gratefully accepted; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Info: For information about joining this group, contact Patrick Arbore, phone: (415) 750-4111 ext. 230; email: parbore@ioaging.org.

Ongoing Drop-In Support Group

Description: Once an individual has completed the 8-week group, he/she can come to the monthly drop-in Friday night grief group. This group meets (generally) on the last Friday of the month from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. The schedule may change periodically. Please check here for current meeting information.

Upcoming Drop-In Meetings

• Contact Patrick Arbore, phone: (415) 750-4111 ext. 230; email: parbore@ioaging.org for information on upcoming meetings.

Bereavement Spiritual Support Group

Details: Thursdays, 7/9 - 8/11, 10:30am - 2:30pm
Description: While grief is a normal response to loss, we know from practical experience and from the teachings of our tradition, that being with an understanding community can help bring comfort and healing to the mourner. This group will provide a supportive context with both general and specifically Jewish resources for the mourning process. The group is especially suited for participants who have lost loved ones in the past year or so. Pre-registration is required and we will not be able to accommodate drop-ins.
Location: Congregation Kol Emeth
4175 Manuela Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Info: To register, or for more information, please contact Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, jewishhealing@ioaging.org or call Pamela Brown (415) 750-3436.

This bereavement group is offered by Grief and Growing: NextSteps for Mourners, a program alliance of Bay Area Jewish Healing Center and Sinai Memorial Chapel. For additional details, please visit www.jewishhealingcenter.org.

(Ongoing) Traumatic Loss Drop-In Group

Details: Saturdays, 10:30am - 12 noon, 3575 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118
Description: For adults of any age who have experienced the sudden, difficult, or traumatic loss of a loved one. No RSVP required. $20 donations per session gratefully accepted; no one is turned away if money is a problem.
Info: Contact 750-4111 x230 for information.

Chronic Illness & Dementia Support

Early Stage Alzheimer's Support Group

Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association

Description: This group offers concurrent groups for the Alzheimer's patient and for his or her caregiver.
Location: 3575 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118
Info: Call Judy Filoppoff for information and to register: (925) 284-7942

(Ongoing) Jewish Spiritual Support Group for People with Chronic Illness and Disabilities

Details: Thursdays, 1pm - 3:30pm.
Sponsored by Bay Area Jewish Healing Center in conjunction with Jewish Family and Children's Services.
Info: Contact Abby Kovalsky, LCSW at (415) 449-1224 for an initial interview.
Cost: Sliding Scale.

(Ongoing) Frances Neer Visually Impaired Persons Forum

Details: 4th Saturday each month, 11am, 214 Van Ness Avenue.
Description: A discussion and supportive forum for people losing their vision or who work in vision rehabilitation. This program is not sponsored by Institute on Aging.

Caregiver Support

Caregiver Support Group for LGBT Dementia Family Caregivers

Details: 4th Wednesday of each Month, 6-7:30pm, 3575 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Description: IOA & the Alzheimer's Association offer a support group for LGBT dementia family caregivers. Meetings held the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Info: Contact Erica Erney (408) 366-4385 or download a flier.

(Ongoing) Support Group for Caregivers of People with Dementia

Open to caregivers, including friends, spouses, children, grandchildren, cousins, etc. who provide direct care, long distance care, or offer support to others.

• 1st Saturday of Every Month
  10:30am – 12:00 noon
  3575 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118
  Info: Please contact Don Wendell at (415) 750-4111 x370 for details.
• 3rd Tuesday of Every Month
  5:00pm – 6:30pm
  3575 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118
  Info: Please contact Don Wendell at (415) 750-4111 x370 for details.