Support Groups

Loss, Grief & Bereavement Support

8-week Suicide Bereavement/Traumatic Loss Support Group

Details: San Francisco, 6pm
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) 750-4180 ext. 230; email: parbore@ioaging.org.

Ongoing Drop-In Support Group

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) 750-4180 ext. 230; email: parbore@ioaging.org for information on upcoming meetings.

Bereavement Spiritual Support Group

Details: Wednesday, 7/21 - 9/15, 6:30pm-8:30pm
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 Sha’ar Zahav
290 Dolores Street (@16th Street)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Info: To register, or for more information, please contact Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, jewishhealing@ioaging.org or call (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, 3330 Geary Blvd., 3rd Floor East.
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 the IOA intake coordinator for information at 750-4180 x203.

Chronic Illness & Dementia Support

(Ongoing) Early Stage Alzheimer's Support Group

Info: Call Abby Lamb for information and referrals, 750-5330 x362.

(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.
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

(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.
Info: Please contact Kate Saylor at (415)750-5330 x368 for details.

• 1st Saturday of Every Month
  10:30am – 12:00 noon
  3600 Geary Blvd., San Francisco
• 2nd Wednesday of Every Month
  2:00pm – 3:30pm
  3600 Geary Blvd., San Francisco
• 3rd Tuesday of Every Month for Adult Children of People with Alzheimer’s
  5:00pm – 6:30pm
  3698 California St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco