As we approach the 3rd commemoration of the shooting that took 11 lives on October 27, 2018, we are putting together ways to volunteer in the community, get free therapy if you need it and help with events across Pittsburgh.
JFCS is a partner of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, along with the City of Pittsburgh, FBI Pittsburgh office, Center for Victims, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, and the three synagogues directly impacted by the shooting: Congregation Dor Hadash, New Light Congregation, and Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation.
JFCS works to provide support to the community through counseling and therapy support groups for those impacted by 10/27. Details listed below:
- Therapeutic support around the commemoration:
- JFCS therapists will be on site before and after the commemoration event on 10/27 (details of the commemoration will be shared by the 10/27 Healing Partnership)
- JFCS therapists will be on site across from the synagogue on 10/27 and on Sunday, 10/24 for the Yahrzeit.
- The warmline will be active for brief support at 412.422.0400 The UpStreet chat will also be open to all individuals at upstreetpgh.org
- JFCS is involved in the Commemoration planning committee. Plans for the event will ensure that everyone in the community can be safe and healthy while honoring the lives of those lost. The 10.27 Healing Partnership (https://1027healingpartnership.org/) has more information and details about this event.
Ongoing activities:
- We are continuing to provide support to individuals directly impacted by the shooting to ensure their wellbeing, especially as they navigate the challenges and frustrations of the impending trial.
- JFCS facilitates a survivors group for individuals who were directly involved in the synagogue shooting that has been meeting since spring 2019.
- JFCS also holds a support group for adult children of 10/27 victims to provide support to them as they navigate grief and loss.
- JFCS continues to offer support to the community through support groups and individual counseling. Our community support groups saw over 100 people attend throughout the last year.
- We are prioritizing health during this pandemic through teletherapy and virtual therapy. A full list of groups, plus registration and details, are available at jfcspgh.org/events.
- Online support groups are available for people to join to address a number of needs.
- Community Art Therapy – This art-based support group explores ways art making can help regulate the nervous system, promote playfulness, imagination, help develop insight, connect us more deeply to our bodies, emotions, thoughts, and world views. Community Mindfulness & Meditation – Mindfulness and meditation offer the opportunity to cultivate greater awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and actions.
- Dealing with Loss in Difficult Times – Amidst this time of physical isolation, it can be difficult to find opportunities to gather with others to reflect on and process loss. This group invites people to reflect and share their challenges and successes as they navigate this journey during this unique time.
- For Teens – UpStreet’s Social Anxiety Therapy Group can help individuals ages 12-22 navigate the challenges of going back to school, making friends, starting relationships, and other social activities.
- Individual therapy is available for people who need specialized care. Our team of social workers and therapists are experienced and compassionate with expertise in a variety of areas from child therapy to trauma therapy. To schedule an appointment with a therapist, email counseling@jfcspgh.org.
- UpStreet is available for anyone ages 12-22 through brief support online and through individual therapy. Learn more, schedule an appointment, or start chatting with a therapist now at upstreetpgh.org.