REAL MHI Winter-Spring 2023 Programs
REAL MHI is for everyone. A minimum of 1 in 5 people are navigating a mental health issue at any moment in time. Even if you aren't personally impacted, we all have family members, friends, or neighbors who are. Your participation in REAL MHI’s programs helps build a community that prioritizes support for anyone, at any time. All perspectives and experiences are welcome!
REAL MHI reduces stigma. Stigma reduction happens when we talk openly about mental health, mental illness and addiction and learn to respond to misperceptions or negative comments by sharing facts and experiences. We further reduce stigma when individuals feel safe, connected, and supported enough to share their own personal stories with others within our community.
REAL MHI sees and values the whole person. Now in our 8th year, we create effective and inclusive programs for all ages that see and value each individual as a whole person. We educate the entire community in order to reduce stigma around mental health and create opportunities for open dialogue and support.
REAL MHI is a place for you to get involved. When more members of our community are educated, ready, and willing to connect with each other, people who previously turned away from their synagogue for support are able to turn towards it. Attend a REAL Conversations speaker series featuring cutting-edge thought-leaders and educators, an engaging film series, or a peer-lead support group. Volunteer on one of our REAL committees and help us shape this initiative to reflect the needs and priorities of our community. There are so many ways to help build this community of support for all. To learn more and get involved, email mhi@rodefsholom.org.
To learn more about Rodef Sholom's REAL MHI Initiative, including ongoing supports and resources, click here.
WINTER-SPRING 2023 REAL MHI PROGRAMS
REAL Parent Support
Tuesday, Feb 7th 7:00p to 9:00pAre you a parent of a young adult who: Has mental health challenges? Is struggling on the way to independent adulthood? Is dealing with other challenges with which you would like support? REAL Parent Support is a monthly group for parents of adult children who struggle. Join us to connect, support each other and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesdays of each month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, Feb 8th 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, Feb 22nd 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
Tuesday, Feb 28th 5:00p to 7:00pREAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents provides a safe space for adults who were raised by a mentally ill parent to come together and support each other. The group will focus on: ● sharing experiences growing up with a mentally ill parent ● discussing and sharing coping skills with others who grew up with a similar family life ● learning from others’ positive emotional awakenings, awareness, and skills in negotiating current family and social relations In-person at Rodef Sholom. Meets fourth Tuesday this month, then moves to second Tuesday beginning March 14, 2023.
REAL Parent Support
Tuesday, Mar 7th 7:00p to 9:00pAre you a parent of a young adult who: Has mental health challenges? Is struggling on the way to independent adulthood? Is dealing with other challenges with which you would like support? REAL Parent Support is a monthly group for parents of adult children who struggle. Join us to connect, support each other and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesdays of each month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, Mar 8th 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
Tuesday, Mar 14th 7:00p to 9:00pREAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents provides a safe space for adults who were raised by a mentally ill parent to come together and support each other. The group will focus on: ● sharing experiences growing up with a mentally ill parent ● discussing and sharing coping skills with others who grew up with a similar family life ● learning from others’ positive emotional awakenings, awareness, and skills in negotiating current family and social relations In-person at Rodef Sholom. Meets second Tuesdays each month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, Mar 22nd 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Parent Support
Tuesday, Apr 4th 7:00p to 9:00pAre you a parent of a young adult who: Has mental health challenges? Is struggling on the way to independent adulthood? Is dealing with other challenges with which you would like support? REAL Parent Support is a monthly group for parents of adult children who struggle. Join us to connect, support each other and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesdays of each month.
REAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
Tuesday, Apr 11th 7:00p to 9:00pREAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents provides a safe space for adults who were raised by a mentally ill parent to come together and support each other. The group will focus on: ● sharing experiences growing up with a mentally ill parent ● discussing and sharing coping skills with others who grew up with a similar family life ● learning from others’ positive emotional awakenings, awareness, and skills in negotiating current family and social relations In-person at Rodef Sholom. Meets second Tuesdays each month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, Apr 12th 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, Apr 26th 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Parent Support
Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00p to 9:00pAre you a parent of a young adult who: Has mental health challenges? Is struggling on the way to independent adulthood? Is dealing with other challenges with which you would like support? REAL Parent Support is a monthly group for parents of adult children who struggle. Join us to connect, support each other and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesdays of each month.
REAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
Tuesday, May 9th 7:00p to 9:00pREAL Support for Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents provides a safe space for adults who were raised by a mentally ill parent to come together and support each other. The group will focus on: ● sharing experiences growing up with a mentally ill parent ● discussing and sharing coping skills with others who grew up with a similar family life ● learning from others’ positive emotional awakenings, awareness, and skills in negotiating current family and social relations In-person at Rodef Sholom. Meets second Tuesdays each month.
REAL Support for Parents of Gender Expansive Kids
Wednesday, May 10th 7:00p to 8:30pWhether you are just at the beginning or have been navigating your child's gender expansive journey for years, we invite you to attend this bi-monthly group to connect and share with other parents. This group focuses on the parent experience, rather than the child experience, and holds space for parents at ANY STAGE of the journey. This is an intimate group setting where your questions, fears, feelings, setbacks and triumphs are welcomed. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
REAL Book Talk: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Thursday, Feb 9th 7:00p to 8:30pJoin Julie Fingersh and Marci Dollinger for a discussion on Zoom of Michelle Obama’s new book, The Light We Carry... We can all use a little wisdom and some strategy during these challenging times. Come with an open heart and mind, ready to share and discuss how we can all shine our light a little brighter.
REAL at Rodef Sholom presents: The Broken Mishkan Performance & Community Conversation with Sara Nesson
Thursday, Mar 2nd 12:00p to 1:00pMishkan is Hebrew for “sacred space.” The Broken Mishkan is a 23-minute performance piece that follows one woman’s compelling journey toward wholeness after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Hosted by Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown.
The REAL Mental Health Initiative Presents: Dr. Lisa Damour Speaker Event
Monday, Mar 27th 7:00p to 9:00pPlease join us for a presentation about Dr. Damour’s latest book in which she will address the fact that adolescent mental health isn't about feeling good, calm, or relaxed, but about having the right feelings at the right times, and knowing how to manage those feelings effectively. She will offer guidance on how to help teens open up, and how to keep teens from being overwhelmed by their emotions or feeling at the mercy of their moods. Provide concrete strategies for supporting teens as they manage their feelings at home, with their peers, online, and at school.
The REAL Mental Health Initiative Presents: Julie Lythcott-Haims Speaker Event
Thursday, May 18th 7:00p to 9:00pNew York Times bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haims is back with her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult. Her newest book has been called a “groundbreakingly frank” guide to adulthood.
REAL Supporting our Youth Series Presents: Dr. Sarah Lowenthal on Eating Disorders
Tuesday, Feb 7th 7:00p to 9:00pDr. Sarah Lowenthal will discuss an overview of eating disorders, including warning signs, what to do if you are concerned about a loved one, and how to access care. She will also review the general goals and modalities of treatment.
REAL Supporting our Youth Series: Gender and Sexuality
Tuesday, Mar 14th 7:00p to 9:00pIn this presentation, Cammie Duvall, LMFT, will discuss the joys and challenges of being transgender, reality vs. social media, navigating politics & extended family, and much more. The main focus of the presentation will be directed towards parents and how they can best support their child’s gender exploration/transition process.
REAL Supporting our Youth Series: Suicide Prevention
Tuesday, Apr 18th 7:00p to 9:00pSuicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing the Signs and What to Do. Hosted by our partners at Buckelew Programs, this presentation will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their teen, actions to take if their teen is having suicidal thoughts, and resources.
REEL Movie Night Presents: The Wisdom of Trauma
Monday, Feb 6th 6:00p to 9:00pREEL Movie Night is a monthly film and discussion series featuring a curated list of movies that deal with the topics of mental health and mental illness. Enjoy a film in a supportive social environment and stay for a conversation afterward.
REEL Movie Night Presents: Ordinary People
Monday, Mar 6th 6:00p to 9:00pREEL Movie Night is a monthly film and discussion series featuring a curated list of movies that deal with the topics of mental health and mental illness. Enjoy a film in a supportive social environment and stay for a conversation afterward.
REEL Movie Night Presents: Girl, Interrupted
Monday, Apr 3rd 6:00p to 9:00pREEL Movie Night is a monthly film and discussion series featuring a curated list of movies that deal with the topics of mental health and mental illness. Enjoy a film in a supportive social environment and stay for a conversation afterward.
REEL Movie Night Presents: Little Miss Sunshine
Monday, May 1st 6:00p to 9:00pREEL Movie Night is a monthly film and discussion series featuring a curated list of movies that deal with the topics of mental health and mental illness. Enjoy a film in a supportive social environment and stay for a conversation afterward.