Sacred Aging Institute (SAI)

Finding Our Space of Refuge

Sunday, April 20, 2-4 p.m.

Challenging experiences are part of life’s journey, whether deeply personal or universal. During such periods, is it possible to rest into a space of refuge, a space of solace and comfort? The purpose of this workshop is to explore the possibility of finding our own place of refuge, an inner or outer space of nurturing protection. Is it already present in our lives, but we do not know how to access it? If not already present, how can we create it? Come join us in this heart-felt personal and group exploration led by Sandra Berman, a beloved member, educator, and Age-ing to Sage-ing facilitator

A Good Death: Tough Decisions, Touchy Discussions

Sunday, March 23, 3-4:30 p.m.

We often assume that people agree on what constitutes a "good death," but in fact that definition varies widely. In this workshop, Ann S. Epstein, a certified end-of-life doula, will encourage participants to picture how they want to die, how to communicate their vision to others, and what to do when their wishes and those of their loved ones differ. Ann will also provide an overview of end-of-life doula services and a list of resources to facilitate end-of-life choices.

Workshop on Hoarding Behaviors with Emily Nagaonkar

Sunday, March 30, 2-3:30 p.m.

Hoarding can be a difficult topic to discuss. There are many unanswered questions and misinformation. Participants will learn: the definitions, indicators, and risks of these behaviors; harm reduction strategies; and resources to help yourself and loved ones. Emily Nagaonkar, LCSW has been a social worker for 18 years, supporting older adults and their families. Emily has specialized experience with comprehensive case management, hoarding disorder, dementia care, and caregiver support. She has worked at long-term care communities, subsidized senior housing, and led social work teams at several nonprofits serving older adults. Emily recently moved back to Ann Arbor and is a TBE congregant.

Renaissance Group

The Renaissance Group, TBE's social group for those 55 and over, plans social events throughout the year. Leadership of the programs rotates. In the past the group has attended theater productions and sporting events, held game nights and volunteered at Food Gatherers, gone on a winery tour, visited the glass exhibit at the Toledo Museum of Art and also organized a trip to the Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. New ideas and new people are always welcomed. Please check the weekly announcements for details prior to scheduled events.

Visit their web page for more information and events. Renaissance Group.

WISE Aging Services

Rebecca Nieubuurt, LLMSW has served the Temple Beth Emeth Community as the Congregation-based Social Worker since 2020. Rebecca brings with her 15 years of experience as a geriatric social worker in the Jewish community. As an employee of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County in their WISE Aging Services program, Rebecca offers TBE members open access to all of JFS's many services. As a mental health professional, she specializes in anxiety/depression, grief support, isolation and loneliness, and cognitive changes. Her work as a community-based social worker is focused on caregiver support, end-of-life planning, care planning, and accessing community supports and programs. Within our temple community Rebecca offers social opportunities, small group work, and supporting clergy and office staff in engagement with individual congregants. Rebecca is here to help with a multitude of aging related issues, she connects congregants to resources for in-home care, grocery, meal and pharmacy delivery, financial assistance, one-on-one supportive counseling, and ensuring that members maintain access to Temple services. She can be reached at rebeccan@jfsannarbor.org or (734)219-5354