Join Us for a Critical Conversation on Grief

“All grief is personal, and all grief is as individual as the person doing the grieving. … As I learned how to go on with my life, as I wrestled with and tried to make sense of my pain, I began to see the direct correlation between the love I had for the son I lost and the depth of my pain—my grief.”

--Ivan Maisel, I Keep Trying to Catch His Eye

Ivan Maisel, a Southern Jewish kid from Mobile, is a well-known sports writer, especially around here—as he covered SEC sports for ESPN for decades. Perhaps less well known is that in 2015, Ivan lost his son, Max, to suicide. Naturally, he turned to writing to cope with and process his grief. During the pandemic he turned that writing into a moving book, I Keep Trying to Catch His Eye: A Memoir of Grief, Loss and Love...

How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

by Amy Neiman, LMSW

Difficult conversations are well, difficult. As parents, spouses and children, we must have discussions that are challenging and can be life-changing for those involved, but they are never fun conversations to begin. As we watch our parents age, these exchanges often revolve around medical care, housing and what many think of as independence. How do you tell a parent that it is time to give up driving? What about talks regarding housing and in-home help? How do you let your parent know that you are “on their side” while sharing your concerns about their well-being?

The 2022 CJFS Friends Campaign is Underway!

The 2022 CJFS Friends Campaign is well underway and we are 51% of the way towards our goal! Co-Chairs Natalie Asman and Steve Royal know how important CJFS services are to our community. Natalie shares,

"It has been a privilege to help raise funds for this year's CJFS Friends Campaign. There are so many worthwhile programs that help the elderly and other individuals with needs in the Birmingham community.

When my parents needed caregiving and I needed support with some health issues, the counselors at CJFS were so invaluable to me and to my family."

 Our FRIENDS are what make CJFS programs and services possible for those who need us the most-- We hope you will join us as FRIEND this year!