DC-AREA SUPPORT GROUP OPPORTUNITIES

The Justice Management Division (JMD) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers Department employees a variety of convenient support groups addressing personal, family, or medical issues. Employees attending these support groups report feeling more productive, less distracted at work, and better able to cope with personal issues and challenges.

We would like to determine employee interest in establishing support groups in the downtown DC area. Meetings would be held once a week, Tuesday through Thursday at noon either at NPB, Main or PHB. Below is a brief list of support groups which can be offered.

Caregivers Support Group:  Membership usually consists of employees who are either directly or indirectly responsible for the care of elderly parents, an ill spouse, disabled child or family member. Speakers are invited to address subjects of interest to the group, such as Medicare, Medicaid, advance directives, living wills, long term care arrangements, conflict management, caregiver stress management, and communications considerations. Members offer each other support and practical tips.

Cancer Support Group:  Groups are established separately, one for men and one for women, led by a male and female counselor, respectively. Knowledgeable speakers are invited to present information on a variety of medical issues, based on the interests of the group. Following the presentations, members are free to share and support each other in addressing their own personal challenges and coping methods.

Separation/Divorce Support Group:  Membership consists of employees who are in the midst of separating or divorcing. Sessions include educational presentations addressing emotional, family, legal and financial issues, including adjustments that need to be made. After the presentations, meetings are open for supportive discussion.

Grief Support Group:Membership is usually made up of employees who are dealing with the loss of a loved one or friend in the last 12 months, and who are finding it difficult to accept the loss.

Other support group examples include: Weight Regulation; Returning from Military Service; Coping with Serious Illness or Injury; Overcoming Procrastination; and Financial Wellness.

We would greatly appreciate knowing if you are interested in participating in one of these support groups, or if you have any suggestions for a group not listed above. Please mail or FAX your interest, comments and suggestions as soon as possible to the JMD EAP, by noting below what group(s) you would be interested in or suggesting a group you would like to see established.

Fax: 202-514-8797     Phone: 202-514-1846     Mail: NPB Room 1167

Name: ________________________     Work Phone: ___________     Extension:______

Group: _________________________     Group: _________________________     Group: _________________________

State your order of building Preference to hold a group meeting.......... NPB, PHB, MAIN:

#1: ________________     #2:________________     #3: ___________________

Your response will be kept private and confidential.

Career Counseling

Regardless of "where" you are in your career, you may wish to determine what sort of career development activities are beneficial for you. For instance, you may want to assess your "fit" with your current career, or make plans for future vocational options, such as for educational, advancement or retirement purposes. You also may have an interest in determining which types of leisure activities are most compatible for you.

The JMD EAP is now offering a career counseling service to help you and your family members. Please note that interested family members must be of at least high school age. Any employee regardless of geographic location wishing to explore this service further, should contact Dr. Leo Shea at leo.s.shea@usdoj.gov or by calling (202) 307-1136.

Communicable Disease Information

Worried about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS]? This is the new flu-like, communicable illness that originated in Asia and is spread via air travel. Or, perhaps you have concerns about smallpox. To get current information on these and other communicable diseases, check the CDC.  For Pandemic Flu (Avian Flu) information visit www.pandemicflu.gov.