Page 11 - The Jewish Voice - February '25

The Jewish Voice, Page 11

Alpert JFS CEO Marc Hopin emphasized the
Local Happenings from page 10 JFS Offers Mental Health organization’s dedication to mental health education. “I am
painted, one-of- First Aid Training Directly proud to say that Alpert JFS is the hub for Mental Health
a-kind artworks. First Aid training in Palm Beach County,” said Hopin. “Our
Guests will enjoy to the Community goal is to ensure everyone in Palm Beach County has at least
signature hors one MHFA-certified person in their close circle of friends,
d’oeuvres and Ferd & Gladys Alpert family, and peers. With the addition of the community classes,
refreshments while Jewish Family Service I know we are getting closer to our goal every day.”
mingling with recently launched Mental Alpert JFS introduced MHFA in Palm Beach County
artists and fellow Health First Aid (MHFA) in 2014 and has successfully trained various businesses
collectors. community classes. These and organizations, including the City of West Palm Beach,
Battle of the monthly sessions, open to the Bethesda Nursing School, Keiser University, Jet Blue, The
Brushes (March 8, public, aim to equip adults Breakers, Palm Beach County Bar Association, Palm Beach
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with essential skills for County Sherriff’s Office, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm
This lively finale Kari Ganoung Ruiz painting at the recognizing and addressing Beach County, among others. To date, Alpert JFS has trained
is the last day to 11th Annual Plein Air Festival, 2024 potential mental health over 14,500 people via a Mental Health Coalition composed
purchase festival challenges. Mental Health of dozens of certified instructors.
paintings and features a live painting competition where First Aid is a proactive public
top artists go head-to-head in a timed relay-style painting education program that Courtney Marx Benzaiten Center for
event at LAC. teaches participants how to Creative Arts
Why Attend? identify the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns,
The Plein Air Festival offers an unparalleled provide nonjudgmental support and reassurance, and connect A 10-Year Odyssey: The Origin Story
opportunity to witness art in action, connect with individuals with professional resources and services for
acclaimed artists, and bring home a piece of original further assistance. The long journey started with just a dream. After seeing
artwork. Whether you’re an art collector, a casual “Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, so many artists shipping their artwork out of the area to get
observer, or someone seeking creative inspiration, this understand, and respond to the signs of mental health – it cast, I decided it was time to create a fine art fabrication
event has something for everyone. something I believe all of us can benefit from,” said Courtney closer to home. In my case I only had a three-hour commute
For a full schedule of events, visit lighthousearts.org/ Marx, Director of MHFA at Alpert JFS. “These community to Sarasota, but other artists sent their clay pieces as far away
pleinair-2025 and follow real-time updates on Instagram classes are designed to make MHFA accessible to anyone
@lighthouseartcenter. LAC Gallery is located at 373 and everyone. If you are a colleague, a friend, a parent, or
Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. Admission to the someone who works or interacts with others, the skills learned
gallery is free for members, with a $5 suggested donation in these courses are invaluable.”
for nonmembers. Previously only offered as group classes for private
companies, groups, or organizations, the new initiative offers
these trainings to individuals in the community at large.
The two-day class will be held at Ferd & Gladys Alpert
Jewish Family Service’s West Palm Beach headquarters on
March 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The training is free and includes options for MHFA for
Adults or MHFA for Youth, which focuses on recognizing and
addressing mental health challenges in children. Attendees must
be 18 or older and participate in the two-day consecutive sessions
of the course to receive certification. Advance registration is One of Shelley Muzylowski’s works on display now in the
required and space is limited. To sign up or learn more about Benzaiten’s Gallery
Kari Ganoung Ruiz - Golden Morning Community Classes, contact Courtney Marx at 561.713.1851,
cmarx@alpertjfs.org, or visit www.AlpertJFS.org/MHFA. Local Happenings on page 12

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