THE FRIENDS IN DEED BLOG

Support our Crowdrise fundraiser by March 31st and you could win an iPod Nano!

JOIN IN ON THE GIVING

THIS SPRING

AND WIN AN iPOD NANO! 

 

Friends In Deed is excited to announce a prize giveaway along with our new CROWDRISE Bodywork Project! 

Check out our project here:

 http://www.crowdrise.com/FIDbodywork/fundraiser/wwwfriendsindeedorg 

and donate either $16 or $26 by March 31st and you'll automatically be entered to win an Apple iPod Nano (valued at $149)!

Here at Friends In Deed we offer a variety of bodywork techniques provided by NYC's best bodyworkers and massage therapists -- And we're committed to continuing this vital service to our community FREE OF CHARGE. That's why we need to raise funds to keep it that way. We've known it for years, but now medical studies are proving just how useful bodywork is for someone with a life-threatening illness or dealing with the stresses of caregiving or grief. 

Every dollar we earn will go towards keeping this program running -- free of charge to you -- by paying for supplies like massage oil, towel and sheet service and the space itself.

Donate that $16 or $26 now (http://www.crowdrise.com/FIDbodywork/fundraiser/wwwfriendsindeedorg) and you could end up winning a fabulous iPod Nano! 

So what are you waiting for? Get (body) working today!

*Donation must be in the amount of either $16 or $26

*Donation must be made by March 31, 2011 at 11:59pm Eastern time

*Winners will be notified by email at the email address provided upon entry

*Limit one entry per household

*Must be age 18 and a legal resident of the United States to enter

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT regarding Big Group changes starting March 7th.

Friends In Deed introduces Big Group changes starting the week of March 7th

-- with groups focused on HIV, cancer, caregiving, and grief & bereavement.

 

Tuesday night Big Group to remain the same.

 

Friends In Deed is pleased to announce that beginning the week of March 7^th, we’re making changes that will give our clients the option to attend Big Groups that are focused on one of our core areas of work -- with Big Group meetings focused on HIV, cancer, caregiving, and grief & bereavement.

We’ve discovered that not having specifically focused groups is an obstacle that prevents many people from coming to Friends In Deed.  We believe these changes will help make our groups and services available to a wider population who can benefit from our emotional and spiritual support.

However, the Tuesday night Big Group will remain the same -- where we encourage diversity and gather everyone in the same room -- whether one is living with life-threatening illness, caregiving or grief. 

The way the actual groups are conducted will not change.  And to make sure that anyone who needs our services has a range of schedule options available to them, all clients are welcome to attend any Big Group, even those with a specific focus.

Here's the new schedule starting March 7th:

 

The Big Group:  Grief & Bereavement Focus

Monday -- 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Grieving over the death of a loved one is a natural part of life.  Each of us experiences grief in our own unique way.   This group helps you discover that there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, no set time-frame.  We are built to integrate grief into our experience, if we can just get out of our own way and let nature take its course.

 

The Big Group:  HIV Focus

Monday -- 5:30pm to 6:30pm

When diagnosed with HIV, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of shock and confusion.  After the initial period of shock subsides, we discover that we are not defined by our illness.  No matter where you are on your journey with HIV, this group demonstrates how you can handle life moment to moment. 

 

The Big Group:  Caregiving Focus

Tuesday -- 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Are you a caregiver struggling to find ways to take care of yourself and another at the same time?  When you’re supporting friends and family members who are very ill, fragile, or frightened, it’s important to understand your own limitations and take care of your needs, so that you may take care of others out of your overflow.  This group reminds you that you’re of little use if you don’t take care of yourself first.  

 

The Big Group

Tuesday -- 7:00pm to 8:30pm

The power and uniqueness of this Tuesday night meeting is its diversity. We invite everyone to come together in the same room, whether you’re living with HIV, cancer or another critical illness… overwhelmed with grief… or facing the challenges of caregiving.  Something extraordinary happens when we discover that we’re part of something bigger than our individual circumstances.

The Big Group: HIV Focus

Wednesday -- 7:00pm to 8:00pm

When diagnosed with HIV, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of shock and confusion.  After the initial period of shock subsides, we begin to discover that we are not defined by our illness.  No matter where you are on your journey with HIV, this group demonstrates how you can handle life moment to moment.  

 

The Big Group: Cancer Focus

Thursday -- 5:30pm to 6:30pm

When diagnosed with cancer, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of shock and confusion.  After the initial period of shock subsides, we begin to discover that we are not defined by our illness.  No matter where you are on your journey with cancer, this group demonstrates how you can handle life moment to moment. 

 

Of course, everyone is still welcome to attend any Big Group,

even those with a specific focus.

 

NOTE: The above changes start the week of March 7, 2011.

 

ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE.

 

MAJOR SCHEDULE CHANGES START AUGUST 16TH DUE TO RENOVATIONS.

Major Renovations During Summer Break

 

Beginning the week of August 16th, our landlord will be starting major renovations of our space.  This coincides with the period of our annual, end-of-summer, two-week break.  However, because of the extensive nature of the work, Friends In Deed will be on a reduced program schedule the week of August 16th and the week after Labor Day.  The reason for this is that we are required by the landlord to pack up items throughout the space as if we were moving.  

As a result, Friends In Deed will be closed* with limited services from:

 

Monday, August 16th

through 

Sunday, September 12th

 

 

*However, we will be open for the following Big Groups:

 

Mon, Aug. 16th at 5:30pm	Tues, Sept. 7th at 7:00pm
Tues, Aug. 17th at 7:00pm	Wed, Sept. 8th at 7:00pm
Wed, Aug. 18th at 7:00pm	Thurs, Sept. 9th at 5:30pm

 

There will be NO other services available at our location during this time.

All services and our regular Big Group schedule will resume on Monday, September 13^th.

 

We will be checking the phones as usual during this period.  

EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

WHEN WE’RE CLOSED 
If you need crisis support related to critical illness, caregiving or grief when Friends In Deed is closed, please call 212-925-2009 and leave a voicemail message on our crisis line. On weekends and when we’re closed for breaks, we check the phones several times during the day. However, if you are calling regarding an emergency, we strongly urge you to call 911.

MOVING MEDITATION with Samuel Kirschner

FRIENDS IN DEED

DROP-IN GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT

 

MOVING MEDITATION

with

Samuel Kirschner

 

DAY/TIME: TUESDAYS – WEEKLY FROM 5:00PM TO 6:30PM

FRIDAYS -- WEEKLY FROM 12:00PM TO 1:00PM

(except Fridays during July & August)

PLACE: FRIENDS IN DEED

594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

PHONE: (212) 925-2009

 

Have you ever been tempted to try meditation but thought you’d never be able to sit still for an extended period?

Are you searching for a way to enhance your current meditation practice? 

Are you feeling isolated due to critical illness, caregiving or grief?

 

Moving Meditation may be just what you’re looking for.

Created as an alternative to traditional sitting meditation practice, Moving Meditation employs a technique called Dynamic Mindfulness Meditation* developed by Samuel Kirschner.  Using movement, music and the breath, this meditation practice can help you calm your mind when you are feeling isolated or overwhelmed from living with the anxiety of the unknown.  By anchoring your attention to your breath, you will begin to notice your thoughts, feelings and body sensations, allowing you to accept this moment and let go of judgment.  You will be able to discover the simple joy and clarity of the present moment – regardless of your circumstances and conditions.

*Dynamic Mindfulness Meditation is a coping skill and spiritual practice that can be used any time, anywhere: sitting, lying down, washing the dishes, walking around town, listening to music, dancing, waiting for a bus or in the doctor’s office, or before making an important decision.

 

Samuel Kirschner, a meditation teacher, counselor and group facilitator with over 25 years experience, is the creator of the "Living in the Present" approach to meditation, which he teaches through individual sessions, classes, workshops and retreats world wide. Author of the new book CD’s The Joy Of Being.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

 

Prompt arrival is greatly appreciated.  Latecomers may not be admitted.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.

Drop-In Groups are subject to change and cancellation, please call to confirm.

FACTS ABOUT FRIENDS IN DEED

WHAT DOES FRIEND IN DEED DO?

We provide a safe space where our clients can ease their fear and services to help them do so. Our clients arrive frightened, powerless, overwhelmed and alone.  We help them reconnect to their own resources and a sense of possibility.

 
 

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

Through a continuum of programs and services:

• Support groups
• Crisis counseling
• Bodywork, yoga, meditation
• Nutritional counseling
• Workshops and seminars
• Hospital and home visits
• Individualized client support
• Accompanying clients to doctors’ appointments
• Opportunity to give service as a volunteer
• Access to crisis support 7 days a week
• The support of a community 

WHAT DOES IT COST TO USE OUR SERVICES?

Nothing.  All of our programs and services are offered free of charge.

  

WHY FREE?

From the beginning, we have been committed to providing all of our services without any charge.  We believe that it’s imperative there be no obstacles to inhibit someone from seeking our support.  Most of our clients have limited financial resources.  They spend their days sifting through doctor and hospital bills and battling insurance companies.  Many are unable to work because of their physical condition.  Others are struggling to hold onto their jobs.  At each point along the medical continuum, they are being asked to pay or show proof of insurance before treatment is administered.  When our clients arrive terrified, exhausted and alone, our door is open without financial conditions.  We remove money from the equation.  We believe that this makes it easier for them to come to us for support.  Ultimately, we help reduce the cumulative stress our clients feel, by removing any additional financial stress.  Of course, we do reach out to our community for financial assistance throughout the year and our clients are very generous.  Those who are able to contribute do so with gratitude.

THE FOCUS GROUP

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS.                 

THE FOCUS GROUP

Spiritual Inquiry: meaning making and beyond.

 

with

                          ERIC SCHNEIDER

 

DATE:		MONDAYS - WEEKLY
TIME:		7:00PM-8:00PM
PLACE:		FRIENDS IN DEED 594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706
PHONE:		(212) 925-2009

This weekly talk-and-share group provides an opportunity to focus on issues that you have dealt with in The Big Group.  Working with the facilitator, you can begin to clearly identify the “problems” as you perceive them, while exploring your potential for devising solutions. The goal, as in all of our work, is to allow you to utilize your life circumstances for your greatest good, your personal and spiritual growth and development.

The Focus Group Starts on Time.  Since this is a work-group, we encourage you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start of the meeting so that you can use the facilities or attend to any business.  Because it’s essential that all participants be present for the start of the meeting, no one is admitted to the Focus Group after it begins.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.

THE BIG GROUP -- The Heart & Soul of our Work

The Big Group:  This facilitated work-group is the heart and soul of what we do. It's about hearing and speaking the truth and living life in the moment. The power and uniqueness of the Big Group is its diversity.  We invite everyone to come together in the same room, whether you’re a caregiver or you’re living with illness or grief.  Something extraordinary happens when we discover that we’re part of something bigger than our individual circumstances.  That’s why we call it the Big Group.  It’s where you can reconnect to possibility.

Whatever the circumstance that brings you to Friends In Deed, we recommend that you start by attending as many Big Groups as possible  – at least two to three groups a week.  For first-time attendees, we generally suggest starting with either the Big Group meeting on Monday at 12:00pm or Tuesday at 7:00pm.  If this doesn’t fit your schedule, please feel free to attend any Big Group.

What to expect if you’ve never been to a Big Group.  Please know that it’s a safe space where anyone affected by a life-threatening illness, caregiving or grief can speak about what they are feeling in the present moment.  The Big Group is facilitated, so the exchanges are between the facilitator and the person speaking.  There is no crosstalk.  And, no one is required to talk.  The Big Groups are anonymous and confidential.  We ask that no one speak about whom they may have seen at the group or what they said.

Big Groups start on time.   We encourage you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start of these work-groups so that you can use the facilities or attend to any business. Because it's essential that all participants be present for the start of the meeting, no one is admitted to a Big Group after it begins.

The Big Group currently meets six times a week. No reservations necessary.

 

Monday

• 12:00pm to 1:00pm *
• 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Tuesday

• 12:00pm to 1pm
• 7:00pm to 8:30pm *

Wednesday

• 7:00pm to 8pm

Thursday

• 5:30pm to 6:30pm

* Recommended meetings for first-time attendees.