Blog - Java Music Club supportive living environments

How These Retirement Communities are Battling Loneliness

Author: KristineOn: May 21Categories: In the News No Comments

Seniors sing beloved songs, develop meaningful connections in the Java Music Club. Some say music brings people together. A few retirement communities in Ottawa are counting on it, and hope it will help fight isolation and loneliness, too. Researchers...

CBC Interview – A Music Club That’s So Much More!

Author: KristineOn: May 16Categories: In the News No Comments

Enjoy an inspiring Canadian CBC radio interview about Java. Join Ottawa Morning with Robyn Bresnahan. Find out about a study underway with Carleton University who is investigating the Java Music Club peer support program. Residents are interviewed, –...

Free Webinar May 23! Cultivate Empathy and Reduce Bullying

Author: KristineOn: Apr 23Categories: In the News No Comments

Join us for the second of the Java Webinar Series called “Cultivating Empathy”. How can we cultivate empathy in our practice and within the context of therapeutic group programs that we offer? Join us as we explore strategies to cultivate...

What is Happiness to You?

Author: KristineOn: Apr 23Categories: In the News 2 Comments

“Happy”, the uber cheerful song recorded by Pharrell Williams, was the best-selling song of 2014 in the United States. “Clap along if you know what happiness is to you…” I sang along every time I heard it—I still do. I love that song....

Dealing with Group Distractions? Four Helpful Approaches

Author: KristineOn: Apr 23Categories: For Facilitators No Comments

There are many distractions and challenges that can come up when facilitating a group. Sometimes these distractions are created – intentionally or unintentionally – by group members who may not feel emotionally safe. Sometimes it is because...

Engaging People with Dementia – 10 Easy Approaches

Author: KristineOn: Nov 12Categories: For Facilitators No Comments

There are many ways to engage those living with cognitive impairment. Here are a few tried and true approaches to consider: Say hello and use the person’s name. When visiting those living with dementia, avoid “How are you?”. Try “How’s life?”...

“Such hope and joy!” – Zoomer Reviews Java

Author: KristineOn: Nov 07Categories: Testimonials No Comments

Rebecca Field Jager is a fantastic writer of all things interesting who lives in Toronto, Ontario. She recently wrote an article in the Canadian Zoomer magazine called “When Bingo is not enough” about the new peer support group phenomenon happening...

“I Don’t Do Groups!” (5 Helpful Tips to Promote Purpose and Meaningful Relationships))

Author: KristineOn: Nov 05Categories: For Facilitators, In the News No Comments

He who has a ‘why’ for which to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’. (Friedrich Nietzsche) We are all searching for meaning. Promoting purpose in life and meaningful relationships is key to well-being (1). A new study reveals key experiences...

Java Group Programs Wins Pioneer Network Award!

Author: KristineOn: Aug 24Categories: In the News No Comments

Java Group Programs is thrilled to receive an award for the new Java Mentorship Program from Pioneer Network – thank you! We are honored to partner with Pioneer Network and the work they are doing in changing the culture of aging. The award is all...

Overcoming Social Isolation

Author: KristineOn: Jul 23Categories: In the News 1 Comment

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. Mother Teresa. The Senate Aging Committee recently held a two-part series shining a light on the growing phenomenon of loneliness and social isolation affecting older Americans....