The Family Center at the J is a welcoming space where families with young children (5 and under) come to connect, learn, and grow together. We provide a warm and nurturing environment where caregivers and children find support, friendships, and joyful experiences.
What Does the J’s Family Center Offer?
Parenting Support
The J’s Family Center serves as a support for parents by offering classes for expectant Jewish or Interfaith parents, hosting various speakers throughout the year and more. Through our parenting support groups, you will find connection with other families and valuable information as you begin or continue your parenting journey.
Mom’s Support Circle with Jessica Manela Litwack, MSW
Winter-Spring 2026: Thursdays | Jan 29-Mar 5 | 11am-12:30pm | FREE | Download the Flyer – Winter-Spring 2026
Mom’s Support Circle is for moms that crave connection and compassion–not perfection. Together, we will share stories, vent, and learn tools for navigating the emotional side of motherhood-from identity shifts, setting boundaries, mom guilt, and self-compassion. You will also receive practical tools for addressing your sleep concerns and other real-life mom struggles. It’s about connecting with others, dropping the pressure and remembering you are already enough. This group is professionally lead by MSW and pediatric sleep coach Jessica Litwack, with more than 14 years of experience working with moms and families. View Event Series
Mom’s Support Group with Dori Scallet, MSW
Winter-Spring 2026: Thursdays | Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 16, May 7 | 6:30-7:30pm | FREE
Under the facilitation of licensed clinical social worker Dori Scallet, MSW, join us for our new monthly mom’s support group. This group is for women who need additional support in this season of motherhood. It is not designed for clinical therapy, but rather as a support tool in a group setting.
Registration Required. Free childcare is available upon request by preregistration. View Event Series
New-Parent In-Person Playgroups
Parents & babies. Being a new parent is hard work, but it’s a little more fun when you’re in the company of good friends. We’re inviting all new parents of babies eight months and younger to join us for FREE weekly gatherings to meet other new parents, chat over the challenges of being a new parent and find a place for support. To register for our New Parent Playgroups, contact jewishlife@jccstl.org.
Jewish & Interfaith Family Events
The Family Center collaborates with other great organizations such as PJ Library, the Federation’s Concierge for Young Families, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Epstein Hebrew Academy, Chabad, the various Jewish preschools and more to bring you the very best in family programming. Our family events usually fall on Sundays or weekday evenings, and most programming is free of charge!
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