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Going back to school can bring excitement for some kids, and for others, trepidation and worry. The summer-to-school transition triggers many different types of anxieties, such as separating from caregivers, new routines, and navigating complex social situations at school. The most common anxieties for older children include peer acceptance, academic performance, and navigating familial relationships.

In 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) established National Recovery Month as a national observance to promote and support new evidence-based substance use treatment and recovery practices.

Suicide Awareness week will be observed September 4th-10^th this year with the goal of raising awareness about suicide and support both for those who struggle with suicidal ideation and those grieving the death of a loved one from suicide. 

Opening up about mental health issues can be a scary thing; it requires showing vulnerability to other people who might react unexpectedly. However, it becomes easier for someone to be honest about their issues when a friend or family member reaches out and checks in on them.

Originally from the Washington, DC area, Rachel Ferber was inspired to get involved in the Jewish community by her mother, who was a champion of Jewish women’s learning and education. Today, Rachel uses her mother’s example in every aspect of her work as a Jewish community leader, philanthropist, and JCFS Chicago board member.

In honor of International Friendship Day, we want to highlight the importance of friendship in the role of personal and social development, as well as resources that JCFS Chicago offers to help children and teens build healthy connections.

Among the hundreds of negative effects the pandemic caused people across the United States, one of the most distressing was the rapid rise in unemployment and underemployment. People who had been working in the same industries and companies for years suddenly saw their lives upended

The “EM” in Project EM represents: Employment, Empowerment, and Embracing new opportunities. The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) created the program two years ago as a direct response to Covid-driven unemployment.

Summer is a great excuse to plan special activities that can get your kids excited to complete occupational, physical, and speech therapy.

Simon Fleischmann is a Chicago area attorney and JCFS Chicago board member.