JCARES: Jewish Community Abuse Resources, Education and Solutions
JCARES offers outreach, prevention and education services designed to increase awareness, further understanding, and provide a culturally sensitive, holistice response to abuse in Jewish homes and families. Rooted in Jewish values and empowered by the combined strength of coalition members, JCARES is a catalyst for systemic change that supports healthy relationships, homes and communities.
Its primary programs are:
JCARES Coalition
JCARES efforts are envisioned and guided by a 50+ member coalition that includes representation from Jewish and secular social service, mental health, domestic violence and sexual assault agencies; synagogues; funders; and governmental and municipality entities; as well as advocates and community leaders and stakeholders. The Coalition is a catalyst for new and strengthened partnerships and collaborative action. Click here for more details.
Education & Advocacy
Professional Training Institute
The JCARES Professional Training Institute is an ongoing series of education sessions for cross-discipline professionals, advocates and community leaders. Participants learn, network and engage in conversations about abuse through a broad lens that spans generations. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for social workers/counselors, ICDVPs for domestic violence professionals, and CPDU’s for educators. Click here for more details.
On-Site Education
JCARES provides on-site tailored educational sessions for organizations, youth groups, parents, and others on a variety of topics including Treating Jewish Abuse Victims with Sensitivity and Cultural Competency, Keeping Children Safe, and Building and Sustaining a Successful Collaboration. Click here for more details.
Advocacy
JCARES Advocacy efforts emphasize innovative, collaborative action that influences legislation; impacts policies; and transforms attitudes and behaviors about violence prevention, intervention and treatment. JCARES participates on the Jewish Federation Government Affairs Committee, the Family Violence Coordinating Councils, the Children's Advocacy Center Network of Treatment Providers.
For more information about JCARES Education or Advocacy efforts, Contact Betsy Lazerow, JCARES Outreach Coordinator (BetsyLazerow@jcfs.org or 847-745-5430).
Partnership for Safer Communities
JCARES offers programming, consultation and support for schools, synagogues, camps and other institutions and institutional leadership with a goal of building overall health and wellness.
Project Shield
Project Shield works in partnership with the community to build safe, healthy Jewish relationships and families by heightening awareness and providing education about child sexual abuse.
Safer Synagogues/Shuls
Safer Synagogues/Shuls engages congregational leadership - clergy, professional and lay - in learning and discussion about the impact of abuse across the lifespan, improving congregant's access to support, and coordinated community strategies that perpetuate healthy, peaceful homes, families and relationships. Click here for more details.
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Safer Schools
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Safer Camps
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Project Shield
