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Holocaust Community Services

While growing older poses new challenges and opportunities for individuals, Holocaust survivors suffer additional complications during the aging process including experiencing feelings of loss of control and reliving painful memories. Since 2000, Holocaust Community Services, a collaborative effort of JCFS, CJE SeniorLife and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, in partnership with HIAS Chicago, has provided supportive services to the Chicago Holocaust survivor community and their families.

To ensure that survivors continue to live at home independently and with dignity, JCFS case managers facilitate in-home support including housekeeping and laundry services, kosher food home delivery, meal preparation, medication management, transportation services, and bathing and grooming assistance. Holocaust Community Services also offers counseling and support and referral services to survivors and their heirs in the process of applying for various reparations and compensation programs. 



The program is supported by grants from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc. and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. 

We Provide

Support Groups Link

Survivors are welcome to join two weekly “Coffee and Conversation” drop-in groups for the opportunity to discuss the impact of the events they experienced in Europe, Israel and America. Additional topics include reparations, aging issues, health concerns, holidays, relationships, planning for the future and worldwide events.

Community Education Programs Link

Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for survivors living in the community to come together for discussions, activities and lunch. Programs have included Chanukah celebrations with musical entertainment, a discussion with the Consul General of Israel, an ice cream social and a showing and discussion of the video, “Paper Clips.”

In addition, Holocaust Community Services staff members Audrey Cantor, LCSW and David Bier, MSW are available to speak to your organization or group on various topics. 

Consultation and Training Link

Holocaust Community Services provides consultation, training and workshops for administrators, social workers, physicians, nurses, CNAs and other professionals who work with survivors and their families. We address the special needs of aging survivors of the Holocaust and provide specific interventions to address their concerns in settings such as social service agencies, hospitals, nursing homes and retirement buildings.

Resource Library Link

Holocaust survivors and their families are welcomed to borrow materials from our resource library offering over 120 articles, books and videos at JCFS Niles Township District, 5150 W. Golf Rd, Skokie.

Emergency Financial Assistance Link

Limited funds are available to survivors for emergency financial assistance. According to the eligibility guidelines from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc., income should be below $20, 420  for an individual and $27, 380 for couples. In addition, assets should not exceed $20,000 for individuals and $30,000 for couples (excluding a primary residence and one automobile).