Jewish Community Abuse Resources, Education and Solutions (JCARES)

FALL 2010 PROGRAMS AND TRAININGS:  

America the Beautiful
Tuesday, September 28 - 6:30 pm registration; 7:00 pm film
Niles North High School, 9800 Lawler Avenue, Skokie
Click HERE for program details and to register.

Alcohol, Drugs and Domestic Violence:
Understanding the Cycle 
Wednesday, October 6, 1:00-4:30 pm
Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton Street 
Click HERE for program details and to register.

Empowering Women Towards Healthy Relationships
Wednesday, October 27 - two sessions
10 am – 12:00 pm  OR  7:00 – 9:00 pm
Lakeside Congregation, 1221 County Line Rd., Highland Park
Click HERE for program details and to register. 

Domestic Abuse and People with Disabilities
Tuesday, November 9, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
UIC School of Public Health
1603 W. Taylor Street, Chicago – conference room 932 
Click HERE for program details and to register. 

Domestic Violence and the Immigrant Experience
Tuesday, December 7, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Advocate Health Care, 205 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge 
Click HERE for program details and to register. 

2010 Pilot Program - Partnership for Safer Synagogues  
This JCARES initiative provides congregational leaders essential education, policy review and discussion so that they are more effectively able to create an atmosphere of safety and respond appropriately and spiritually to congregants and families experiencing abuse. With support from the Michael Reese Health Trust, JCARES is currently conducting a program pilot. Four synagogues are participating in the pilot: Am Shalom, Ezra Habonim-Niles Township Jewish Congregation, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation and Temple Judea Mizpah. 

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WHAT IS JCARES?
Jewish Community Abuse Resources, Education and Solutions (JCARES) is a coalition of Chicagoland Jewish and secular organizations, agencies, rabbis and advocates that collaboratively create, support and influence initiatives and policies to prevent, address and respond to abuse in Jewish homes, families and relationships. JCARES examines the ways that society and culture affect how we build and offer services, explores the challenges faced by those seeking services and those supporting the community, analyzes emerging trends and shares resources and materials. The coalition is a catalyst for new and strengthened partnerships and collaborative action and a model for other faith communities as they work to build their abuse prevention, intervention and treatment strategies.

CORE INITIATIVES:
Training and Networking
JCARES offers continuing educational modules for professionals and leaders serving the Chicagoland community. Training sessions provide participants with tools and strategies to expand their knowledge and skills and heighten their comfort and confidence so that they can effectively and sensitively respond to abuse victims – regardless of what doors those victims walk through to seek help.
Partnership for Safer Synagogues
Faith leaders and faith congregations are important sources of guidance, information and support for individuals who are experiencing abuse. Partnership for Safer Synagogues offers congregational leaders essential education, policy review and discussion so that they are more effectively able to create an atmosphere of safety and respond appropriately and spiritually to congregants and families in need.
Advocacy and Public Awareness
JCARES provides opportunities for learning, networking to strengthen cross discipline alliances, and conversation about issues that impact the community’s ability to effectively prevent, address and respond to intimate partner abuse, teen dating violence, child and elder abuse. Emphasis is placed on innovative and collaborative action to influence legislation and policies as well as critical system transformation.

JCARES Coalition Members
American Conference of Cantors, A Safe Place, Between Friends, Chicagoland Association of Temple Administrators (CATA), Center for Contextual Change, Center on Halsted, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), Circuit Court of Cook County Domestic Violence Division, CJE SeniorLife, EZRA Multi-Service Center, HIAS Chicago, Hadassah, Hillels of Illinois, Jewish Child & Family Services, Jewish Community Center of Chicago, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, Jewish Healing Network, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, Jewish Women International, Jewish Vocational Service, Michael Reese Health Trust, National Council of Jewish Women, Project Shield, Response, SHALVA, South Suburban Family Shelter, UIC School of Public Health, YWVA Evanston/North Shore, YWCA Rise Children’s Center, individual abuse survivors, advocates, educators and researchers

JCARES is supported by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, the Fel-Pro Mecklenburger Supporting Fund, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, the Michael Reese Health Trust and the Angell Family Foundation.

JCFS is a partner in serving the community supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation. 

Click HERE to be added to the JCARES mailing list.