Youth with disabilities, ages 16-24 living in Cook and Lake Counties who meet eligibility requirements can work with a team of JCFS Chicago employment experts to reach their employment goals.

"JCFS Chicago is people helping people, it's as pure and simple as that," said Toria Stender, JCFS Chicago board member and chair of this year's A Striking Event.

June celebrates National Immigrant Heritage Month. For more than 100 years, JCFS Chicago’s HIAS Immigration & Citizenship has proudly helped individuals and their families transition from strangers in a new land to proud American citizens.

A childhood summer favorite activity is exploring new playgrounds. At Integrated Pediatric Therapies, we love a good playground, especially one that is inclusive and accessible. When you and your child are at the playground this summer, consider these tips from our IPT therapists.

“I knew I would be able to do the things I wanted to accomplish,” Brandon Bures, a JVS Career & Employment client said. This Spring, he shared his story and represented JCFS Chicago at a Source America Grassroots Advocacy Conference with Marlies Gramann, Associate Vice President of Disability Services. The conference provided advocacy and self-advocacy training for non-profit executives and people with disabilities.

In March we met Lauren, a 16 year-old with a behavioral addiction to social media. Because of her time online, she was losing sleep, seeing her grades slip and having less time and more conflict with her family. What does abstinence look like in a situation like this?

The dedicated chaplains at JCFS Chicago are committed to uplifting community members. “We listen,” Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski said. “It’s all about relationships.” In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, these success stories illustrate those relationships and the journey of mental health.

The ongoing stress, fear, grief, isolation and uncertainty created by the pandemic can wear anyone down, but many teens have had an especially tough time coping emotionally. In a recent WebMD poll, researchers found that 46% of 977 parents of teens said their child has shown signs of a new or worsening mental health condition since the start of the pandemic.

“Our ability to advocate effectively for our programs, for our clients and our community will require us to focus and prioritize. I look forward to future opportunities for action, both broad and targeted,” says Stacey Shor.

When Elle came to Knapp School & Yeshiva, her teachers described her as shy and withdrawn. She would often arrive late to school and would sleep in class. As a team, the Knapp staff came up with a plan to support Elle to be successful and reach her goals.