In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty and confusion as the situation dragged on. Many businesses shuttered, drying up steady paychecks and leading to widespread job loss. With significant support from JUF, the JCFS Financial Assistance Counseling program provided emergency funds to those that needed it.

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.

Telehealth services have reduced some of the barriers to receiving mental health counseling using digital technology. Teletherapy (also known as telehealth counseling) is especially helpful to clients that do not have the ability to visit with their mental health counselor in person.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, JCFS Chicago joins the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the national movement to raise awareness about mental health.

When Maria and her family contracted Covid-19, her husband Diego had the severest symptoms and spent four days in the hospital. Maria struggled to find help, but with the help of a JCFS Financial Assistant, Maria applied for disability support because of her heart condition.

Robert* used to live in an apartment but had to move to an extended-stay hotel when his landlord did not want to renew the lease. He was urged to reach out to a homelessness prevention agency.

Living paycheck to paycheck, Susan was referred to JCFS Chicago and met with a Financial Assistant to see where we could help.

The pandemic has impacted all of our lives, and for some people this has meant an unexpected financial hardship. With support from Jewish United Fund (JUF), our Financial Assistance program has been able to provide emergency funds to those that need it.

Jonah is a twelve-year old Orthodox Jewish boy living in Chicago. When his parents noticed that he was struggling at his private Jewish Day school both academically and socially, they turned to JCFS Chicago for help in March 2020.

The pandemic has impacted all of our lives, and for some people this has meant unemployment and an unexpected financial hardship. With support from JUF, our Financial Assistance Counseling program has been able to provide emergency funds to those that need it.