The JCFS Chicago internship program may not be widely known, but its benefits are far-reaching—strengthening the agency’s programs while providing students with valuable professional experience.

Qualified students work and learn in a social service environment that combines intensive training with one-on-one interactions with experienced thought leaders.

For a compelling example of the impact of the internship program, look no further than Ally Frank, who recently completed an internship with Jewish Community Services. She worked directly under Grief Specialist and Chaplaincy Coordinator Leah Shefsky but stepped in to support colleagues across the program whenever needed. 

“Ally came in with an open mind and was interested in taking on different projects,” Leah said. “She learned a lot and now has an interest in community work she didn’t necessarily know she had when she started.”

Within the chaplaincy and bereavement services, program, Ally’s role was to help expand its reach to different senior living facilities and nursing homes and help facilitate grief programming. Ally was also instrumental in assisting with several abuse prevention projects, as well as updating the agency’s online Mental Health Shabbat resources. Additionally, she participated in Let’s Talk About It, an annual program co-sponsored by six city synagogues that aims to inform the community about topics that are considered stigmatizing.

“It was incredible and I’m so grateful for the experience,” Ally said. “I never expected to get as much out of it as I did. Now that I am aware of these services, I’ve been able to tell people about them, even in non-clinical settings. It was the perfect environment for me.”

Interns are supported and appreciated throughout the agency.

“We love having interns,” said Ann Luban, Senior Director of Jewish Community Services. “It's so important to invest in the future, to help these young people grow and develop at this pivotal point in their professional lives. They also bring so much to us with their questions, their ideas, their enthusiasm and their passion.”

Internships are available in several program areas, including counseling, career services, immigration and citizenship, people & culture and IT. Find more information and apply at JCFS.org/join-our-team/internships.

“Our internship application is continually rolling, but it’s best to apply as early as possible to be considered for all available opportunities before they start filling up,” said Kathleen Gerhold, Associate Vice President of Programs and Operations. “That would mean at the start of the calendar year for the coming school year and in the fall for the upcoming summer internships.”

For more details on Ally Frank’s internship experience, go here.

Pictured above: Ally Frank presents her research on the SMART Kids program at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health’s Minority Health Conference.