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In these tough times, we may find ourselves seeking to balance our feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, trauma and loss with hopefulness for a better year ahead. Fortunately, we possess the innate capacity to move forward in a meaningful way by reaching into internal reservoirs of strength and resilience.  

The plight of refugees has been a constant life theme for retired attorney and former college educator Fred Wellisch, a JCFS Chicago HIAS Immigration & Citizenship volunteer.

Over a dozen adults in JCFS Chicago’s Residential Supports program recently learned about healthy snacks, thanks to a nutrition initiative run by several local college students. The four-session program is the brainchild of JCFS nurse Janis Goodman.

Addiction Recovery is all around us, freely shared and supported! We are now celebrating one another’s recovery just as we have always celebrated positive change in other kinds of physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. So…how do we support loved ones who are living addiction-free? 

For her bat mitzvah project, Ava Bednyak, 13, decided to raise funds to support a young family of three who recently moved to Chicago to escape the war in Ukraine. She connected with JCFS Chicago’s HIAS Immigration & Citizenship program to get started right away.

Like many passionate job seekers, Matthew turned to JCFS Chicago’s Duman Opportunity Center for assistance in finding the right place to work. Matthew received the appropriate tools to succeed by working with an employment specialist who helped him identify the career path and supportive environment that would allow him to utilize his talents and abilities. 

A few years ago, Lori Shapiro was exploring opportunities to broaden her volunteering experience. As a longtime JUF Women’s Board member, she visited JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens, a program specifically devoted to supporting young people (ages 9 through 25) and their families in the Jewish and general community.

Abuse does not discriminate. It impacts Jews and gentiles of every age, marital status, economic and educational level. It is important that our professional and lay leadership understand how abuse occurs throughout the lifespan and how this applies to synagogue life, including sensitivity to those who have been victims of abuse.

JCFS Chicago board members, employees and partners gathered on September 11 in our new downtown office at 230 W. Monroe for the 2023 JCFS Annual Meeting. Some highlights of the evening include...

Bikes & Music was launched in 2020. They collect used bicycles and musical instruments, refurbish them, and get them to families via various nonprofits – including HIAS Immigration & Citizenship here at JCFS Chicago.