“In the last month, Knapp School & Yeshiva staff and leadership have put forth immense amounts of time, energy, and thoughtfulness to make the transition from working in-person with our students, to keeping students engaged and supported remotely,” says Sandra Spicher, Knapp School’s principal. “Their outstanding efforts have been appreciated by our students and their families.”

Since Michelleanne and Max Li became connected to HIAS Immigration & Citizenship two years ago they have worked with the Kulnichs, a refugee family from Ukraine.

There are many examples of how JCFS staff are continuing their work during this crisis. These circumstances have compelled people to find creative ways to support the well-being of those who depend on us.

Are you frustrated that you know people who need help, but you can’t do anything from your house? If you are feeling helpless as you scroll through your IG feed or see the news, finding ways to help others during this time can actually be beneficial to your sense of self and your mental health.

This month we celebrate our amazing JCFS staff and foster parents for the incredible work they are doing to support and uplift each other, and the youth in their care. 

David’s Schwartz  late wife, Elaine, was on the board of JVS Career & Employment and on the Response for Teens Advisory Council. Through Elaine’s leadership, David became passionate about these crucial services for our community and honors her legacy through two special funds each year.

Quarantine has increased anxiety and depression in many young people across the board.  However, if you identify as LGBTQ+, being cut off from support networks, like friends and GSAs, and possibly living in non-affirming spaces, may make these intense emotions even worse.  While it may feel like it, you are not alone. 

by Nina Henry, JCFS Chicago Addiction Specialist

With much of the world shut down, loneliness has become a familiar facet of everyday life, especially for older Americans living alone, in nursing homes, or retirement communities.

by: Ann Luban, Senior Director, Jewish Community Services

Even before our current crisis, NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) reported that 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth struggle with mental health challenges each year, and now we are all experiencing prolonged changes to our daily lives due to the pandemic that has heightened our emotions and compounded our worries. While there are no magic wands we can wave, there are some strategies we can employ to help ourselves and that we can share with our family and friends.

I have been so inspired by the immense amount of creativity that has popped up around the world during this pandemic. We have had first row access to people’s homes and minds across the world. As long as we are connected to WIFI, there is little that separates us.