Brandon's Success Story

“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.

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Mental Health and Chaplaincy

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.

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Teen Mental Health and the Pandemic

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.

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Student Transformation

When Elle came to Knapp School & Yeshiva, her teachers described her as shy and withdrawn.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.

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Re-Entry Anxiety

The long-awaited vaccine is accessible to more and more people, yet many feel ambivalent. The sense of apprehension and even dread at the thought of life returning to “normal” is called “re-entry anxiety."  

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