JCFS is formulating a support group, Queer Teens Connect, for teens between 15-17 years-old who identify as LGBTQ+. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe and constructive space to explore the issues confronting teens in the context of healthy peer relationships.

For parents of children who are interested in video games, it can be difficult to understand what makes one game harmful and another benign.  How do you know whether to buy a game for your child? Here are a few factors to look out for.  

When you have worked your whole life and a progression of circumstances place you in financial distress, some guidance and support go a long way toward security. After more than 20 years as an attorney with the same company, Barbara was laid off. On the recommendation of her rabbi, Barbara came to JVS Chicago for help finding a better paying job that was close to home and a good fit for her skills.

Meaningful relationships are an essential part of life and those regular connections with others can have a positive impact on health and happiness. However, adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) often feel isolated from their community or have difficulty building friendships. Recreation and leisure activities, particularly those that foster social bonds and friendships, are critical to support the quality of life in people with disabilities.

During the week of November 12 -18, 2018, the Therapeutic Day School (TDS) of JCFS celebrated American Education Week, a week focused around promoting the idea that school is a place for each student, no matter the circumstance and everyone is deserving of the support, tools, and time needed to learn! This idea is very connected to what we hold to be true at TDS and decided to take some time to honor and thank our entire TDS staff - educators, support professionals, and administrators - by asking them to share what they love about their work.

The JCFS family of services works to strengthen the lives of over 30,000 people in the Chicago area each year. Our support for people with disabilities, career and employment services, therapeutic education and teen outreach strengthens the emotional and economic well-being of children, adults and families. Thanks so much for joining with us in this work.

The JCFS Therapeutic Day School operates on the principle that a therapeutic environment for students requires meaningful participation from everyone, including the students themselves. This year, students from the program took their vision of starting a coffee cart and made it a reality.

Given the variety of changes and uncertainties facing a normal teenager, anxious feelings or worries are common. However, for some teenagers, anxiety becomes a chronic state of mind and can interfere with their daily life. Therapists at JCFS’s Response Center for Teens provide a safe, comfortable environment where teens can express their feelings and learn to manage their emotions.

As the holidays approach, we sometimes equate the value of a gift with the level of love and caring we have for a particular person, or as a symbol of the gifts of the Magi during Christmas or the gifts to commemorate the miracle of the oil lamps during Hanukah. In a larger context, it is important for parents and caregivers to understand the real meaning, cost and benefits of giving rewards to children and youth in care.

For many people the holiday season is a mad rush of spending too much time, too much energy, and too much money. Having a plan for the holidays means understanding and being clear about your expectations and coming up with a balanced approach to spending your time, energy and money.