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Congratulations to the special recognition award recipients and all JCFS Chicago staff celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Ken Jacobson Professional Excellence Award
Janis Goodman, Residential Supports
Janis has consistently exemplified an unwavering commitment to the individuals and families she serves. Her dedication extends far beyond her job as a registered nurse—she regularly takes time to teach, support, and advocate for both her team and those in her care. Through her meticulous attention to detail, empathetic approach, and deep clinical expertise, Janis has profoundly improved the lives of countless individuals
Howard Sitron Distinguished Service Award
Ambrose Mulongo, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship
As HIAS Refugee Resettlement Program Manager, Ambrose has continued to lead his team with a characteristic, calm demeanor despite massive changes in immigration and refugee policy. Under his leadership, the Refugee Resettlement team welcomed 81 people, only four months prior to the inauguration. Ambrose often supported the team through his actions, such as jumping in to help with the new arrivals himself.
Elaine Schwartz Impact Award
Services for People with Disabilites
Services for People with Disabilities provides a wide range of supportive, educational, and therapeutic programs designed to support individuals with disabilities and their families to strengthen the home environment. From mental health counseling and respite care to Medicaid support and inclusive community events, these services are rooted in compassion and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are. The team welcomes every call as an opportunity to guide, support, and advocate— to help people navigate complex systems and access the resources they deserve.
At the end of the day it’s my fellow co-workers at my work site who support me the most. I like that we can walk down our hallways and talk to each other and discuss our clinical work and how we can support each other during difficult periods in our work.
Robert B. Bloom Recognition and Excellence Awards
Kate Granholm, Virginia Frank Child Development Center
Kate’s impact at JCFS reaches far beyond her role as a Clinical Therapist. She brings a deep, intuitive understanding of trauma and healing to create safe, hopeful spaces for children and families. Kate is kind and deeply supportive. Her expressive arts group for young girls fosters confidence and self-expression, and parents consistently praise the growth they see in their children. Above all, Kate maintains optimism and ethical integrity, building genuine connections that facilitate healing.
Andrea Jacobs, Jewish Community Services
Andrea is an exceptional professional whose compassion, insight, and dedication make a profound impact across JCFS and the communities she serves. As Jewish Community Liaison, she supports six synagogues and Metro Chicago Hillel, offering tailored resources and guidance. Her generosity and collaborative attitude shines through as she uplifts others and models thoughtful leadership.
Rosa Simon, Career Services
Rosa embodies the JCFS mission through her deep personal commitment to helping others find meaningful employment and rebuild their lives. Her compassion and dedication have guided countless people, many of whom are new to this country—toward stability, dignity, and success. The kind of support she offers is not just practical, but deeply human.
Miles Ury, Quality, Accreditation, and Compliance
Miles is a passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply committed member of the Quality Improvement team. No matter the task, he consistently goes above and beyond to support his colleagues and improve agency outcomes. He’s a natural teacher and brings heart and humility to everything he does. His work has helped JCFS programs better understand their data, improve services, and ultimately enhance care.
Miles Weidman, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Miles is exceptionally dedicated to both students and staff at Knapp School & Yeshiva. He fosters a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and empowered. Through his thoughtful, therapeutic approach he helps students unlock their full potential and consistently uplifts those around him with compassion and care. His positivity, insight, and heart shine through in everything he does, making a lasting impact on the community.
I came from a job where there was no growth and no team players. JCFS helps you grow and helps you get to the place you want to be with on the job training. Everyone is a team player and willing to help if asked.
25 YEARS
Tammy Besser, Services for People with Disabilities
Tammy embodies empowerment and community in her work for people with disabilities. Her intentional guidance makes all the difference, and her integrity and pragmatism have made a lasting impact on JCFS. We are grateful to have her on our team.
Marlies Gramann, Executive Team and Disability Services
Marlies is our Chief Program Officer who is ever informed by her training as a speech pathologist. No matter what her role at JCFS, she carefully assesses every challenge, develops a plan, leans on strengths and collaborates her way to success. She leads with the values of JCFS and reminds us that everything we do is for the people we serve.
20 YEARS
Jamie Ebler, Accounting
Jamie’s impactful contributions and commitment to JCFS over the years have made an invaluable impact on the accounting team. We look forward to her many more years of continued growth and successes.
Jayme Gualtier, Services for People with Disabilities
Jayme’s positive attitude, dedication, and gentle spirit have made a lasting impact not only on the disability services team, but on the children and families they serve. Jayme has supported the program through its many evolutions, and we are so grateful for all that she has brought to JCFS over the years.
Linda Jamison, Clinical Child Welfare
Linda’s dedication, talent, and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on the Child Welfare program and its culture. She has led her team with energy, strength and passion. Her curious and compassionate approach to her work is a highlight of her personality that brightens every space she steps into. We are grateful to have her leadership for our families, staff, and community.
Elisabeth Llewellyn, Services for People with Disabilities
Elisabeth is dedicated to her work and brings a kind, warm energy to the Respite program. She approaches Respite with intention and brings excellence to everything she does. We are grateful for her support, and for the impact she has made on the program over the years.
Rabbi Joe Ozarowski, Jewish Community Services
Rabbi Joe’s compassionate presence has brought comfort to countless individuals through programs such as Evenings of Support for the Newly Bereaved, Empty Chair, and Healing Shofar. We are deeply grateful for all Rabbi Joe has given over the past 20 years and look forward to many more years of learning and healing together.
15 YEARS
Laura Becker
Fortunee Belilos
Julia Kaminski
Ewa Nevler
Leah Rudy
Leonard Strum
Pia Todras
5 YEARS
Kylie Auerbach
Steven Black
Ricarsha Francellno
Judd Holzman
Judith Louis-Charles
Kameka Love
Marie Morelos
Martin Ozmina
Jeannette Rachlis
Miles Weidman
Teagan Yaussy
10 YEARS
Bea Adams
Denise Bloom
Sandee Crasko
Jennifer Frawley
Deborah Lockett
Kathy Morris