Overdose deaths are skyrocketing as a result of synthetic opioids like fentanyl being added to drugs without people knowing. Fentanyl is deadly, and most people who ingest have no idea that they were doing so.

JCFS Response for Teens is seeking new members to serve on the Response Advisory Council (RAC). RAC members are committed to the important work of empowering adolescents to make healthy choices, and put their skills and gifts to work in the service of helping teens develop skills in communication, decision-making and leadership.

There’s a new teen drama on HBO that parents will want to know about. Euphoria follows "a group of high school students as they navigate drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love and friendship." Euphoria will no doubt attract a teen audience. JCFS Chicago Response for Teens encourages parents and caregivers to watch Euphoria – and other teen-oriented shows – with your children. Here are some additional tips for talking with your kids about provocative media.

Through advocacy, leadership development, fundraising, volunteerism, and service projects, the JCFS Associates Board  - a dedicated and enthusiastic group of young professionals who are passionate about promoting the work of JCFS Chicago - hopes to act as ambassadors, encouraging younger generations to become more involved with JCFS. “We believe in the importance of social service and giving back to the community. We are proud to become ambassadors for the next generation of JCFS leaders and are excited to share everything we have in store,” says co-chair Karly Worth.

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.

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.

A teenager balks when his mom asks what time he’ll be home. Another groans when asked about their homework status. Another teen puts on make-up at school, out of their parents’ sight and judgement. And another stays in his room, a lot. These youth are negotiating one of the most common developmental concerns for teenagers: Gaining a sense of independence as they move slowly toward adulthood.

Congratulations to Debra Mier, Kelly Grover, Ellie Molise and the staff of Response for Teens' Operation Snowball program, who are recipients of a $5,000 grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF). Response for Teens is among 35 agencies that were awarded HPCF grants for 2017. This year’s grant will allow Response for Teens to serve 40-50 students from District 113 in the 2018 Operation Snowball Program.

October 11th is National Coming Out Day, a time to celebrate anyone who announces their LGBTQ identity. Coming out takes courage, pride, and self-esteem. For some, it is a joyful experience, filled with support and acceptance from family and friends. For others, it can be scary or even risky.

If you’re thinking about coming out as LGBTQ, here are some things that may help make it a safe and positive experience.

In honor of National Coming Out Day (October 11), we celebrate those who bravely choose to live openly as LGBTQ. Coming out is always emotionally charged—not only for the person doing it, but for those they’re telling. For LGBTQ teens, who are often reliant on the adults around them for support and protection, the decision to come out can be extra-emotional and filled with uncertainty. They may be deeply scared of suffering rejection (or worse) at the hands of loved ones.