Financial Counseling

At this time all available funds allocated for the pandemic emergency response financial assistance program have been distributed. In the spring of 2022, we will begin to work with people looking for financial counseling services, which include money management education and resources in support of sustainability and stability. Call 855.275.5237.

Scholarship Opportunities  

Getting through college is hard work…working to find money to stay in school shouldn’t be as difficult. Access scholarships from JUF and more resources to help you meet your financial needs.

If you are looking for career and employment help like reviewing your resume, or advice on your LinkedIn profile, we offer free of charge, brief, high impact online sessions with our professional staff. Check out the videos of our specialists, if their date and time availability work for you, send an email to the counselor of your choice to confirm a meeting.

If you need more in-depth assistance like career exploration or job search strategies to help you land your next job, call or email our intake team for more information about making an appointment at 855.275.5237 or Ask@JCFS.org.

If you are struggling with feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression or being overwhelmed, our online support group can provide you with resources that will have a real impact by incorporating accessible mindfulness practices and research-based self-care strategies to both reinforce resilience and promote a sustained sense of well-being.

Our group offers a safe environment to share, learn and get the support you need. Simply go to the link provided to sign up.

If you believe you would benefit more from a Grief Support Group, this monthly group is for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or partner. The group is co-sponsored with Mishkan Chicago and Silverstein Base Hillel. Please contact Marsha Raynes, LCSW at 847.745.5408 for more information.

And for those who would prefer to access our one-on-one therapy services, please reach out to our intake team by calling 855.275.5237 or email Ask@JCFS.org

While we all must be in our homes, take this unique opportunity to get all your preliminary job search work done ahead of time and be prepared to apply when we’re all back in contact.

The information on this page can also be downloaded and shared via PDF.

Resumes

• Create a resume headline: When in doubt, consider using the title of the position you are targeting, or customize it to best fit each position. Hiring managers scan your resume, generally looking at the top 1/3 of the first page. Headlines sell newspapers and including one on your resume can shine the spotlight on your talents and get you noticed. 

Networking

• Targeted Networking: Identify a short list of target companies you want to work for, then search for company insiders, decision makers, hiring managers and staff in those companies and seek opportunities to connect with people in your network for introductions to these individuals.

Informatinal Interviewing

• ​Now is the time to reach out to people through email, phone and social media to gather information on the skills and experience required to transition into a specific company or a new career path. It can also help you get a complete picture of the targeted position you are seeking. Reach out, and when you connect ask the person if they are willing to be added to your network going forward. ​Ask for introductions to other individuals in your field, or the company you have targeted to expand your networking connections. ​And remember, networking is a mutually reciprocal and beneficial relationship…it’s a two-way street!

If you’re someone who wants more assistance, we’re here to help, offering services online, through video conferencing platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Teams, or by email and phone.

Call the Toll-free Access line to Career and Employment Services information at JCFS Chicago at 855.275.5237.