Giving Communities

The Hineni Leadership Circle and the 1859 Legacy Society are JCFS Giving Communities that recognize and celebrate the generosity of our closest partners.

The Hineni Leadership Circle honors those whose deep commitment make the work of JCFS Chicago possible – our major donors and dedicated board members. It recognizes those who make annual gifts of $10,000 or more, and those whose lifetime giving exceeds $100,000. It also acknowledges our Honorary Directors and those that served on the Board for over 12 years. Hineni means 'Here I am' in Hebrew. It’s a powerful Jewish concept that reflects how this group has continually answered the call to step forward and help JCFS and our community.

Our 1859 Legacy Society honors those who have demonstrated a profound, lifelong commitment to the future of JCFS by including the agency in their estate plans, or by making a special gift to our Endowment or Capital Campaigns. The name celebrates the year JCFS was founded and recognizes the many generations of donors who have carried us forward. It demonstrates how legacy gifts are vital to our long-term sustainability and ensure our services will be available for years to come.

 

 

Giving Society Marks

Members of these groups are invited to special programs and events that foster community and connection to JCFS. Examples include: 

  • Conversations with the CEO Series – Intimate virtual discussions offering behind-the-scenes insights into our programs and vision.
  • Annual Recognition Event – A meaningful in-person celebration of JCFS and our collective impact.
  • Special opportunities throughout the year to connect directly with JCFS leadership in our various programs.

The Hineni Leadership Circle and the 1859 Legacy Society are ways for us to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and dream about what’s next.

For more information please contact Jarred Wilson, Director of Individual Giving via email or by phone at 312.357.4586.

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to help

We're Here

to Help.

For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.

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Support Groups

Monthly Grief Support Group - Virtual

  • Monday, April 27, 2026

Please join us for a virtual monthly grief support group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one within the past two years.

The free support group meets on the 4th Monday of each month from 7:30-9:00 pm and is co-sponsored by Anshe Emet Synagogue, Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel, Emanuel Congregation, Mishkan Chicago, Chicago Sinai Congregation, and Temple Sholom of Chicago.

Contact Leah Shefsky to register.

Big Support for Little Moments

We currently have immediate openings at our Northbrook and West Rogers Park, Chicago offices. Email IPI@JCFS.org or call 847.412.4379 

Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT) at JCFS Chicago brings services together in one caring, coordinated approach to help kids build skills, confidence, and everyday wins. 

Many families first come to IPT during an early stage of their child’s journey, and we continue to partner with them as needs evolve over time. Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to ensure care is centered around each child. Let's take the next step together.

Share the Support. Get a Thank You. 

Do you know a family who could use a little extra support for their child? When you refer them to Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT) and they start services, you’ll receive a gift card as our way of saying thanks. 

IPT supports children’s growth through: 

  • Speech & Language Therapy 
  • Occupational Therapy 
  • A collaborative, family-centered approach 

How the Referral Works: 

  • Tell a friend, neighbor, or family member about IPT services. 
  • Have them mention your name when they contact us at IPI@JCFS.org or 847.412.4379. 
  • When they enroll, you receive a gift card.*

    IPT offers: 

    We focus on supporting communication, play, learning, and daily routines—celebrating progress big and small. 

    Services are available in Northbrook at the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center, 255 Revere Dr., Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062. 

    And in West Rogers Park, Chicago at the Abe and Ida Cooper Center, 6639 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60645. 

      Services are available in Northbrook at Elaine Kersten Children’s Center, 255 Revere Dr., Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062. 

      And in West Rogers Park (Chicago) at Abe and Ida Cooper Center, 6639 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60645. 

      Your referral could make a real difference—and earn you a little thank-you, too. 

      *Gift card provided after the referred family completes one appointment with Integrated Pediatric Therapies. 

      We_are_here
      to help

      We're Here

      to Help.

      For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.

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      Professional & Community Training

      Outpatient Behavioral Health Lunch and Learn: EFT for Couples Overview

      This virtual workshop will offer an overview of Emotionally Focused Therapy and its application for work with couples through lecture and small group reflection.

      Register today

      People with Disabilities & Their Families

      Financial Considerations for Individuals with Disabilities and their Families

      Services for People with Disabilities (SFPD) presents a free Community Education Workshop

      This 3-part, online series focuses on financial options and planning for people with disabilities and their families. This series will start with learning about how SSI and SSDI may be affected by work followed by a discussion on Special Needs Trusts and ending with a conversation on Able Accounts. Join us online for this informative series.

      Where: Online via Zoom
      Register today!

      • February 23rd, 2026 at 2pm
        • Social Security Work Incentives.
          • Information on how someone’s SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid & SNAP may be affected by work.
          • Jocelyn Romasanta, The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
      • February 26th, 2026 at 2pm
        • Special Needs Trusts
          • Sara Riechert, JD, Chamberlin Reicher Law Group
      • March 4th, 2026 at 3pm
        • Able Accounts
          • Rosemary Laudani, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office

      This event is free and open to the public. 3 Hours of Continuing education credits are available for QIDP's.

      Registration is required. Register today!

      Or contact Kathryn Dougherty at 773.765.3158 to register.

      Children & Adolescents

      IPT - Ready, Set, Grow

      Join us for our 2 - to 3 - year-old class, designed to develop communication, language, and social skills. Waiting, turn-taking, following directions, and transitions are incorporated into preschool activities, like circle time, art, and pretend play. Our Speech-Language Pathologist will incorporate monthly themes to enhance vocabulary development, knowledge of early basic concepts, and pre-literacy skills.

      Register today!

      Class Fee: $300/6-week session
      *Thanks to generous funder support, the class fee is waived for participants new to JCFS Chicago.

      Monday mornings from 9:15-10:30am
      February 16-April 6, 2026

      Register today!

      Children & Adolescents

      Birth-12 Months Parent Class

      • Tuesday, April 14, 2026

      Join us for a warm, supportive parent class designed to nurture your baby’s early development – and your confidence as a caregiver. Co-led by a Virginia Frank Child Development Center early childhood Family Therapist and an Integrated Pediatric Therapies Speech-Language Pathologist, this gathering offers a unique blend of emotional, relational, and developmental guidance during your baby’s first year of life.

      Register today

      Together we will explore such topics as:

      • Attachment and bonding
      • Parent/Infant mental health
      • Neurodevelopmental milestones
      • Feeding
      • Co-regulation and attunement to cues
      • Encouraging language and motor development
      • Infant massage

      This class is ideal for new parents and caregivers seeking to better understand and support their baby’s early developmental journey. Each session will focus on a different topic and will include discussion, demonstration, and resources for families. There will be 8 sessions on Tuesdays, 11:15am-12:15pm from April 14th-June 9, 2026
      *No Session on May 5

      Register today

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