Back
Advocacy
Protect Funding for Critical Human Services
The recent and potential changes imposed by the current administration threaten critical funding for essential JCFS programs, jeopardizing the stability of services that countless individuals rely on — including support for people with disabilities and their families, special education, refugee and immigrant assistance, mental health care and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Without sustained investment, these lifelines could be diminished, leaving our most vulnerable neighbors without the support they need and deserve.
It is time to stand up for our communities and protect these critical services. The lives of 1,385 people who rely on disability services, mental health care, and special education support from JCFS Chicago are under threat due to pending Medicaid cuts—putting $6.7 million in vital funding at risk and making it clear that we must act now.
Contact your legislators using our email templates and phone scripts to amplify the impact of our services and ensure continued access to these vital resources. Together, we can make a difference—reach out today to urge lawmakers to protect these lifelines for our most vulnerable neighbors. Read more about the people who will be impacted by potential cuts to federal funding.
Call or email your legislator and tell them to vote NO on cuts to Medicaid. You can find your representative by entering your address, which will provide their name, phone number and a link to their website.
Download these fact sheets and story resources to help guide conversations with friends, family, out-of-state contacts, or neighbors. Now more than ever, we need EVERYONE to raise their voices and demand that legislators protect federal funding for our most vulnerable Americans. If you have connections in downstate Illinois or in red states, don’t wait — call, email, or text them today. Your outreach could be the difference between critical services being saved or lost. The time to act is now.
We're Here
to Help.
For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.
In-Person Grief Group
This grief support group is for adults who have experienced the death of a loved-one within the past two years. The free group will meet in person at 5150 Golf Rd. for six weeks starting February 6, from 1-2:30pm. Please contact Marsha Raynes for more information and to register.
Getting Your Financial Ducks in a Row: Financial Considerations for Individuals with Disabilities and their Families
Services for People with Disabilities (SFPD) presents this free Community Education Workshop series online via Zoom.
This 3-part series focuses on financial options and planning for people with disabilities and their families. The series will start with a conversation on the Top Ten Financial Planning Tips followed by a discussion on Special Needs Trusts and ending with a conversation on Able Accounts. Join us for this informative series.
January 8th, 2025, 6pm
Top Ten Special Financial Needs Planning Tips
Mike Walther, Founder and President, Oak Wealth Advisors
January 22nd, 2025, 2pm
Special Needs Trusts
Sara Riechert, JD, Chamberlin Reicher Law Group
February 12th, 2025, 2pm
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. *Session may be recorded.
Registration is required.
Register Today!
Or call Kathryn Dougherty at 773.765.3158 to register.
You will receive a Zoom link to participate via email the day prior to the session.
For help with registration, and for any accommodations, please contact Kathryn Dougherty.