Strategic Plan

Our new strategic plan will shape our future endeavors over the next five years and reinforce our commitment to serving our community

JCFS Priorities for the Future

Beginning with a new mission, vision and impact areas, we embark on an exciting new strategic plan. These foundational elements not only reflect our deep-rooted values but also guide us towards achieving our shared goals with clarity and purpose. Bolstered by our identified priorities, our three pillars – impact, sustain and catalyze – will drive our efforts forward.

Impact

Our programs and services strengthen self-sufficiency, belonging and emotional well-being for individuals and families throughout their lives, leading to resilient Jewish and broader Chicago communities.

  • Directly serve 4,000 individuals and families, and touch the lives of 75,000 annually through an integrated portfolio of programs and partnerships.
  • Individuals and families can seamlessly access needed services through JCFS Chicago and our community of partners with a single call, click or visit.

Sustain

Our commitment to meet increasing and evolving needs across communities focuses on the financial resources, professional capabilities and capacity necessary for transformational growth, operational strength and broad awareness of JCFS Chicago’s impact.

  • Elevate JCFS as an employer of choice in organizational culture and talent development, retaining top talent at a best-in-class 85% rate. 
  • Achieve $50M+ annual revenue and a balanced budget, growing JCFS Chicago’s impact and productivity.

Catalyze

Our ability to accelerate impact requires a shift in the ways in which services are delivered, introducing solutions that expand our capacity to continuously adapt in an increasingly changing environment.

  • Engage 350+ organizations and 50,000 participants in training and consultation services, expanding JCFS reach and generating sustainable revenue streams.
  • Establish and activate a fund to pilot and integrate innovative new programs, training and technology.

As we move forward on this transformative journey, we invite you to join us in our mission to strengthen the Jewish and broader Chicago communities.

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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Getting Through Challenging Times

Getting Through Challenging Times

In difficult times, we may find ourselves navigating a complex mix of uncertainty, anxiety, trauma and loss while also holding on to hope for a brighter future. Everyone faces challenges, but with the right tools and support, we can build resilience and pave the way for a more hopeful tomorrow.

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Children & Adolescents

Ready Set Grow

Join us for our 2 - to 3 - year-old play group, 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.

This event runs on Thursdays from 9:15-10:30am, beginning December 5 until June 26, 2025. Please contact Megan Kowalski for fee info.

*Early Intervention enrollment is not required for children to participate.

Jewish Community Programs

Spark in the Dark: Gift of Recovery Chanukah program

Please join JCFS Chicago addiction services for "Spark in the Dark" our annual Gift of Recovery Chanukah program, online and presented in partnership with Selah! Selah’s Arielle Krule and Jeremy Pool , along with Chicago- and Brooklyn-area Jews in Recovery, will guide us in celebrating the light we create, the courage we bring, and the possibility of transformation. May this season be one of healing, hope, and warmth as we build stronger, more compassionate communities. There is no cost to attend. All are welcome!

Register today to receive the Zoom link. This event is free to attend.

People with Disabilities & Their Families

DRS Assisting in Independence

This presentation will discuss the role IDHS -DRS plays in assisting individuals with disabilities to gain independence through employment. Our guest speaker Karie Frazier the Rehabilitation Services Supervisor at IDH will include information on the Vocational Rehabilitation process, the eligibility requirements for DRS, and the services offered.

This event is free and open to the public. Continuing education credits are available for QIDP's. *Session may be recorded.

Registration is required. 

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.

Jewish Community Programs

Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Please join us for an evening of support for those mourning a beloved pet (recently, in the past, or anticipating a loss). Grieving the Loss of a Pet offers the space to reflect on the deep bond with our pets, navigate the unique grief of their loss and find healing, including that rooted in Jewish teachings.

Register today.

Contact Aliza Becker for more information.
 

Steadfast and Strong

To Our Community

We know that any new administration brings uncertainty. While elected officials may change, JCFS Chicago remains steadfast. For 160 years, we've stayed true to our mission, and we will uphold it as we have for generations.

JCFS will continue to strongly support the issues that impact those we serve. Today and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to advocate on behalf of immigrants and refugees, to provide comprehensive sexual health education, and to foster inclusivity and belonging for those facing prejudice and hate. Guided by our Jewish values, JCFS will continue to be a force for good.

Early this year we created a roadmap for the future in our new strategic plan, envisioning resilient communities where people are empowered to navigate life's challenges. Now more than ever, we draw on that vision to support those who need our help the most.

JCFS is committed to working closely with the community to ensure that those who rely on our services continue to receive the connection and care they need.

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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Celebrate Your B’nai Mitzvah

Envision A Strengthened Community

Your B’nai Mitzvah is an important turning point in your life and JCFS Chicago wants to join you on your journey! JCFS is here to bolster your mitzvot and ensure you can take pride in giving back.

By partnering with us, you ensure that your community strengthens self-sufficiency, belonging, and well-being among individuals and families in the Jewish and broader Chicago communities.

Get involved

Looking for a B’nai Mitzvah project for an upcoming celebration? JCFS Chicago offers projects to individuals who wish to support those we serve.

  • Setup a personal fundraising site and support the needs of one of our programs
  • Engage your community and collect items that directly impact individuals we serve.
  • Volunteer your time with individuals we serve and get to know them firsthand.

Support those we serve!

Some opportunities include:

Support a B’nai Mitzvah!

Help someone’s mitzvah project reach its goal. Click on the name of the person you wish to support.

  • Sam Seidler
    • Support Sam on his journey to help refugees!

 

Support Sam Seidler

For more, please contact Benjamin Weiss, Development Associate, Volunteers and Events at 773.467.3821.

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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