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Safer Camps
We're Here
to Help.
For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.
Safer Schools
Students
- SMART KidsTM is a newly developed program presented in Orthodox Jewish Day Schools to students in pre-school through fourth grade.
- Children learn about boundaries, bodily autonomy, and making smart choices when faced with uncomfortable situations.
- Animated videos about Miriam and Ari as they navigate scenarios help kids understand how to handle unique situations. Watch the first video here!
- Classroom posters, materials for parents, continuing conversation resources for teachers and fun Miriam and Ari give aways and coloring sheets remind children about being a S.M.A.R.T. Kid.
Teachers & School Staff
- The program educates teachers, social workers and other school staff about boundaries, signs and symptoms of abuse, and responding to suspicions and disclosures.
- Participants learn through roleplay how to create a culture of safety by normalizing disclosures, empowering children to advocate for themselves and encouraging discussion.
Parents
- The programs provide parents with additional information about keeping children safe.
- Interactive discussions give parents opportunities to share and learn from each other.
- Resources for parents
PACS (Partners Aligned for Child Safety) is an alliance of JCFS Chicago, Associated Talmud Torahs and Upward Community to coordinate and streamline efforts to prevent child abuse in Chicago area Orthodox day schools.
For more information about Safer Schools programs, contact Bracha Jakofsky, MSW, Abuse Prevention Coordinator and Mental Health Educator.
To report suspicions or knowledge of child abuse or neglect, call the DCFS Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (1.800.252.2873)
We're Here
to Help.
For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.
Safer Synagogues
Clergy, staff and other leaders increase their understanding of the impacts of abuse, mental health, addiction and recovery in the Jewish community, including the legal obligations to intervene. Congregants learn more about community resources and how to feel more comfortable turning to the rabbi and other synagogue leaders for support and guidance. Our staff can guide a congregation in reviewing and development of individualized programs, policies, protocols and best practices.
For more information contact Elizabeth Ury, MAJPS, Director of Jewish Community Engagement, 847.745.5421.
Topics Addressed
- Keeping children safe
- Teen dating violence, with Response for Teens
- Adult intimate partner violence, with SHALVA
- Abuse and neglect of older adults, with CJE SeniorLife
- Substance use, misuse and addiction
- Mental health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention
Safer Synagogues has been facilitated in over 35 Chicago area synagogues since its inception.
Boundaries, Abuse and Supporting Communities Training
JCFS offers training for religious school educators, b’nai mitzvah tutors and other synagogue staff and volunteers on establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, and responding to disclosures or suspicions of abuse and neglect.
To report suspicions or knowledge of child abuse or neglect, call the DCFS Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (1.800.252.2873)
We're Here
to Help.
For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.
The Empty Chair
If you have lost a loved one over the past year, please join us for some reflective Torah, as well as ideas on how to navigate the Passover season after loss.
Guided Meditation for Support in Times of Grief
Meditation can help us develop inner peace and other healing responses for hard times, including grief and loss. In this workshop we will learn, discuss, and practice a Jewish meditation based in ancient traditional Jewish prayer practices. After the workshop you will have everything you need to continue practicing the meditation on your own.
All are welcome; no meditation experience, particular type or level of Jewish observance or Hebrew literacy is required.
Presenter: Beth Fishman, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Health Psychologist and the Program Manager of addiction services at JCFS Chicago. For over 30 years Dr. Fishman has created and taught Jewish spiritual practices to support individuals experiencing bereavement, chronic illness, addiction recovery, and mental health challenges.
The program is generously sponsored by the Lauri S. Bauer Foundation for Sudden Loss.
PUNS- The Basics
The PUNS list, Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services, is the database that the Department of Human Services (DHS) uses to understand how many individuals in Illinois want or need Developmental Disability Waiver services.
Join guest speaker Ruth Aguilar, Ligas Family Advocate, from The Arc of Illinois for an overview of PUNS. Learn more about qualifications, requirements to enroll, prioritization, the benefits of being on the PUNS list, and steps to help in the process. Q&A will be available. This presentation will be helpful to people with disabilities and their families, as well as professionals.
This event is free and open to the public. Continuing education credits are available for QIDP's. *Session may be recorded.
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.
Grieving the Death of a Loved One
This evening of support will include music and poems for healing, reflections on the grieving process and a personal grief journey illuminating paths to healing. This program is tailored to those grieving a death in the past two years, but everyone is welcome.
Upon completion of our structured program at approximately 8pm, participants will be invited to stay online to share personal reflections and experiences in smaller groups.
This event is free of charge. Register today to receive the Zoom link to the program.
For more information, email Leah Shefsky.
