If December meant an influx of new toys to your home you may be thinking, now what do I do? Too many toys and a cluttered environment can actually have a negative impact on the quality of a child’s play and access to fewer toys enhances children’s cognitive and neurological development.

"The more I’ve learned about the seasonal impact on mood, behavior and cognitive development, the more important I realize it is to incorporate purposeful movement into our kids’ days, especially in the winter," Jennie Marble, Director of Integrated  Pediatric Therapies shares.

Making space for ourselves and our own well-being, especially at a time when there are others that need taking care of, is extremely important. While making the time and commitment to self-care can seem arduous, so too is the process of recovering if we ignore our own care or let ourselves run out of steam. Finding a couple of small moments to do something that makes us feel good each day can have cumulative benefits.

Sean Nebel came to JVS Career & Employment with the goal of getting out of his comfort zone. “I had a hard time breaking out of my shell,” he recalled. Eddie Baturin, a JVS senior vocational trainer, who has worked with Sean the past eight years said, "Over the years, you could really see him change his personality. From being the guy that wouldn’t talk or stand up for himself, now he has a strong personality and is independent."

The pandemic has left many people feeling isolated and alone. To ensure that our clients feel connected to their community and faith, JCFS Chicago’s Jewish community services swiftly transitioned support groups and their chaplaincy program to be virtual.

Michael Lieber is a longstanding friend of JCFS Chicago, and President of Laminet Cover Company, a plastic manufacturing company in Chicago. When the pandemic hit, Laminet quickly pivoted to produce and ship face shields. In addition to producing face shields for hospitals and medical workers, Laminet began donating shields to others in need, including 200 for teachers and administrative staff at JCFS Knapp School & Yeshiva.

To celebrate the holidays safely during the pandemic, we have been encouraged to gather virtually with family and friends. These ideas from our IPT therapists will help make your virtual holidays successful.

Challenged with a generational gap, technological gaps, and screen time overload, grandparents nonetheless want to spend time with their precious grandchildren.  Here are some tips and tools that I think can help you be together while we’re limited doing so in person.