Support to families caring for children with disabilities and special needs.

Our respite services use a supportive, nurturing and therapeutic approach, combined with fun, social and recreational activities, while providing a well-deserved break for parents.

Group Respite

This offers a fun, playful afternoon where children with intellectual/developmental disabilities can participate in a variety of social and recreational activities in a group setting. Parents and caregivers can enjoy a well-deserved break knowing that their child is engaged and supported by caring and dedicated respite workers. Group Respite is offered at our West Rogers Park location. 

Voucher Respite

A stipend for parents/caregivers of a child or adult with intellectual/developmental disabilities can be used toward a respite worker that the family hires and pays to provide support, or to help pay for special recreational programs for the person with a disability. Vouchers are provided in the form of reimbursement to the parent/caregiver.

To learn more about JCFS Respite services, contact Amy Simmons, QIDP at 773.765.3135.

JCFS Chicago is part of the following insurance networks:

• BCBS Network (not HMO)
• BCBS CHOICE Plans (not HMO)
• Aetna Network - includes HMO plans
• Aetna Choice - includes HMO plans
• Ambetter (commercial plan) - includes HMO plans
• Humana PPO Network
• United Healthcare - includes HMO plans (accepted by some JCFS providers; please inquire about this plan)

JCFS Chicago also accepts Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicaid (in-network; coverage is not available for psychological testing and assessment):

• BCBS Network
• Meridian
• DHS
• Molina
• Aetna Better Health
• County Care
• YouthCare

Medicare:

• Community Care Alliance

IPT Services:
Commercial Insurance (in network):

• BCBS Network
• BCBS CHOICE Plans
• Aetna Network (benefits moved to Optum health)
• United Healthcare  
• Humana PPO Network

Direct insurance billing may be available for other insurance companies after verification of coverage has been completed. Insurance reimbursement is based on eligible services of the client’s benefit plan.

Get Help

For clients of the Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT) program email our insurance specialist, Lena Barshak.

With support from Response for Teens and JCFS Chicago, teens train and lead this innovative weekend program filled with activities and interactive workshops on topics such as diversity, positive decision making, leadership, healthy relationships, social justice and prevention education. There are plenty of opportunities to hone leadership skills with other teens in a relaxed, positive setting.

Teens can participate in in two ways:

Train to be a Snowball Teen Leader
Over the course of an academic school year high school-age teens train with staff from Response for Teens and JCFS Chicago to cultivate extensive leadership and peer education skills as well as how to facilitate groups. The experience culminates with them leading the three-day Snowball retreat in the spring.

Attend Operation Snowball
Teens from all over the Chicago area attend this very special, three-day retreat to meet other teens with similar interests and engage in stimulating, conversations and activities lead by their peers—supported by adult leaders—that both encourage open discussion of belief systems and inspire extensive self-reflection. Along the way, strong friendships are forged. The retreat is a safe space for teens to express themselves and share their life experiences with others.
 

Generous support for this program is provided by the Barbara and Frank Lieber Family Charitable Trust, the Highland Park Community Foundation, and the Trillium Foundation.

As we shared previously, JCFS Chicago transferred all operations of Camp Firefly to JCC Chicago in 2021. JCC Chicago, in partnership with Keshet, welcomed previous and new campers into the Camp Chi inclusion program, which offers one-on-one support so that campers with intellectual, social and physical disabilities can participate fully.

For more information about JCFS Chicago’s services for children, teens, and young adults call 855.275.5237.

A commitment to social inclusion, ensures that everyone, with and without special needs, benefits when everyone can experience all that summer camp has to offer. JCC Chicago provides a variety of programs and approaches so that children, teens, and young adults with disabilities can experience the fun, adventure and friendships of day and overnight camps. If you are interested in learning more about summer programs at Apachi Day Camp or Camp Chi please contact Keshet at recreation@keshet.org.

Response for Teens helps educate parents who might be having difficulty with a child’s coming out process, or just wants to meet others parents who have experienced what you’re going through and can offer first-hand advice.

Alliance is Response for Teens’ annual summer program for LGBTQ+ teens and allies. It’s a great way to have fun with friends and meet other LGBTQ high schoolers in the area.

Parent & Family Connection is a support and education group for Jewish parents and family members of LGBTQ youth and young adults. Our program consists of monthly meetings, a peer mentoring program and community events. New members are always welcome.

Peer Support 
If you are having difficulty with your child’s coming out process, or would just like to speak individually with another parent who has experienced what you’re experiencing and can offer first-hand advice, we’d like to connect you with a trained peer volunteer through our Parent & Family Connection program!