The Wakschlags are a Jewish family full of love, compassion, and strength. Milt, a retired attorney and ordained rabbi, and Laurie, a professor and vice chair at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern University, live in Lincolnwood and have three adult children. Tmima (Mims) and Efraim (Fry) both have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Their daughter Shira and her husband, Eli Rosenblatt, have two daughters, Maerav and Bella. Bella is on the autism spectrum. 

What started as a fun activity to enjoy together has evolved into a full-blown hobby for Hart. Through pottery, he has also gained more confidence and independence. 

The JCFS Chicago Jewish Chaplaincy program is expanding its services to include two area hospices and Misericordia, while also growing its Russian-speaking Jewish Chaplaincy program. 

JCFS has long been a trusted resource for Skokie Public Library patrons. In turn, the library has served as such a dedicated collaborator to JCFS that the agency named the library its 2025 Community Partner of the Year.

One of the janitors who is employed through JCFS Chicago’s Contracted Employment Services (CES) accompanied CES Assistant Director Virginia Hopkins to SourceAmerica’s annual Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C... where he first shared his employment story with a group of fellow advocacy teams, and later presented a shorter version to legislators.

For Mitch, a recent move from Lincolnwood to Skokie wasn’t just a change in address, it was a step toward greater independence, responsibility and connection. Moving out of his parents’ home marked a major milestone for Mitch, as he also became the 30th resident to join a JCFS-supported integrated community living home.

During Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we’re recognizing two local Jewish-owned businesses who have hired individuals with disabilities through the JCFS Duman Opportunity Center.

It’s Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time for Jewish organizations to join forces to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. JCFS Chicago is coming together with partner agencies to better support people with intellectual/development disabilities (I/DD).

At JCFS Chicago, we offer services and programs throughout the year that provide people with disabilities, their families and caregivers the support they need to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish and community life. One recipient of our inclusive services is Jacob*, who recently moved into one of the integrated community living homes supported by JCFS.

Teri, who has been working at a local restaurant, called her Duman Employment Specialist (ES) to ask for help. She wanted to get more hours at her job, so the ES went to observe Teri at work to help her make improvements.