JCFS Chicago Knapp School and Yeshiva has partnered with the Skokie Public Library for more than 5 years to provide students with a wonderful opportunity to build skills and gain confidence. 

The Knapp School and Yeshiva recently had the pleasure of hosting its very first Career Day. Students from many middle- and high-school classrooms met professionals in engineering, aviation, medicine, law, teaching and entrepreneurship/business shared their stories and work experiences.

JCFS TDS Transition Student Ania recently celebrated a very special milestone!  She voted for the very first time, receiving a round of applause from the workers at the polling place. Ania, like many of our students in the Transition Program, has been focused on increasing independence and life skills within school and the community at large. This program helps develop these skills so that upon graduation from school, she is more prepared to enter the workforce. 

For the past 5 years, JCFS TDS’ vocational program has had the pleasure of partnering with a local candy store, Mini Man Monkey Brains.  Founded by Gloria and Jim Iverson, Mini Man Monkey Brains is a place close to their hearts.  The candy shop provides a place for young adults on the Autism spectrum (and who have varying abilities) a place to practice and implement work expectations. 

During the week of November 12 -18, 2018, the Therapeutic Day School (TDS) of JCFS celebrated American Education Week, a week focused around promoting the idea that school is a place for each student, no matter the circumstance and everyone is deserving of the support, tools, and time needed to learn! This idea is very connected to what we hold to be true at TDS and decided to take some time to honor and thank our entire TDS staff - educators, support professionals, and administrators - by asking them to share what they love about their work.

The JCFS Therapeutic Day School operates on the principle that a therapeutic environment for students requires meaningful participation from everyone, including the students themselves. This year, students from the program took their vision of starting a coffee cart and made it a reality.