JCFS Chicago

Stay up to date with all things JCFS Chicago on our Instagram page, !

New Classes Alert at JCFS Chicago’s Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT)

Fine Motor Friends
Thursdays at 1:00pm, June 11 – July 16 (Ages 5–7) in Northbrook
Register here: https://www.jcfs.org/events/fine-motor-friends

Social Superheroes
Mondays at 1:00pm, June 22 – July 27 (Ages 5–7)
Tuesdays at 1:00pm, June 23 – July 28 (Ages 8–10) in Northbrook
Register here: https://www.jcfs.org/events/social-superheroes

This Pride Month, JCFS Chicago celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirms our commitment to dignity, belonging, and well-being for all.

We believe in building communities that welcome diversity, promote inclusion, and empower every person to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and support, this month and every month.

View LGBTQIA+ resources from JCFS's Response for Teens here: https://www.jcfs.org/response/find-help/lgbtq-links

During summer break children may experience a pause in their speech-language services. The article, "Advice for Families of Children With Speech or Language Disorders: How To Support Your Child Over Summer Break," from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website, offers valuable guidance for families on supporting their child’s speech development during the summer.

“Summer downtime can sometimes mean more screen time,” said Allison Liwanag, Speech-Language Pathologist at JCFS Chicago. “This article provides several ideas for parents to stay proactive and prevent the summer slide.”

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/38Uu50Z4UpY

JCFS Chicago’s Kaufman Wolf Center for Trauma and Resilience (KWCTR) joined municipal leaders at the Jewish United Fund Municipal Leaders’ Summit, where mayors, village presidents, and city managers from across suburban communities came together to discuss crisis management and leadership.

KWCTR Director Megan Lerner led a session on trauma-informed leadership, sharing how leaders can respond thoughtfully during challenging circumstances to strengthen the communities they serve.

Stacey Shor, JCFS Chicago CEO, and Kathleen Gerhold, Associate Vice President of Operations, joined Jewish United Fund of Chicago - JUF's annual advocacy mission in Springfield, meeting with state legislators and leaders to discuss key issues impacting the communities JCFS serves. Conversations focused on priority legislation, including protecting medical absence payments for CILAs, ensuring fair housing compliance, strengthening nonprofit security funding, and recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. The group also acknowledged the passage of the LIFT (Legacy Impacts through Fair Transfers) Act.

They connected with State Representative Bob Morgan, State Representative Michelle Mussman, State Representative Kevin Olickal, Robyn Gabel for State Representative, , Ann M. Williams - State Representative, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, State Representative Nicolle Grasse; State Senator Julie Morrison, Sara Feigenholtz, State Senator, State Senator Laura Fine, and Ram Villivalam; Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, JCFS Chicago is sharing trusted resources to support people with disabilities in finding employment and meeting basic needs.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers access to emergency services, benefits like SNAP and TANF, and employment support through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). DRS services are available to anyone with a qualifying disability, including those with a mental health diagnosis.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/Fb7h50Z4Umu

Through IDHS Vocational Rehabilitation, individuals can explore employment support services and complete a web referral form to begin the process.

Complete a form: https://ow.ly/KFm450Z4Umv

As National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM) comes to a close, we’re shining a light on our incredible speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

We asked them why they love what they do, and their answers remind us just how meaningful their work is every day.

Swipe to see their stories.

For parents and caregivers, knowing how to support teens can feel overwhelming. JCFS Response for Teens Outreach Coordinator Tema Zeldes-Roth shares practical tips for starting open, non-judgmental conversations.

Read more in our blog here: https://www.jcfs.org/blog/supporting-teen-mental-health-tips-parents

Happy Memorial Day!

In observance of the holiday, all JCFS Chicago offices are closed today, Monday, May 25.