-- WHAT'S NEW FROM JFS --
OCTOBER 2020
Are we there yet??

In this edition, we wanted to address the elephant in the room... are we the only ones starting to get sick of all of this? How is everyone else handling all the curveballs being thrown at them? Does that make us insensitive to the devastating nature of the virus?

You're not alone... As these changes are not "new" anymore, we'd like to share some resources to help you stay strong, be resilient and support each other to come out stronger on the other side. Hang in there!
Parenting Tip: How to Balance Working from Home and Raising Kids
We've all had that experience where you're with your kids, but your brain's at work, or you're at work and your brain's with your kids. It's that competition that creates that stress. Mindfulness can help!
Acute Vs. Chronic Stress

By Teresa Drelicharz, LIHMP

As the Pandemic of 2020 persists, it is normal to feel increasing amounts of stress. Over longer periods of time, however, that stress can wreak havoc on us, both emotionally and physically. Most of us have suffered from Acute stress at some time in our lives. Acute stress is short-term stress. 

As Covid-19 cases continue to be reported around the world affecting every facet of our lives, many people have likely crossed over into Chronic stress. Chronic stress is long-term, and potentially dangerous to our overall health. 

Radical Compassion in Challenging Times.

By Karen M. Gustafson, MS, NCC, LIMHP

[...] I was most intrigued by this article because the author provides a tool that any of us can implement at any time. She first defines the word worry as an Old English word meaning to strangle. “While it truly is a dangerous time, the looping thoughts of worry actually trap us in the kind of fears that interfere with our executive functioning, making good decisions. They interfere with our capacity to feel compassion for others. They interfere with a larger perspective that allows us to move wisely on our path. But mindfulness gives that capacity back.”  Tara defines for us the meditation practice of R.A.I.N.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as we work to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment, we also want to take a look at how Breast Cancer can affect someone's mental health and what someone can do to cope.

Some of the psychological effects that a diagnosis can cause is not only depression and anxiety, but self blame as well.

"Why did this happen to me? What did I do? Did I not exercise right? Was my diet not okay? Did I miss my mammographic screenings?"
A message from our Assistance Coordinator, Linda Cogen

As the Days of Awe slip away, I realize that everything is different this fall, from services by ZOOM to online school and socially distant gatherings with families and friends… Thank heavens we have each other.

We all deserve emotional security yet many are in constant exhaustion, and fatigue, overwhelmed by the pandemic. We find ourselves making Plan A, Plan B, and often Plan C to cope with the uncertainty of Life. Jewish Family Service is committed to assist the Omaha Jewish Community with mental health counseling and financial assistance.

Let’s all make the New Year 5781, kinder and more gentle for all MANKIND.
Good news from JFS!
JFS IN NUMBERS
END OF FISCAL YEAR REPORTING:

  • Between July'19 and June'20, we had 333 visits to the JFS food pantry.

  • As of 10/9/20, we've served 91 people through COVID-19 Emergency Relief for a total of $41,864, helping families have food on their table, pay their rent and other bills.
JFS is offering In-Person and Virtual Counseling

We have been seeing clients at the office (in-person) for threee months.
Our staff and visitors are following very strict social distancing guidelines, have their temperatures taken daily and are asked to complete a health questionnaire before coming in.
Please call our office at 402-330-2024 to make an appointment.

WE ARE STILL OFFERING VIRTUAL COUNSELING!
JFS is here for you!
Need help with groceries, utilities, rent or other outstanding bills? Please call our MAIN LINE at 402-330-2024 .
  • For scholarship assistance, call Diane Walker at 402-334-6551
  • For JFO employees in need, call HR at 402-334-6435
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