Summer is officially here, and JFCS is not slowing down for a summer "break"! We are introducing a summer series for teens and youth to provide meaningful opportunities in the coming months. Our on-site and mobile food pantries are prepared to see growing demand for services, and our counseling team is preparing to offer new virtual options including a virtual Youth Mindfulness Group and other interactive and supportive programs for the broader community as we process the next phase of our lives during the pandemic.

What are we doing right now?

  • Teen Summer Series: JFCS is offering a number of opportunities for teens and youth to engage in service and personal development projects over the coming months. Registration is open for all sessions:
  1. College & Career: For Grades 11+ Career Exploration Workshop Tuesday July 7, 7PM If you don't know what to do with your major, or are unsure what to study, join us!
  2. Summer Serve: For Grades 6-12 How Will You Serve? Sunday July 12, 1PM Discover ways to customize your summer service experience.
  3. College & Career: For Grades 11+ Colleges Perspectives Monday July 20, 7PM A panel of college students discuss their experiences after high school.
  4. Summer Serve: For Grades 6-12 School Supplies Drive Sunday July 26, 1PM Kick off event for annual school supply drive, learn about needs in our community.
  5. College & Career: For Grades 11+ Promoting Yourself & Your Skill Set Monday Aug 3, 7PM An interactive workshop to build your resume and develop talking points.
  6. Summer Serve: For Grades 6-12 Challah Bake Sunday Aug 9, 1PM Create your own challah at home for Challah for Hunger.
  • This Thursday, June 25 at 6 PM join for our next Community Webinar "How to Develop Emotional Resilience." Teri Cheresnick, LCSW, LCADC will lead the discussion about emotional resilience, what it is and how we can better develop our own emotional resilience to life’s stressors. Join by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 964 8345 2223.  

  • As businesses and activities re-open, anxieties can build surrounding how to safely re-enter work, dining and entertainment spaces. Mental health and self-care are more important than ever as we navigate the next phase. Connect with a JFCS counselor during "Drop-in" Hours. You can connect one-on-one with a counselor who can provide personalized tips and support. Drop-In hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 AM - 12 PM, Tuesday & Thursdays 5 - 7 PM. Call us at 609-987-8100 and Dial 0.

What is in the works?
  • Look out for more info on our virtual Youth Mindfulness Group and other interactive mental health programs.

What can you do?
  • If you are looking for a way to give back and are interested in our volunteer opportunities, contact Eden Aaronson at EdenA@jfcsonline.org.
  • If you or someone you know needs emergency food - call us.
  • If you or someone you know could benefit from our counseling support - call us.

Our Resource Page i s a wealth of knowledge blog posts from our team and new links to resources.
As our fiscal year comes to an end on June 30, we are looking at our year ahead and anticipating how the impact of COVID19 will continue in the months to come. If you can make a donation, consider a contribution today. Each dollar donated is worth even more when it means we can reach another person, another family, another senior in need.