The events of the past year have been jarring in many ways—isolating us as individuals, even as we struggle with concerns around sickness, death, racial injustice, and so much more. Many of us have faced mental health challenges for ourselves or our loved ones, as the country collectively grapples with record levels of loneliness, anxiety, and substance misuse. There is no road map for finding our way through these very personal issues, and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. 

As we have done so many times before, JF&CS identified this growing need, and, in partnership with Combined Jewish Philanthropies, we recently launched Mental Health Connect – a free, confidential information and referral service. Through Mental Health Connect, you can reach a JF&CS mental health professional who will take the time to understand your situation and connect you with the appropriate resources – JF&CS support groups, local therapists, specialty programs, and more.

Mental Health Connect is just one of the many ways we help individuals and families successfully navigate transitions and overcome challenges. To learn more about how we can support you, visit our website.

We are pleased to announce that JF&CS is one of 16 organizations recently awarded a grant from the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey to promote racial equity in the treatment of opioid use disorder. This grant supports our innovative work nurturing early relationships—specifically leveraging our experience serving new parents impacted by opioid use disorder and our work with immigrant families who have experienced trauma. Learn more about the two JF&CS programs these funds will support: Project NESST® and Early Connections/Conexiones Tempranas.

Jewish Disabilities Advocacy Month is dedicated to fighting the stigma around disabilities and promoting action and advocacy. To mark the month, JF&CS is offering a free webinar series, “Navigating the System: Practical Advice for Families of Children with Special Needs”. Its goal is to empower parents to understand their options and rights to help children reach their full potential—which is the core work of our Disability Lifespan Solutions program.  

All sessions run 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The webinar series is free, but spots are limited and registration is required. Register for 1, 2, or all three of the sessions.

Offered via Zoom at no charge, but registration is requested.

One in three teens in the US is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Learn more about how our TeenSafe program empowers Jewish teens and the adults in their lives to prevent dating abuse and promote healthy and respectful behavior in dating relationships.