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Clinicians at Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT) often work with those they support in public or everyday settings to help them apply the skills they learn in the clinic to real-world environments. This process is called generalization.  

“For some kids, generalizing from the clinic is harder than for other kids,” said IPT Director Jennie Marble. “We try to work on that in a lot of different ways, and we make it a priority to include parents or caregivers in the process.” 

One of the janitors who is employed through JCFS Chicago’s Contracted Employment Services (CES) accompanied CES Assistant Director Virginia Hopkins to SourceAmerica’s annual Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C... where he first shared his employment story with a group of fellow advocacy teams, and later presented a shorter version to legislators.

When Anna came to JCFS Chicago she was in the process of finishing her bachelor’s degree in English. Anna has a passion for reading and libraries, and she expressed to her employment specialist her desire to find a job in a library.

Thomas works at a local pizza restaurant, a position he secured with support from JCFS Chicago several years ago, but he recently expressed interest in finding a second job. So he turned to JCFS again, this time through our Customized Employment Program.

As a recent high school graduate, Daniel turned to JCFS Chicago’s Duman Opportunity Center for help finding employment. He began working with an employment specialist to explore opportunities that would highlight his strengths, build his confidence, and prepare him for long-term success.

For Mitch, a recent move from Lincolnwood to Skokie wasn’t just a change in address, it was a step toward greater independence, responsibility and connection. Moving out of his parents’ home marked a major milestone for Mitch, as he also became the 30th resident to join a JCFS-supported integrated community living home.

For many immigrants, applying for U.S. citizenship can seem overwhelming. Take Agnes Enriquez, a Montessori preschool teacher who immigrated nearly 20 years ago: she didn’t apply for citizenship after receiving her green card in 2008 because she was busy raising her children and worried she would not have time to study.

But recent news of valid green card holders being denied reentry into the United States after traveling out of the country gave her pause.

Navigating conversations with teens about drugs and alcohol can feel overwhelming—but it's one of the most important talks for a teen. Here are five practical tips to help you open the door to meaningful conversations that build trust and resilience.

When the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center in Northbrook temporarily closed for construction this summer, Speech-Language Pathologist Jennie Marble took the opportunity to work with a teenager outside of the clinic—at a local ice cream shop.

Each summer for the past ten years, staff members from Jewish Community Services have trained local camp counselors to recognize and respond to abuse and boundary-violating behaviors.