Blog

Ben Arkes was born in Chicago in 1922. His father, Pinches, was a Ukrainian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1910 with no resources and limited English proficiency. Ben was one of five children, and though his father was an incredibly hard-working man, the family struggled with poverty, often going without meals. His upbringing had a profound impact on Ben’s altruism later in life.

At JCFS Chicago, helping children, teens, and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) integrate into the community and improve their quality of life is at the core of what we do.

When concerns about substance use or other possible addictions arise: what help is available? Who can I call?

Four years ago, Jeff Suskin decided he was ready to live on his own and was looking for an independent living arrangement. With the help of his parents, Jeff found a good fit at an integrated living home in Wilmette through JCFS Chicago's residential supports.

Joint attention is when two people focus on an object, person, event or idea at the same time. It occurs when one person alerts the other to an object without words, indicating with just a look or pointed finger. Often joint attention is associated exclusively with toddlers and autism, but it also informs social behavior for adolescents and adults who aren’t on the spectrum. 

JCFS Chicago is honored to partner with MISSD and No Shame on U to expand the suicide prevention work of the Chicago Jewish community and offer support and comfort to those who have lost someone to suicide, with support from JUF’s Breakthrough Fund.

We’ve added more inclusive physical education equipment and activities for our Knapp School & Yeshiva students with disabilities! Group activities like rolling skating are opportunities for students to have fun while they develop valuable life skills and healthy lifelong habits.

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities? Consider joining us at our monthly respite groups at the Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center on Sundays from 1-4 pm.

Are you a parent or guardian of a child with special needs who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan? Do you have any questions about the plan itself or with its implementation? Do you suspect your child may have a disability and may need services in school? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the JCFS Chicago Legal Advocacy Center may be a resource for you.

As January 1, 2020 approaches, JCFS Chicago’s addiction services has been receiving  requests to provide information about marijuana in anticipation of the legalization of recreational use in Illinois.  As with all substance use issues, marijuana legalization is expected to impact the Jewish community along with the general population.