Blog

Each fall, my husband and I turn our thoughts to adoption. While adoption is on our minds all year long, we think about it even more at this time of year. In addition to National Adoption Month taking place every November and raising awareness of adoption, each September, our family also celebrates “Gotcha Day” – the unforgettable day our son, Jake, joined our family.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, the ideal time to talk with kids about the issues they may have with peers at school, along with identifying the signs of bullying, and what we can do to prevent it.   

JCFS is proud to present our new Associates Board, a group of dedicated and energized young professionals who will help promote and support the good work of JCFS through advocacy, leadership development, fundraising, volunteerism and more.

What is the significance of the fall Jewish holidays?  They are times for reflection, renewal, and celebration.

If you ask parents what they wish for their child, the answer is usually “to make friends in school.”  Making friends is an important part of childhood, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy. Children are not born with social skills, so parents need to prepare them to interact successfully with other kids.

I was recently introduced to two extraordinary groups of young people. One came in the form of a community meeting of the Between Friends Learning Collaborative which brings together providers who work toward ending intimate partner violence. The other is a group of young researchers, exploring social issues important to them as part of JUF's Research Training Internship (RTI).

The swimming pool is not only a great place to have fun with your kids, but it is also a great environment to increase attention and build cognitive language skills and body strength.

Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS) is pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2018, JVS Chicago (JVS) will be joining the JCFS family of services.

We at JCFS Chicago cannot overstate our absolute condemnation of this practice. We are calling for confirmation that the cessation of any further separation is in place unconditionally, and for the immediate reunification of all children who have already been separated.

Rachel has several disabilities, including near-total blindness, but her determination is unwavering.  Last year, Rachel partnered with JVS Chicago’s job development team to find a job.