Blog

Todd Grayson has been a member of the JCFS Chicago Board since 2017. Emily Keith just joined in 2022. They are the two co-chairs for the 2023 A Striking Event – the largest annual fundraising event at JCFS.

The Jewish community has come a long way in acknowledging addiction as a significant issue and in supporting community members struggling with addiction and those in recovery. JCFS Chicago and the Chicago Board of Rabbis invite you to continue this forward momentum.  

The JCFS chaplaincy program develops its services based on this cultural, religious, historical, geographical, and emotional context within the Russian-speaking Jewish community.

HIAS (founded as Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) Immigration & Citizenship volunteer Ken Obel’s reason for honoring the Jewish value of ‘helping the stranger’ began long before he was born.

“Like most people’s in this country, my family story involves immigrants, and for Jewish people, it’s often not that long ago,” said Ken.

The occupational therapists at JCFS incorporate individual interests into therapy sessions, to engage children in meaningful motor tasks and improve their functional abilities.

JCFS Chicago partners with families and community organizations to help educate and find resources for teaching children the more sensitive topics such as child safety and abuse prevention.

Two JCFS programs – Residential Supports and the Duman Opportunity Center – are working together to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) achieve independence and be active members of their communities.

Music has a way of transcending language and creating a communal experience. It is the ideal tool for fostering generational traditions, especially during holidays like Passover. The way stories and traditions are interpreted through song can create a sort of "generational spiritual wealth". Music has always played a crucial role in the retelling of Passover, with songs and melodies that have been passed down through generations.

For Katie Seaman, it has always been about the kids. “Making sure that kids have someone to advocate for them,” she said.

Each person has a unique story, special circumstances and has their own dreams. Amanda Blum* came to JCFS Chicago Financial Counseling looking for both financial guidance and assistance.