When Natalie’s job turned into a toxic work environment, she left the position after 15 years and turned to JVS Career Services, lacking self-confidence and unsure of her next steps.  

Service dogs have become increasingly commonplace in recent years as experts have discovered how useful they can be for accommodating people with disabilities.

Carrie Patterson, Work Development and Transition Specialist at Knapp School, oversees job programming and skill development among students. To begin training students in practical employment skills in an easy and useful way, Carrie created School Grounds, a makeshift coffee shop within the school where students serve as volunteer baristas.  

In partnership with the Jewish United Fund (JUF), JCFS Chicago’s Financial Assistance Program has issued $2.2 million to people in the community since May 2020. Clients typically receive food assistance and help paying utility bills and several months of rent. However, certain cases require JCFS’ dedicated caseworkers to go above and beyond simply providing financial relief and look at additional supports that could help people get to a better place in life.  

For over a year, Jennie Marble, Director of JCFS Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT), has been cultivating a relationship with program staff from Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) in Boca Raton, Florida.

For over a century, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship has supported immigrants and refugees seeking a safe place to call home.

SibShops is a program designed to provide siblings of children with special needs their own place to share common joys and concerns. JCFS Chicago uses the SibShop model, created by Don Meyer of the Sibling Support Project.

Sergio Camarillo was an exceptional person, not only at JCFS but with everyone he met throughout his life. Thus, it was with much sadness to everyone who knew him when he passed away from Covid-19 last year. The Sergio Camarillo Impact Award was created to honor his memory and legacy.  

Terri Freeman is a Chicago native, longstanding Jewish community leader, volunteer, and philanthropist, as well as a member of JCFS Chicago’s Response Advisory Council (RAC) for Response for Teens. 

This month we are highlighting one of our superstar volunteers for the JCFS Respite program, Naomi Polinsky!