Summer 2015
New Linkages Coordinator It is with great pleasure that we introduce Mariana Sanchez, LCSW, as the new Coordinator of the Linkages Program. Mariana (shown above left) comes to this position with a solid knowledge of aging and disability resources. She started at CJE SeniorLife as an intern in 2011 when she was a social work student at Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC. She then moved into her most recent position as Care Manager in Community Services, where she worked for three years. In addition to her new role as Linkage's Coordinator, Mariana will also now be a psychotherapist in CJE’s Community Counseling program. Rosann Corcoran (above right), LCSW, former Linkages Coordinator, has been promoted to Manager of Community Services and Care Management. However, she will continue to be involved in Linkages, working very closely together with Mariana to assure that the services that are provided by Linkages will continue and grow.
Groundbreaking at JCFS The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) have broken ground on a new building in West Rogers Park, next to the Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center. The Cooper Center, made possible by a gift from the Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation, will accommodate the JCFS’ growing programs for children and adults with special needs. The campus will be named by the Jules and Gwen Knapp Family Foundation, in memory of Esther Knapp. The Cooper Center will house the JCFS’ Virginia Frank Child Development Center, Encompass and Integrated Pediatric Interventions. In addition, there are plans for expanded services for people with special needs, including residential supports, support groups, socialization opportunities, respite care and the JUF Legal Advocacy Center.