A SPECIAL VIRTUAL CELEBRATION June 25 | JCFS.org/strikingevent
Check our website often for details on what we have planned for this exciting online experience.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HONOREES
HOWARD SITRON
IRVING B. HARRIS LEADERSHIP AWARD
DANNY WOLF
WHAT’S POSSIBLE AWARD
For more information, contact Miles Robin at MilesRobin@JCFS.org or 773.467.3896.
HOWARD SITRON
President & CEO JCFS Chicago Staying connected while keeping our distance
NEWS FROM JCFS CHICAGO
Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center Esther Knapp Campus 3145 W Pratt Blvd Chicago, IL 60645
ACCESS TO HELP
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WE’RE GREEN!
Defining Moments print edition comes out once a year, but you can get updates, news and events information in our monthly email version. To subscribe, send your name and email address to Communications@JCFS.org or visit JCFS.org! JCFS Chicago is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. We embrace diversity. Our commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout our services, programs and welcoming workplace. Licensed by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
These are truly extraordinary times for all of us. It is in times like these that we must pay extra close attention, exert exceptional care in looking out for each other – all while taking care of ourselves. To ensure everyone’s health and safety, JCFS Chicago has modified our operations to ensure we can continue offering services, needed more now for many than at any time in our collective memory. We have successfully shifted every possible staff member to working from home. However, as an essential service provider, JCFS offers a number of programs requiring provision of in-person care. Our Residential Supports Program homes are fully staffed 24/7, with all necessary precautions in place to keep our workers and residents safe. Our Child Welfare professionals are supporting their kids and foster families through regular contact by phone, video and on-site home visits. Essential services provided by our Contract Employment program, training and employing individuals with disabilities, maintains numerous federal and state government facilities that are often requiring more extensive cleaning and maintenance during this public health crisis than typical. We could not be more proud of the work of these dedicated employees and everyone across the organization, all stepping up to be there for the many looking to JCFS for services and supports. Additional changes made in response to our current challenges include: • JCFS has added virtual service options enabling our clinical and program staff to offer video and telephonic services across multiple program areas. • Many of our ongoing support groups, workshops and community education presentations have moved online, allowing us to stay connected with our community in new ways. • Aware that social distancing and the stay-at-home directive can lead to emotional distress, a “warm line” was established to provide non-emergent assistance for those needing someone to talk to and get resource information. • We launched Redefine What’s Possible at Home, a new Facebook group moderated by a team of JCFS professionals. Open to all, the group features daily content for families to access resources, ask questions and share ideas with each other. • The Knapp School and Yeshiva has made the pivot to e-learning and clinical supports for our 115+ students. During this crisis, concern for the well-being of our community members is priority one. With patience, courage and kindness we will together successfully navigate these uncertain times. Please take good care of yourselves and each other.
Howard Sitron President & Chief Executive Officer
MAKING LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS
Tmima enjoys a pedicure in her home, given by JCFS case manager Heather. While some local providers have temporarily addressing COVID-19 questions using visual supports, closed their group living homes, JCFS Chicago is time in nature, choice and self-determination when committed to supporting individuals with intellectual/ possible, and the practice of relaxation techniques. developmental disabilities in their homes. Our homes Our residents have also received an outpouring are fully staffed and focused on the well-being of the of support from the JCFS community. Before the residents, keeping them safe and healthy as we all stay-at-home order went into effect, a local bowling shelter in place. alley took extra measures for one on of our residents Since many day programs have closed, our to still enjoy his weekly afternoon of bowling. When residential supports staff are building meaningful daily the call went out for additional thermometers needed schedules to keep residents busy. Neighborhood walks to safely monitor residents, JCFS supporter Betsy and in-home yoga are keeping everyone physically Gidwitz responded with a generous donation of active. Additional time at home has given residents thermometers to help meet our needs. The kindness time to work on their cooking skills and meal planning continued to spread with a meal donation from Jane and other life skills. Socializing has moved online, but Strauss, a JCFS board member, along with a weekly that hasn’t lessened the frequency of people “getting virtual social hour for residents planned by the JCFS together” on a daily basis. Online recreation classes, Associates Board. movie nights, games, fashion shows, and book groups Over the last month as we have all adjusted to are filling their calendars. Video chat has helped new ways of staying connected, our residents have people stay connected with their family and friends. found creative ways to navigate these uncertain times To help decrease anxiety and support the mental by “making lemonade out of lemons,” until it is safe to health of our residents, we are also providing weekly come together again. individual teletherapy, e-health screenings as needed,
COVID-19 JOB LOSS
If you’re at home thinking, “what can I do to get another job when I can’t even leave my house?” JVS Career & Employment can help. We provide resources, tools and support to prepare your job search strategy now, whether the right opportunity appears or you create one. Here are tips to stay motivated and make progress toward your goals: • First, create a schedule for yourself and stick to it! Having a sense of organization and predictability to your job search will help you stay on track. • Make sure your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date. • Create a list of companies you want to work for, regardless of whether they have jobs posted. • Networking is always the key to success in your job search!
If a career change is your focus, evaluate your transferable skills and look for jobs that leverage the skills and experience you have. “As we are faced with record levels of unemployment, JVS understands that now is the time to dig in and prepare by getting the support and assistance you need to launch your job search and create your own career and employment opportunities,” says Jeff Blumenfeld, Director of Career Services. JVS Career & Employment can assist you by providing personalized assistance in preparing your job search tools, strategies for researching companies and teaching networking do’s and don’ts. Start by calling 855.275.5237 or visiting JCFS.org/JVS.
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS With a shift to social distancing and the need to and support staff have successfully launched stay at home, JCFS Chicago began offering virtual meaningful digital classrooms. After an adjustment options just over a month ago. We adapted many of period, everyone agrees that e-learning now just feels our services using technology to deliver care outside like learning,” stated Maureen Gilligan, Director of of the traditional face to face format most people Instruction and Assessment. are accustom to. Not only does the addition of these Actions that seem simple are happening daily choices allow for the continuation of services while we and go a long way to make people feel connected. A all shelter in place, it also increases access to care for Psychological Services clinician brought artwork and those with mobility issues. the fish tank from her office home so that when she There are many examples of how JCFS staff meets with her clients, who are mostly kids, they see are continuing their work during this crisis. These things which are familiar. circumstances have compelled people to find creative Family and Community Supports staff have been ways to support the well-being of those who depend working patiently and supportively with Community on us. Connections participants to set up Facetime so During these extraordinary times, our counseling people can continue to make meaningful social clinicians have transitioned their work to virtual connections. options to meet the mental health needs of our clients Given the circumstances we are all in right now, as well as supporting new stress related to our current Duman Opportunity Center staff are talking with COVID-19 experiences. Most notably, our clinicians clients about much more than employment issues, in our Community Counseling Centers, Psychological making sure they have what they need, including help Services, Response for Teens, the Knapp School filing for unemployment insurance, obtaining food, & Yeshiva, and our Child Welfare Team have been and boosting morale. utilizing telebehavioral health to ensure continuity of Using teletherapy has allowed Integrated Pediatric care for our current clients, families and students. We Therapies staff to participate in a family’s morning recently expanded these services to see new clients as meeting – a great opportunity to provide guidance well. “This active transformation in these challenging and intervention during real time family activities. times, is a true reflection of the caring, compassionate Virtual backgrounds have been fun and engaging, with work of our staff,” says Geneve Hein, Associate Vice therapists transporting themselves to the fire station, President of Emotional Well-being. Hawaii and even visiting a local university mascot. Knapp School & Yeshiva teachers have created JCFS staff have worked hard to be creative and engaging assignments and alternatives for everyone innovative so we can stay connected while we are all to see each other as they work together. Many apart. “Never before has it been so clear how critical teachers use Zoom to initiate one on one instruction our services are to our community, and by adapting with individual or pairs of students to ensure our services during this uncertain time, people are that differentiation of content and instruction continuing to get the expert, caring help they need,” is maintained. “It’s been an enormous challenge said Stacey Shor, Vice President and Chief Operating getting everyone access and full participation, but Officer. the teachers, with support from teaching assistants
FINANCIAL SECURITY DURING COVID-19
Are you or someone you know unable to make your next rent payment, worried about how to pay your next utility bill or unsure where your next meal is coming from? We have emergency funds available and are here to help. Our Financial Assistance and Counseling program is prepared to ensure quick access to emergency financial support. Call 855.275.5237.
positions, such as grocery and big box stores, and some chain restaurants. 2.Budget To start, assess all of your accounts – checking, savings, and investments. Make a list of monthly expenses so you can manage your resources while looking for work. 3. Negotiate your bills Check with your creditors, like your landlord or utility company, to see if they’ll work with you on a payment plan. It’s worth asking for a little help. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a big financial impact 4.Start Saving Now If you got a tax return, put from this public health crisis. Many people have been it in savings. While you’re staying home, find ways to laid off or furloughed and investors have seen their decrease your spending. portfolios reduced. So, what does this mean for you? 5.Bring in Extra Income Make some money on Here are some steps you can take. the side by exploring work from home opportunities. 1. Apply for benefits as soon as possible If you are Check out delivery or transportation companies for unemployed, a part-time worker or self employed, you additional income. are now eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply for If you need help, contact JCFS Chicago by calling SNAP for help getting food. 855.275.5237 to make an appointment with a financial A few companies are currently trying to fill counselor.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
For over 100 years, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship has been a proud supporter of refugees and asylum seekers. To help people who are rebuilding their lives in Chicago, HIAS launched The Chicago Jews for Refugees Coalition in partnership with the Jewish community. To learn more about the Coalition, visit JCFS.org/HIAS. Michelleanne and Max Li became connected to HIAS through their synagogue, Anshe Emet, which is a member of The Chicago Jews for Refugees Coalition. Part of the coalition’s initiative is to connect individuals and families like the Lis to volunteer opportunities in the community. Since starting their volunteer work with HIAS two years ago, the Lis have worked with the Kulnichs, a refugee family from Ukraine. The Lis visit Leonid, Yulija, and their daughter Olesia Kulnich two to three times a month, and spend their time playing with the kids, chatting about school, vacations, and their favorite topic–food. The Lis love taking advantage of the diverse food scene in Chicago, and bring Olesia along to sample Italian, Swedish, and Korean restaurants around the city. The families also love to cook together. Leonid developed
an affinity for sushi since moving to America, so Michelleanne taught him how to make a few rolls and other Japanese dishes at home. “Max and I have truly enjoyed developing a relationship with the Kulnich family. They are such lovely people,” said Michelleanne. This past winter, the Li family generously invited Olesia on their family trip to Disney World. Over the years, she had expressed a wish to visit, so the invitation was a dream come true. The Lis and Olesia had a wonderful time in Florida, sightseeing Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center and the beach. “Olesia is such a great, sweet kid, and we all enjoyed having her with us on our family vacation,” said Michelleanne. For Max, the most rewarding part of their volunteer work and relationship with the Kulnichs has been watching the kids grow up. “We have really enjoyed watching the family settle down and build a life here in the U.S.,” he said. For more information about JCFS volunteer opportunities, contact Haley Zimmerman at 773.467.3746 or HaleyZimmerman@JCFS.org
JCFS Chicago has modified our operations to offer services that are needed now as much as ever. Phone Connection We have added a warm line to provide assistance for people in our community whose need is not urgent and just looking to talk to someone about their emotional distress. Call us between 9am and 5pm Monday thru Thursday, 9am and 4pm Fridays at 855.275.5237 to connect with an emotional support professional. Facebook Group We launched Redefine What’s Possible at Home, a Facebook group moderated by a team of JCFS professionals, including social workers, psychologists, early childhood specialists, and speech and language therapists. The group features daily content for families to access resources, ask questions and share ideas with each other. Follow us on Facebook@ JCFSChicago and join our group. Community Resource List Visit JCFS.org for a list of hotlines, websites, and other support services that people might find helpful during this uncertain time. Video and Phone Services Many JCFS Chicago programs are providing services and support through video and phone technologies, allowing for remote client and clinician contact, care, advice, support, education, intervention, and monitoring. For more information call 855.275.5237 or visit JCFS.org.
Knapp School & Yeshiva Remote Learning
e-learning plan was developed through conversations with each teacher prior to closing. This way teachers could prepare their students for the digital expectations.” Staff has created plans that replicate the students’ regular schedules and teachers have posted innovative and interactive lessons and learning activities. Several teachers learned how to use digital tools such as Google Docs, Zoom, and Screencast so they can share lessons online. Chava Saul, Instructional Technology Specialist, issued each student a login to Google Suite, in addition to providing digital resource training
Suicide Prevention and Support
all those grieving a loved one who died by suicide. Individual, couples and family counseling, along with monthly grief support groups are available through JCFS.
Our Knapp School & Yeshiva has transitioned to remote learning, using their digital learning structure already in place before the mandated school closures due to COVID-19. Teachers are using Google Classroom, along with online learning resources such as Reading from A-Z, Prodigy Math, Scholastic News, iCivics, and BrainPop in their daily instruction. “Since our teachers and students are familiar with these platforms, the transition to e-learning did not require starting from scratch,” says Maureen Gilligan, Director of Instruction and Assessment. “Our
JCFS Chicago is honored to partner with MISSD and No Shame On U to expand the suicide prevention work of the Chicago Jewish community with support from JUF’s Breakthrough Fund. We are also collaborating with these organizations to provide support to
NEWS
Support Groups
Many of our support groups have transitioned to online meetings during this time. With this effort, JCFS Chicago continues
to help teachers better engage students. “In the last month, Knapp School & Yeshiva staff and leadership have put forth immense amounts of time, energy, and thoughtfulness to make the transition from working in-person with our students, to keeping students engaged and supported remotely,” says Sandra Spicher, Knapp School’s principal. “Their outstanding efforts have been appreciated by our students and their families.” Teachers and clinicians are also in contact with families to initiate virtual clinical services and ensure they are aware of the extension of services. “We’re finding that our students are missing their one-to-one learning relationships, especially with Sparky, the school’s therapy dog,” continues Maureen. “The idea came about to have a Zoom meeting with Sparky and three of our elementary school classrooms. It was a great success.” In addition, one Yeshiva classroom has met regularly using Zoom, and other classes plan to initiate similar schedules with instructional meetings at least two times each day and group meetings with clinicians once a week. Maureen notes, “It’s not the same as in-person contact, but it is a real pleasure when everyone gets together. The students especially like seeing each other on their video screens and saying hello to everyone.”
to support clients and community members. Since shifting Sibshops online, we can now offer this service with more frequency. Our general loss support groups have also been successful, with two meetings available each month on different dates to accommodate your schedule. For more information on all of our support groups, visit the calendar on JCFS.org.
Top row: Stacey Shor, Kathleen Gerhold, Judd Holzman Bottom row: Carman Weathington, Marlies Gramann, Genève Hein
JCFS Senior Leadership Team News
Carman Weathington is JCFS’s new Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of JCFS human resources. Carman comes with experience in HR management, including strategic planning and performance management. Kathleen Gerhold, recently appointed Associate Vice President of Program and Operations, is responsible for overall strategy, program development and execution of plans for career services, citizenship and immigration services, and other workforce development initiatives.
Marlies Gramann, MA CCCSLP, former Senior Director of Outpatient Services was promoted to Associate Vice President of Services for People with Disabilities, overseeing disability services across the agency, including pediatric therapies, residential supports and recreation, customized employment and legal advocacy. Genève Hein PhD, LCPC, joined JCFS as Associate Vice President, Emotional Wellbeing, with oversight of Knapp School & Yeshiva, counseling and psychological services for children, adults, teens and families; child welfare services, and programs for the Jewish community.
Dealing with Divorce During Shelter in Place
find themselves in this difficult situation. You can’t take care of everyone in the family if you are not taking care of yourself. It is important to take a few scheduled minutes to find peace, whether you find that through meditation, a bubble bath or other forms of self-care. Establishing daily structure is critical at this time, especially for children. Set up realistic goals each day for everyone in the family. If you happen to find yourself
sheltered with the spouse that you are currently divorcing, try to hang in there and call on friends and family for support. JCFS Chicago can also be a resource for you. Our skilled counselors are providing video and phone services whenever possible. Let’s talk about what’s going on in your house. For questions or emotional support, contact Tami Sollo, LCSW at 847.412.4347 or TamiSollo@JCFS.org
Following a national search, the JCFS Chicago Board of Directors reached a unanimous decision to appoint Stacey Shor as the next President and Chief Executive Officer. Stacey, currently the Chief Operating Officer of JCFS, formally starts her new role on July 1, 2020 when Howard Sitron retires. Judd Holzman was recently appointed Vice President and Chief Development Officer, overseeing fundraising and special events for the agency. Prior to joining, Judd spent over a decade scaling philanthropic programs at multifaceted organizations.
For people involved in the divorce process, sheltering in place has caused a unique set of issues. The additional stress on top of the trauma of divorce may leave people feeling anxious and helpless. Even the most solid relationships have been challenged by these extreme circumstances. Here are three strategies recommended by Tami Sollo, Coordinator of the Divorce Specialty Center, for people who
The mission of JCFS Chicago is to provide help, healing and caring services infused with Jewish values to strengthen lives in the community.
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Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center Esther Knapp Campus 3145 W Pratt Blvd. Chicago, IL 60645