Helping vulnerable communities

Sixteen-year-old Justin* wasn’t showing up to high school on a regular basis. With his parents separated, the oldest of four had been isolating himself and spending most of his time online. In fact, outside of social media, he was barely interacting with people.

Worried, Justin’s mom reached out to JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens to get help to address the underlying causes of her son socially isolating himself and refusing to go to school.

“Soon, Justin started to meet with a therapist, who made him feel connected, safe, and seen,” said David Lipschutz, Director of Response for Teens. “Once that foundation was set, [Justin] started to disclose anxieties around [his] future,” he said. “There’s a history in [his] family of people not doing very well after graduating high school, so [he] was worried he was going to end up like other family members who…weren’t able to find their way in life.”

His therapist helped Justin uncover unsettling feelings he harbored about witnessing arguments between his parents-and collaborated with a social worker and a teacher at his high school to help Justin feel more connected and valued at school.

*Name changed for anonymity

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In 2024, you made it possible to–

-Offer mental health services to 39,000 individuals through JUF agencies last year.

-Provide meals and groceries for 27,000 people in need.

-Give medical care to 45,000 patients in need.

-Sustain 1,800 Holocaust survivors with food, financial aid, and other support .

-Enhance independence and inclusion for 3,800 people with disabilities.

-Provide free legal assistance to 1,000 community members.

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“JCFS Chicago, with its tailored counseling services, has provided invaluable support during challenging times, fostering resilience and growth within our family. Their programs have empowered our children to navigate the complexities of today’s world.” 

~JCFS Chicago client

“Nowhere has more common respect or feels more safe. The staff makes sure that everyone feels seen and heard.”

~JUF Uptown Cafe client

“You do wonderful work for older people who find it difficult to feel comfortable in this rapidly developing world. We sometimes do not understand the language of our grandchildren, and your help greatly supports us and connects us with today’s life.”

~Center for Russian Speakers client at the Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center

“I want to thank [Holocaust Community Services] for going way beyond the call of duty to make sure that I am being well taken care of and that I have everything I need. I really don’t know what I would have done without you.”

~Holocaust Community Services client