Find Help
In need of support? Our partner agencies care for people at every age and stage.
To learn more about JUF resources for security grants and audits visit JUF.org/security.
I’m looking for…
- Support for older adults and their families
- Support for children, adults and families in Chicago
- Free care and support for Chicagoland Jews in need
- Assistance for Jews and non-Jews experiencing a crisis or isolation
- Inclusive community programs and experiences
- Health services on Chicago’s West and Southwest sides
- Free legal services
- Help for victims of domestic abuse
- Help for individuals with disabilities
- Food delivery for Jewish holidays
Support for older adults and their families
CJE SeniorLife (CJE)
CJE provides older adults, caregivers, and family members an environment where their needs are carefully assessed and expertly paired with the appropriate programming or service, including:
- Counseling
- Benefits services
- Legal support
- Care Management
- Holocaust Community Services
CJE.net • 773-508-1000
Support for children, adults and families in Chicago
JCFS Chicago
JCFS Chicago provides services to help navigate life’s challenges including:
- Counseling (individual and family), support groups, marriage counseling, career services and training
- Community-based group living, support for independent living, customized employment and job training for people with disabilities and their families
- Immigration, citizenship and refugee resettlement services.
- Clinical support for children and families in the child welfare system.
- Jewish community programs such as addiction services, abuse prevention, spiritual support
JCFS.org • 855-275-5237 • [email protected]
Free care and support for Chicagoland Jews in need
The Ark
The Ark provides free, life-changing human services to Chicagoland Jews facing financial, medical, employment and emotional challenges, including:
- Case management and social services
- Financial counseling and assistance
- Food assistance and pantry
- Employment services
- Housing solutions
Arkchicago.org • 773-973-1000 • Locations in Chicago and Northbrook
Free care and support for Chicagoland Jews in need
Jewish Free Loan Chicago
Inspired by core Jewish values, Jewish Free Loan Chicago aids and empowers those with financial needs in the Chicagoland community to achieve their goals by offering zero-interest loans.
A Jewish free loan is a small personal loan that is interest-free and can be paid back on a timeline that meets each borrower’s individual needs
Assistance for Jews and non-Jews experiencing a crisis or isolation
EZRA Multi-Service Center
To qualify for EZRA services, you must live in one of these zip codes: 60613, 60625, 60626, 60640, 60645, 60657, 60659, 60660 or be Jewish or Russian speaking.
EZRA works to prevent homelessness, relieve hunger, reduce isolation, and ease other barriers to self-sufficiency. In addition, EZRA offers social activities and holiday celebrations to ensure that Jews who live in poverty remain actively connected to their heritage. Programs include:
- JUF Uptown Cafe
- Center for Russian Speakers
- Food and hygiene pantry
- Emergency and financial services
juf.org/find-help/EZRA • 773-275-0866
Inclusive community programs and experiences
JCC Chicago
Through a mix of formal and informal education, recreational and cultural activities, JCC Chicago provides quality experiences that enrich the lives of individuals, families and the community at large. JCC’s award-winning preschool programs, summer camps and wide array of activities are designed to meet the needs of everyone from infants to adults.
JCCChicago.org • [email protected] • 844-452-2244
Health services on Chicago’s West and Southwest sides
Sinai Chicago
Sinai Chicago is a network of 4 hospitals, 17 community clinics, 1 community institute, and 1 nationally recognized research institute all serving communities on Chicago’s West and Southwest sides.
SinaiChicago.org • 773-542-2000
Free legal services
JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services
JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services provides much needed civil legal help to low-income families in the Chicago area.
This program provides legal assistance in civil cases to help low-income families in the Chicago area and does not handle criminal matters or cases which generate fees. Some of the practice areas include:
- Bankruptcy
- Housing
- Family Law
- Administrative
- Estates/Probate Guardianship, Wills, Powers of Attorney
- Consumer Matters
Help For victims of domestic abuse
SHALVA
SHALVA offers a safe place for women to gain insight, explore options and break free of their isolation. Counseling is available to all women over age 18 in the Chicago metropolitan area who self-identify as Jewish and who are currently or have been victims of domestic abuse by their spouse or intimate partner.
SHALVA provides the following services:
- 24/7 help line – 773-583-HOPE (4673)
- Individual and group counseling
- Legal information and support
- Financial assistance and interest-free loans
- Information and referrals
- Rabbinic and community training and education
Shalvacares.org • 773-583-HOPE (4673) • [email protected]
Help For individuals with disabilities
Encompass
Meeting the needs of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in the Jewish community is a civil rights issue that compels our community’s unwavering commitment.
JUF and Encompass are committed to expanding Jewish community-based services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities so that they can live safe, productive and meaningful lives and to enhancing inclusion so that they can fully participate in our Jewish community.
At present, agency partners include JCC Chicago, JCFS Chicago (including JVS), Keshet, Libenu, and Yachad.
Help For individuals with disabilities
Keshet
Keshet brings classroom experiences, camps, sports, social and vocational activities, and residential opportunities to 600 people with disabilities and special needs each year.
Keshet provides over 75 programs in the Chicago area and Wisconsin.
Program areas include:
- Therapeutic day schools
- Support at camp, Sunday school, sports and arts programs
- Adult day programs
- Residences
Keshet.org • 847-205-1234 • [email protected]
Food delivery for Jewish holidays
Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago
Providing thousands of individuals and families in the Jewish community with holiday food packages for Rosh Hashanah and Passover so they can celebrate the holidays in a traditional and dignified manner.
Maotchitim.org • [email protected] • 847-674-3224