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Making Connections
Your Monthly Update on Our Work and Impact
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From Gail’s Desk
January 15, 2025
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Dear Sarah,
January is an annual reminder of new beginnings—and specifically of new innovations to address complex community challenges. At JF&CS, innovation is in our DNA. I often say that JF&CS is small enough to be nimble, but large enough to make a difference. And with a wide array of integrated social services under one roof, we are able to create life-changing impact.
This month, we bring you some of the innovative initiatives we are proud to spearhead—from peer-led support circles in the midst of rising antisemitism, to economic empowerment mentorship for survivors of domestic violence.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community. Your support enables us to pioneer new approaches while staying true to the Jewish values which guide our work: tzedakah (charity), chessed (loving-kindness), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and hachnasat orchim (welcoming the stranger).
Please read on for stories of how JF&CS is meeting the needs of the community.
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Gail Schulman
Chief Executive Officer
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Peer-Led Support Circles to Strengthen Boston Jewish Community Amid Rising Antisemitism | |
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Antisemitic acts close to home continue to add stress to the Jewish community. Just this month, a Beverly man was arrested after posting antisemitic threats, encouraging violence, and possessing both illegal firearms and a Nazi flag. At a time when many are feeling isolated and afraid, JF&CS is launching peer-led support circles to strengthen the Jewish community's emotional well-being.
Over 70 volunteer group leaders have already completed training in Circles of Connection, a rigorous, 22-hour, evidence-based curriculum. They’re now preparing to lead support circles in schools, synagogues, and other settings throughout the Greater Boston Jewish community. JF&CS mental health professionals will provide the facilitators with ongoing clinical support through weekly drop-in group supervision and 1:1 consultation.
The initiative is already having an impact on those who have stepped forward to facilitate groups: “I signed up to help support my community,” said a trainee at a recent gathering, “but I’ve already received a lot of support personally by being part of this initiative and this team.”
Circles of Connection is led by JF&CS in partnership with JCC Boston, CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism, the Beker Foundation, and the Ruderman Family Foundation, with a custom facilitator training by GPS Group Peer Support. Look for a support circle coming to your community soon!
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New Services to Support Parents and Caregivers in Addressing Youth Mental Health | |
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As parents and caregivers grapple with an unprecedented youth mental health crisis, many are left feeling stuck, isolated, and under-resourced. For families where previous mental health interventions have been ineffective, figuring out the next steps can be especially daunting.
Building on JF&CS's longstanding expertise helping families address mental health challenges and navigate complex systems, we are now offering new services: clinical consultations and family navigation for parents and caregivers concerned about their children’s mental health. Our team of mental health experts will help clarify the needs of your child and family, develop a plan to address those needs, and provide ongoing support to ensure those needs are met.
If you want to explore services for your family, call JF&CS Mental Health Connect at 781-693-5562 or email mentalhealth@jfcsboston.org and a clinician will help you get started.
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JF&CS Percolator at the Forefront of National Initiative to Expand Memory Cafés | |
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Jewish tradition tells us it’s good for people to be together. For those living with cognitive changes or dementia, welcoming gatherings known as Memory Cafés have been a game-changer in building togetherness. JF&CS leads the “Memory Café Percolator” in Massachusetts, a unique technical assistance network that has helped dozens of Memory Cafés to start and thrive. Last year an estimated 2,800 people attended Memory Cafés throughout Massachusetts, offering joy and support amidst the challenges of dealing with dementia.
In recognition of our track record and expertise, JF&CS is now serving as a lead advisor to the Memory Café Alliance, a national initiative to increase the number of Memory Cafés in the U.S. by a factor of ten—and to do so in a sustainable and equitable way. As the population ages and more people are impacted by dementia, the need for supportive, inclusive places like Memory Cafés only continues to grow. Check out this recent WGBH story to hear about the impact of Memory Cafés.
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Empowering Survivors of Domestic Abuse to Achieve Financial Stability through Innovative Mentorship Model | |
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Massachusetts has one of the highest costs of living in the United States—a reality that survivors of domestic abuse must contend with as they seek to rebuild their lives. Survivors whose partner mistreats them financially often face long-lasting impacts, such as bad credit history, job loss, and crippling debt. For many, accessing financial coaching and support is key to achieving safety.
The Journey to Self-Empowerment mentorship program was founded on the principle that nobody is safe until they are economically secure. It matches JF&CS Journey to Safety clients with volunteers who support and encourage them on their path to greater financial stability. Survivors set their own goals—such as creating a budget, improving their credit score, or increasing their earning power.
Our client Betsy* accessed legal services through Journey to Safety during a protracted divorce from an abusive husband who had drained their retirement accounts without her knowledge or consent. Betsy had a good job, but old unpaid medical bills were affecting her credit score, preventing her from getting a car loan. Working together with her mentor, Betsy was able to restructure her debt, improve her credit score, and explore career opportunities that would lead to greater financial stability for herself and her children.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
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New Health and Wellness Curriculum Coming to JF&CS Supported Living in 2025 | |
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Are you taking steps to improve your wellness as part of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, you’re sharing a goal with dozens of people with disabilities who are now living mostly independently with in-home support from JF&CS. Our Supported Living program provides clients with both scaffolding and individualized coaching to empower them to live more independently. In 2025, JF&CS will introduce a new health and wellness curriculum that includes yoga, music therapy, and art therapy sessions—activities that promote creativity, connectedness, and both physical and mental health among people of all abilities.
Housing and wellness are just two of the JF&CS building blocks to help people with disabilities lead full and enriching lives. As part of our focus on “the whole person,” JF&CS also offers support for employment, volunteer work, day programming, and social activities.
George* is just one example of the impact of these offerings: At age 29, he moved into his own apartment through JF&CS. He now proudly cooks his own meals, works part-time at the local library, and is excited about taking part in yoga and art therapy sessions in the months ahead.
We are pleased to offer this new health and wellness curriculum thanks to generous funding from the Rabbi Abraham Halbfinger and Charlesview Charitable Fund.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
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Create a legacy that fuels the future
You can make a gift that will transform the work of JF&CS for generations to come—with a bequest made through your will or living trust. You can even name JF&CS as a beneficiary of a retirement account such as an IRA or 401(k).
Bequests are easy to write, changeable at any time, and cost nothing during your lifetime.
Join over 80 generous members of the JF&CS Tree of Life Society today!
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