JFS Maternal Mental Health Program Aids Struggling Mothers

Written by Larry Nagengast

Four months into her pregnancy, Alexandria Hood learned she had entered into a high-risk situation, both for her and her baby. That wasn’t the news the 29-year-old Millsboro woman wanted to hear, but she recognized that “things don’t always happen the way you want them to.”

Fortunately, her mother had learned about a relatively new program that could provide the support she needed – the Sonia Schorr Sloan Maternal Mental Health Program at Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Delaware.

She made an appointment with Dr. Angelica Montalvo-Artis, the clinical psychologist who directs the program, and began a journey that carried her through a difficult delivery in August, followed by another hospitalization, then visits with multiple pediatric specialists for her newborn daughter and a change in jobs as well.

In their first meetings, she said, Dr. Montalvo-Artis “really got to know me. She asked questions you don’t normally hear. She made me feel like I was being heard.” When the baby was born, Hood was aware that she could experience postpartum depression, but Dr. Montalvo-Artis did not dismiss those concerns. “I was scared. I was nervous, with this little human being to take care of,” Hood says. “She helped me as a person, as a new mom, to build confidence in myself.”

Alexandria Hood’s experience exemplifies a key goal the Sonia Schorr Sloan Maternal Mental Health Program has for its clients. “We want to wrap them in support,” therapist Rebekah Mo says.

Since its launch in 2021, the program has steadily grown – serving nearly 100 women in 2023, ranging from pregnancy through two years after birth. The program was named in honor of Sonia Schorr Sloan, an iconic Delawarean who passed away in 2019. She was a civil rights activist, Democratic party strategist, and non-profit fundraiser; she was a fierce advocate for juvenile justice, women’s rights, and other causes.

To read the rest of the article from the JFS blog, click here.

WHY JFS?

"Anybody that I come across in this area, I absolutely, 1,000% recommend your services. I've said it, and I will continue to say it, you were a lifesaver for our family." - Kara, client in the JFS COMPASS program for dementia

Why JFS?

• Because our team is full of compassionate, empathetic, hard-working staff members dedicated to fulfilling our mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services.
• Because our promise is to provide comprehensive support to all, regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, or special need.
• Because we envision a mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy community in which each person has equal access to high-quality support and the resources they need, and we are working harder than ever to make that vision a reality.

Click here to watch the video and hear why members of our community choose JFS.

COMING UP/HAPPENING NOW:

The JFS Anniversary event celebrates 125 years of helping others when they need it the most. Join us on Saturday, April 6 at the Deerfield Golf Club as we reflect on the past, honor the present, and look forward to a future of continuing to provide exceptional support services to all.

At the heart of our JFS 125th anniversary event, our purpose shines brightly: To celebrate a legacy of unwavering commitment to and compassion for our community. For generations, we have provided help to others when they needed it most. On April 6, we will celebrate what that history has shaped: a strong and vibrant JFS, providing essential support services and skilled counseling to all in need. We invite you to join us in celebrating JFS’ achievements and supporting its future!

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, click here.

Did you know that 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months? LGBTQ+ youth need our support. JFS Delaware is actively recruiting for the Affirmation Project, a support group for parents and families of questioning and queer youth.

Contact Becca McAdams at bmcadams@jfsdelaware.org for more info.

Savvy Caregiver is an evidence-based 12-week group training program to develop caregiving skill mastery for family members providing care for people with dementia. Program participants increase their knowledge on the stages of dementia, common behavioral symptoms of dementia, and better managing their own level of caregiver stress.

After completion of the class, students are prepared to correctly plan and respond to behavioral issues related to dementia. The Savvy Caregiver program is facilitated by two licensed (LMSW) social workers with significant training in dementia and behavioral health.

Last semester's Savvy Caregiver participants saw an average increase of 10 points on the Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale. ALL participants who completed the class in full had measurable increases in their confidence as caregivers.

Our next Savvy Caregiver class begins Tuesday, February 6 from 10:15-11:45 am, and will run every Tuesday until April 30. For registration or additional questions, please contact: Kate Gruber, COMPASS Care Manager, at kgruber@jfsdelaware.org or 302-757-2112.

We're starting a new Youth Anxiety Group in Kent County at the Dover Public Library! The group is for youth and teens, and will begin on March 4 and run weekly for 10 weeks. Click here to sign up.

If you haven't donated to the JFS Food Pantry for the JFS SOUPer Bowl Food Drive yet, there's still time to get your donation in and be entered for a chance to win a football-themed raffle prize! Drop off your donations in the JFS lobby or donate via our Amazon List.

JFS Board Member Jaimie Watts Receives Rising Star in Business Award

Congrats to Jaimie Watts, JFS Delaware board member, on receiving the Rising Star in Business Award from the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce! Jaimie is also the Chief of Operations for Leadership Delaware, Inc.

Job Openings:

• RISE Legal Case Manager
• RISE Housing/Workforce Development Coordinator
• RISE School and Community Case Manager
• Licensed Social Worker in Lewes
• Licensed Therapist LCSW, LPCMH, Psy.D
• PSSF Family Consultant
• JFS Fellowship in Kent County
• JFS Fellowship in Sussex County