JCFS Chicago

We have immediate openings for speech-language evaluations and intervention for children from infants through teenagers at both our West Rogers Park and Northbrook locations.

Please reach out to [email protected] or 847.412.4335 to schedule an appointment

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) ends, we’re sharing some resources compiled by our disability services staff that relate to inclusivity.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. https://askjan.org/index.cfm

“Demystifying Disability, What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally” is a book by Emily Ladau. https://emilyladau.com/book/

Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century – audiobook written by Alice Wong, narrated by Alejandra Ospina.

“The Accessible Stall with Kyle and Emily” is a podcast that also features Emily Ladau, along with Kyle Khachadurian, who keep it real while challenging views and expectations about issues within the disability community.

99% Invisible - Curb Cuts – podcast about the movement that demanded society see disabled people in a new way.

Elevated Chicago asking, “Can You Walk There?” - Jannice Newson, coordinator with Elevated Chicago, highlights the successes and challenges of walkability in Chicago in this TikTok video series.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we're sharing the story of an individual with disabilities who works in a restaurant, and with help from a Duman Opportunity Center Employment Specialist, she is taking small steps to improve her productivity.

Thank you to our Employment Specialists who support people with disabilities in the workforce!
Read the success story here: https://ow.ly/R9Tb50TVAAr

Get involved in your community this season by sponsoring a child or hosting your own gift collection for the JCFS Holiday Gift Drive! It’s a wonderful way to make a difference.

Visit our website to learn how you can get involved: https://ow.ly/5gn750TVA

Make voting easier for everyone by using your voice to advocate for improved accessibility in all aspects of voting.

Register to vote and find out more about voting accessibility in Chicago:
https://ow.ly/UmN450TtoZT
https://ow.ly/ivfk50TtoZS

JCFS Chicago is dedicated to helping the community more effectively respond to abuse in Jewish homes and families.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to highlight our abuse prevention resources and encourage our community to work together to end the cycle of violence.
https://ow.ly/jL9m50TPZ7Q

We’re shining the spotlight on our own Knapp School & Yeshiva’s Student Work Program, which provides students in grades 6-12 with supervised work experiences in the school and at community work sites.

During , Knapp students in the program helped raise awareness by creating a bulletin board with this year’s theme, Access to Good Jobs for All, and hanging posters throughout the school. Learn more about the student work program here. https://www.jcfs.org/blog/student-work

Interested in spreading some holiday cheer?

Visit our website to find out how you can hold your own gift collection for the upcoming JCFS Holiday Gift Drive!
https://www.jcfs.org/make-a-difference/in-kind-donations/holiday-gift

Response for Teens Community Educators Brittany Sue Hines and Kaiya Bernard, along with Response Advisory Council (RAC) members Barry Rubin and Jonathan Rutman, represented Response for Teens at the LAN40 Resource Fair at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center in Evanston on October 8.

Brittany said it was a great day promoting Response’s services and learning about the other organizations in the Chicagoland area that work to make lives better. Learn more about Response for Teens here. https://www.jcfs.org/response

As a trusted provider of caring and healing services to Moraine Township residents, JCFS Chicago supports the creation of a Mental Health Board. Increased access to mental health services, substance abuse prevention programs and I/DD support will help build a healthier and more resilient community.

Vote YES for Mental Health in Moraine Township.

This month, we honor the incredible contributions of people with disabilities.

A shining example of this is the dedicated team of JVS Contract Janitors, who recently took on the task of cleaning the floors at Midway Airport’s FAA tower! Sylvester Burton, Martell Furlow, and Joseph Glover put in a lot of elbow grease (and degreaser!) to get the job done right. Under the guidance of JCFS Vocational Trainer Alonzo Rupert, they prepped, cleaned, dried, and applied three coats of wax to the floors for a stunning finish. Alonzo shared how much the team has learned and grown in these valuable skills.

Let’s continue to celebrate and empower all employees, recognizing the unique strengths they bring to our teams!

In photo: Sylvester Burton, Martell Furlow, Joseph Glover

Director of Services for People with Disabilities, Allison Rodenhouse and Associate Vice President of Emotional Well-being, Genève Hein represented JCFS Chicago at the recent Nurtured by Nature program at Harms Woods, co-sponsored by Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner, 13th District and State Senator Laura Fine. The afternoon featured forest bathing, yoga, and Tai Chi, promoting mental, physical, and emotional wellness in nature!

Great news! Our Holiday Gift Drive wish slips are now available. Sign up to sponsor a child or teen and help fulfill their holiday wishes. Join us in spreading joy this season! https://ow.ly/I8OO50THYtt

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), JCFS celebrates the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Our own Contracted Employment Services (CES) helps individuals with disabilities find janitorial, mailroom and warehouse work.

Watch this video to learn more about CES, including one employee who has been working at various government buildings for over 28 years.
https://ow.ly/t2Sj50TH84M

Today is World Mental Health Day! Let's take this time to reflect on our own mental well-being and support those around us. Remember, it's okay not to be okay and seeking help is a sign of strength.

We are looking for the newest extraordinary teen! Do you know a young person aged 13-19 that excels in one or more of these areas: courage to overcome, academics, visual and performing arts, athletics, community involvement or leadership?

Nominate them here (https://ow.ly/bXaw50THb9z) for Response’s Extraordinary Teen Award. The winner will be honored at Tuned In, the annual fundraiser that supports JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens, on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

In 2020, over 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote, and the numbers keep growing!

Take a minute to make sure you’re ready for Election Day by registering to vote.
https://ow.ly/pvbO50Ttq8J

This holiday season, make a difference! Choose to sponsor a child or teen and fulfill their gift wishes. Starting October 14th, wish slips will be available with their personalized lists. Let's bring joy and smiles together! https://ow.ly/CFMz50TFPcO

In September, 56 people from Jewish organizations, including 25 JCFS staff members, participated in The Orthodox Network's 18th Orthodox Jewish Communities Training Day.

They explored local Orthodox locations, learning about Jewish schools, kosher food, the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and more. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enriching experience!

As we mark one year since October 7th, and in light of the continuing conflict, JCFS Chicago is still offering extra support to our community through our warm line. For assistance, call 855.275.5237 Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and Friday from 9am to 4pm. In case of emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!

Rainy weather couldn’t dampen our spirits at the annual Residential Supports brunch!

Last Sunday, 50 attendees, including residents, families, and staff, gathered for a delightful meal together in the Knapp School & Yeshiva gymnasium. It was a heartwarming day filled with connection and community!

Bring joy to the community this upcoming holiday season by participating in the JCFS Holiday Gift Drive! Sponsor a child’s wish, hold a gift collection, make a monetary gift, or donate your time.

More information can be found here: https://www.jcfs.org/make-a-difference/in-kind-donations/holiday-gift

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) which acknowledges the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplace. This year’s theme, Access to Good Jobs for All, is something we strive for at JCFS Chicago. Join us in ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to showcase their skills and talents in the workplace.