JFCS Homepage JFCS Homepage Donate Now newsletter sign up JFCS Facebook page JFCS Twitter

JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis JFCS of Minneapolis


       
   

Ask Barbara

AskBarbara@jfcsmpls.org

Need a quick, confidential answer or insight into relationships? AskBarbara is a free email question-and-answer service that takes you from diapers to dating to college and beyond. Simply email AskBarbara@jfcsmpls.org and you’ll receive a prompt response from an experienced professional.

Read more...


     

Consultation Services

952-546-0616

Sometimes situations arise in daily life where you may want to seek advice from a JFCS professional. JFCS is available for consultations when you would like to speak to a counselor but don't necessarily need long-term assistance. You will meet with a staff member to clarify issues, identify resources and develop a plan. Follow-up sessions are available if needed.


     

Counseling

952-546-0616

The JFCS counseling staff strives to maximize each person’s strengths and skills. Each counselor works to educate and empower people by developing an individualized treatment plan using a variety of therapeutic methods. JFCS maintains the highest ethical and clinical standards of professional practice.

Life Lessons from the JFCS Therapists

Change is in the Air

Individual Psychotherapy for Adults, Adolescents & Children
We specialize in using the most current methods to help people who suffer from depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.

Family Therapy
We offer solution-focused therapy to help families quickly resolve problems. Our therapists will guide you toward a more satisfying family life.

Family Consultations
Some problems seem too complex to solve alone. We consult with your family to assess the situation and help you make a plan for addressing issues.

Marital & Couples Therapy
Even the best marriages sometimes need guidance. Learn to get along better and effectively communicate. We can teach you skills to make your relationship more satisfying and long-lasting.

5 quick tips for becoming the connected co-parent you want to be!

Parenting Coaching
Children don’t come with instructions, but you can learn how to set limits, nurture and enjoy being with your children. We tailor our coaching to your needs.

Play Therapy
This therapy method helps young children work through difficult emotional issues. Specially trained therapists work with children ages 4 through 10 in our well-equipped play therapy room.

PREPARE/ENRICH
PREPARE/ENRICH is a dynamic program designed to enhance committed relationships. Couples can learn to resolve differences, handle financial decisions and increase their communication skills. Request a PREPARE/ENRICH brochure for more information.

Divorce Adjustment Coaching
Separation or divorce is a difficult transition for parents and children. We coach parents on how to help their children and themselves make the best possible adjustment so the family can move forward.

Small Business Coaching
We can help you resolve organizational problems and internal employee relationship issues. Small Business Coaching can also help you with executive coaching and succession planning. We will consult with you to design a coaching package that meets the unique needs of your organization.

Coaching for Personal & Professional Growth
Learn to listen to your inner voice and feel more confident. What are your dreams and goals? We can help you define them and connect with your abilities and skills to make your goals attainable.

Interpersonal Skills Coaching
Gain the skills you need to create and maintain healthier relationships. Learn to communicate clearly with others, feel comfortable making friends, and make better decisions about your relationships.

Meet the JFCS Therapists


Client Bill of Rights

Licensing Supervision at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
Experienced, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers providing LICSW and LPCC supervision in an agency setting. See why JFCS supervisees don’t want supervision to end!

"Group supervision has been great to get fresh ideas and receive support from other colleagues... I’d recommend JFCS to anyone!" -- Natalie S.

Individual sessions: $75/hour & Group sessions: $35/hour

Contact Carole Cera for more information
952-542-4836, direct line or ccera@jfcsmpls.org

Offering Alzheimer's, Dementia and other Memory Loss Assessment, Education & Behavior Management Services.
Click here for more information.

PREPARE/ENRICH is a dynamic program designed to enhance marital growth and revitalize relationships. The JFCS Counseling Department program assists couples of all types - those considering marriage, newly engaged couples, gay/lesbian couples, and those married for years. Through PREPARE/ENRICH, couples can assess their compatibility, learn to resolve differences, handle financial decisions and increase their communication skills. JFCS counselors are skilled in working with diverse couples.

For information call 952-546-0616
or visit our Web site at
www.wix.com/JFCSMPLS/PREPAREANDENRICH


     

Deikel Family AlterCare Program

Laura Philbrook
952-922-1147
altercare@jfcsmpls.org

This adult day service program is a wonderful environment for people who otherwise might be alone and isolated during the day. Adults with memory and/or physical impairments, dementia and developmental disabilities will enjoy a safe, stimulating and supportive environment at the Deikel Family AlterCare Program. It offers respite for the at-home caregiver during the day. Located on the Ackerberg Community Campus in St. Louis Park. Learn more about Sholom Community Alliance.

Occasionally support groups are offered for caregivers of individuals with memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. If you are interested in participating, please call 952-939-1511.

All AlterCare staff have undergone extensive training on Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related topics to meet licensure requirements mandated by the State of Minnesota.


     

Family Life Education

Barbara Rudnick
952-546-0616
brudnick@jfcsmpls.org

JFCS works throughout the community to educate, train and provide community forums to create healthier individuals, families and communities. Learning sessions take place at synagogues, schools, businesses and other organizations. JFCS offers customized programming, training and consultation on a variety of topics, including parenting and promoting healthy families, life challenges, interfaith relationships, personal growth, special needs, teacher workshops, career development and workplace issues.


     

Grief Support, Information and Referral

Barbara Rudnick
952-542-4825
Email - brudnick@jfcsmpls.org

JFCS offers personalized grief support…because every loss is unique.


   

Healthy Youth – Healthy Communities
Brittany Beck
952-542-4835
bbeck@jfcsmpls.org
 
Healthy Youth – Healthy Communities is a preventive program for Jewish youth in grades 5 through college that addresses relationship violence, drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues. College interns present interactive programs that help Jewish students gain a greater understanding of healthy relationships. In addition, it provides tools on how to manage their own or their family's issues when faced with a mental health, chemical or drug abuse problem. Along with encouraging healthy choices, the program strives to dispel myths and negative attitudes surrounding these issues. The program is free and available to all Jewish programs that serve Jewish youth.
 
Healthy Youth – Healthy Communities is a program of J-CHAI (Jewish Community Health Awareness Initiative).

 
 
 

If your connection is slow,
click here to view the video.

 

  When you press Play the video starts downloading. While the video is downloading, you may need to hit Play a
second time to start the video.

 

Download Flash Player

   

Intake and Resource Connection

Sheri Sell or Barbara Rudnick, Intake Counselors
952-546-0616

When people don’t know where to turn for help, they can call JFCS. The Information and Resource Connection staff has a thorough knowledge of resources in the Jewish and general communities. Information and Resources Connection staff can help you connect with our services and manage much of the emergency financial assistance available through JFCS.

Offering Alzheimer's, Dementia and other Memory Loss Assessment, Education & Behavior Management Services.
Click here for more information.



     

Interfaith

Barbara Rudnick
952-546-0616
brudnick@jfcsmpls.org

JFCS is a welcoming place that offers a broad range of programming and services addressing both interfaith family and community issues.

For synagogues, Jewish agencies and organizations, JFCS provides speakers, facilitators and consultants. Services are customized to provide guidance and information to effectively deal with interfaith issues that are most relevant to each institution.

Offerings include multi-session workshops, single-session programs, personalized educational sessions and counseling. Information and support are designed to help build and maintain healthy relationships. Individuals, couples, parents, grandparents, adult children raised in interfaith families, and extended family members gain tools and understanding that are valuable when dealing with complicated, sensitive and often challenging interfaith issues.

     

Jewish Big Brother / Big Sister Program

Bobbie Goldfarb
952-542-4827
bgoldfarb@jfcsmpls.org
New mentoring options - Click here

Volunteers in the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program (BB/BS) provide acceptance, friendship, support and caring for children who need nurturing relationships in their lives. BB/BS supports Jewish children and their families by offering positive Jewish role models. The program goal is to empower a child through a fun, unconditional friendship. Celebrating Jewish holidays together is just one way BB/BS share experiences and fun. For many, the relationship has been life-altering, leading to life-long friendships.

In addition to the traditional pairings between an adult "big" and a "little", we now offer new creative match opportunities including: peer to peer, parent to parent, bigs and littles in training to become bigs and adults to adults. We have found that mentorships can occur at any age, and with this flexibility we can support more people than ever before!

boy when he started BBBS program

Watch the 2011 Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program video. Wow, Ansel has changed!


      Jewish Community Health Awareness Initiative (J-CHAI)

952-542-4833
bsitkoff@jfcsmpls.org

J-CHAI works to raise awareness and provide education and services to individuals and families struggling with domestic abuse and mental health issues. J-CHAI develops new community health initiatives that address the diverse social service needs of the Twin Cities’ Jewish community. J-CHAI includes the Jewish Domestic Abuse Collaborative (JDAC), the Mental Health Education Project (MHEP) and Healthy Youth-Healthy Communities (HY-HC). This is a collaborative program between Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul.


 

 

Minneapolis Jewish Community Inclusion Program
for People with Disabilities

Shelly Christensen
952-542-4838
schristensen@jfcsmpls.org
Learn more - click here
Disability Resource - click here
Program Brochure - click here

Publications:

- From Invisibility to Visibly In
-
Jewish Community Guide to Inclusion of People with Disabilities

The Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities is the clearinghouse for information and resources to support Jews with disabilities and their families. The Inclusion Program coordinates community-wide efforts to raise awareness, provide consultation and help Jewish organizations understand how to overcome barriers to facilitate their meaningful participation and involvement for all people.

From Invisibility to Visibly In
- An article in the Journal of Jewish Communal Services by Shelly Christensen and Margie Weil about the groundbreaking Minneapolis Jewish Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities.


     

Mental Health Support Services (MHSS)

952-546-0616

Mental Health Support Services works with people who live with serious and persistent mental illness. The program helps people improve connections with family, work and community, while achieving and maintaining health, stability and independence.


 

     

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

Cindy Uran
952-417-2104
curan@jfcsmpls.org

This program works with low-income families transitioning to economic stability.


 

 

Enroll your
family today!
pjlibrary.org
Like us on Facebook:
http://www.pjlibrary.org

 

 

PJ Library®

Debbie Berman Wolfe
952-417-2139
dwolfe@jfcsmpls.org

View our newsletter.

PJ Library is an international award-winning program designed to strengthen Jewish
identity. The program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewish-content
books and music on a monthly basis to children from age six months through eight years. Sign up today at www.pjlibrary.org

Shalom Baby welcomes families of newborns and babies, up to six months, to the Jewish community. Shalom Baby volunteers hand-deliver a reusable bag filled with fun, useful gifts for babies and families.

Swag Bags for Growing Families!
Call or enroll online to reserve a bag for you, a family member, or a friend!
952-417-2139 | online enrollment

This service is made possible by PJ Library at JFCS. PJ Library is funded locally by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Harry and Sandy Lerner, Louis Herman Memorial Fund, The Minneapolis Jewish Federation, and Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis. Minneapolis's Shalom Baby is made possible by PJ Library at JFCS. "PJ Library" and "PJ Library logo" are registered trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved. 

 
 

 

Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP)
www.parent-child.org

This proven innovative childhood literacy and school readiness program strengthens families and prepares children for academic success through intensive home visits. Trained staff help families challenged by poverty, language barriers, limited exposure to educational opportunities and other obstacles to educational success create language-rich home environments. This promotes the cognitive, social and emotional development that children need to enter school ready to learn and succeed.

JFCS's Parent-Child Home Program has had a positive impact on so many families. Watch this fantastic video about the PCHP in Seattle for a better idea of the work JFCS's PCHP does.
view video


     

St. Louis Park School-Based Services (formerly known as ACT)

St. Louis Park School-Based Services empowers parents to help children succeed in school. We offer an array of supportive services to students and families in accessing important community and school resources.

Our volunteer Lunch Buddy program is one way for adults to become positive role models for students in grades 1-3. For more information about Lunch Buddies and other volunteer opportunities, contact Debra Savitt, Program Manager, Volunteer Resources, at dsavitt@jfcsmpls.org


 
 

Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program

Judy Marcus
952-542-4840
jmarcus@jfcsmpls.org

At JFCS we believe that no one should face illness or loss alone. The Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program offers prayers, and shared wisdom, to help those in need of healing. With trained volunteers and access to information and referral, this unique program answers the call for many individuals and their families encountering life-altering situations.

Recent News articles
JFCS Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program outreach to ailing family, was featured in the Sun Sailor, and American Jewish World.

Resources
Chanukah Booklet
Hanukkah: The Power of Miracles, by Rabbi Janet Offel
Hanukkah and Healing
Jewish Patient Needs at a Glance: Volunteer Resources, Congregational Nurses, and Twin Cities Area Synagogues and Jewish Funeral Homes


      Volunteer Resources

Debra Savitt, Supervisor of Volunteer Resources
952-542-4859
dsavitt@jfcsmpls.org
Mitzvah Madness Volunteer Opportunities - Click here

Each year, more than 900 JFCS volunteers provide services to those in need in both the Jewish and general communities. JFCS provides short-and long-term, flexible, volunteer opportunities in a variety of programs. Each month a volunteer opportunity is featured in our e-directions newsletter, and the Mitzvah Madness volunteer opportunities web page is continuously updated with the most current volunteer opportunities available.

Please download and print out the JFCS Volunteer Application Form.


Charities Review Council Facebook and Twitter Facebook Linked In Twitter Federation United Way pinterest