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

 


Caring Connections

Carly Stein
952-542-4835
cstein@jfcsmpls.org

Caring Connections provides opportunities for Jewish adults with developmental disabilities to connect with their faith community and take part in Jewish life and learn about holidays and traditions. Monthly programs may feature a storyteller, an art project, or link to larger community events to create a sense of celebration and enjoyment. Caring Connections is a joint effort of JFCS, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, the St. Paul JCC, and the Sabes JCC.


 

Family and Parenting Center

Barb Goldman
952-417-2139
Newsletter - Jewish Family Matters
bgoldman@jfcsmpls.org
www.familyandparentingctr.org

The Family and Parenting Center provides a welcoming environment where families with children up to age 5, engage in Jewish learning, fun, and friendship. Programs facilitate personal growth and learning, while connecting young families with one another. JFCS and the Minneapolis Jewish Federation sponsor the Family and Parenting Center.

Go to the Family and Parenting Center Web site for information about the PJ Library or go directly to sign-up by clicking here.

 

Inclusion Support Services

Contact - Nanci Fine
Phone - 952-417-2136
Email - nfine@jfcsmpls.org

Many disabilities are invisible, but they still present tremendous challenges to families who cope with them. We can help. With specialized training and experience, the JFCS Inclusion Specialist can partner with you and advocate for:

  • Assessment and support
  • Evaluating and understanding information
  • Researching and selecting programs and resources
  • Tailoring a plan specific to your needs



  Jewish Community Health Awareness Initiative (J-CHAI)

Nanci Fine
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.


Healthy Youth – Healthy Communities
Carly Stein
952-542-4835
cstein@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).  

 
 
 

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J-CHAI includes the following three programs:

Jewish Domestic Abuse Collaborative (JDAC)

Betsy Sitkoff
952-542-4833
bsitkoff@jfcsmpls.org
Support group for Jewish domestic abuse victims and survivors - more information.

The Jewish Domestic Abuse Collaborative works to raise awareness about domestic abuse in our community. The collaborative strives to provide education, coordinate resources, and assure safe environments for Jewish individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities area. The program is a collaboration of JFCS and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul.


Mental Health Education Project

Betsy Sitkoff
952-542-4833
bsitkoff@jfcsmpls.org

The Mental Health Education Project strives to raise awareness of mental health issues, provide support for individuals and families, offer education on topics affecting all ages, and develop training for people who work with mental health issues. This collaborative has 35 Twin Cities community co-sponsors, including JFCS. Together, these sponsors seek to ensure enhanced delivery of mental health services through agencies, organizations, and congregations. The Mental Health Education Project is a collaboration of JFCS 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.


 

Jewish Free Loan Program

952-546-0616

JFCS helps members of the Twin Cities Jewish community who face unexpected financial challenges. The program makes it possible for eligible individuals to secure an interest-free loan up to $7,500. A co-signer is required.


 

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.


 

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