As restrictions are lifted, we are hearing more about the effects of the past year due to social isolation, unemployment/economic losses, working from home while caring for children/other family members and personal health issues. According to Psychiatric Times these stressors contributed to the fact that 40.9 % of adults surveyed reported at least 1 adverse mental or behavioral health issue related to the past year. Of these adults, more than 30% reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. These symptoms won’t just go away when restrictions lift. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression can have lingering effects – especially without intervention. JFSGNH can help you emerge from the past year of fear, anxiety, panic and isolation. Currently, JFSGNH has openings in both our Children’s and our Adult Outpatient Mental Health Clinic We have a sliding fee scale and can even work with those who are unable to meet their deductible. Give us a call today at 203-389-5599, ext. 115 to start your journey toward wellness.
Author: Sandy Hagen
SOS Program Helps the Vulnerable
Through the Social Work Outreach Services Program, JFSGNH offers a lifeline to individuals/families in crisis who find themselves struggling to provide for their own basic needs. JFS offers assistance to vulnerable and at-risk community members in the areas of food, housing, utility, transportation and medical needs, to name a few.
Through a combination of social services and financial assistance, JFSGNH provides short-term stability to families to stem their immediate crises, and then works with them to ensure long-term well-being and self-sustainability. Our goal is to help people in economic crisis to help themselves. We do so while respecting the dignity and confidentiality of clients.
Services Available
One-time Emergency Financial Assistance
Basic Needs Assistance (utility, transportation, and/or food)
Help individuals navigate community, state and federal resources
Referral to JFS Mental Health/Counseling Services
Resources and Referrals
Find out if the Social Work Outreach Services Program (SOS) is the solution you or someone you love might need.
CALL Jessica Maselli 203-916-1680 or jmaselli@jfsnh.org
Caring, Compassionate Counseling for Adults, Adolescents and Children
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven is now accepting new clients into its Mental Health/Counseling Programs. If you or someone you know has concerns or is struggling with any of the issues below, give us a call today.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Child Rearing or Parenting Concerns
- Divorce or Separation
- Trauma Related Issues
- Couples Counseling
- Post Adoption Counseling
- Loss and Grief
There is no wait list. JFS accepts most insurances and offers a sliding scale for those without insurance. All ages, religions, ethnicities, LGBTQ and backgrounds welcome.
Call 203-389-5599, ext. 115 and begin your journey toward wellness today!
JFS – A long history of Post Adoption Services
Did you know that Post Adoption Services to families is one of JFS’s specialties? JFS has a long history in helping adoptive families and has experience in helping families navigate through adoption related concerns and issues. JFS professionals offer families a real understanding of what adoptive parents and their children are struggling with. They will work with children between the ages of 1 to 18 who have been adopted internationally, domestically or through DCF. They also work with young adults and even birth parents who completed an adoption plan for their child. Individuals or families who are interested in learning more should contact Hannah Leiterman at hleiterman@jfsnh.org.
Learn New Skills to Manage Emotions – Group for Girls and Young Woman/Gender Non-Binary People
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven is launching a new 10-week therapy group in March for girls, women and gender non-binary people ages 16 to 20 starting March 10th at 2 p.m. The group will provide an opportunity to connect with other young people while learning to manage emotions and stay healthy in quarantine. A different Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skill will be taught in each weekly group. The free group will be facilitated remotely and a link will be provided prior to the sessions.
The group will meet on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. beginning on March 10, 2021. Here is the outline of the upcoming sessions.
3/10 Introduction of group members and purpose of group
3/17 & 3/24 Mindfulness skills
3/31 & 4/7 Emotion regulation skills
4/14 & 4/21 Distress tolerance skills
4/28 & 5/5 Social skills
5/12 Wrap-up
For additional information please contact Hannah Leiterman at hleiterman@jfsnh.org or 203-389-5599, ext. 114.
Need Assistance with the COVID Vaccine?
If you are over 75 and need assistance with scheduling a vaccination appointment or in need of transportation to the appointment, please reach out to the Aging Adult Services Coordinator, Andrea Joseph, LCSW at ajoseph@jfsnh.org or call 860-800-9494.
STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO ACTS OF INSURRECTION AT US CAPITOL
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and its member agencies join together in horror and shock over the riots and loss of life that took place yesterday at the US Capitol. Despite the efforts of the Capitol Police, the National Guard and the DC police, the demonstrations resulted in bloodshed, loss of life, and horrific violence. The protests challenged the very basic principles of democracy and questioned the process of this nation’s long standing tradition of ensuring a peaceful transition of elected officials.
Indeed, the acts of violence brought to light the suffering of this nation and its desperate cries for unity and healing.
As a network of agencies that work each day to support individuals, families and communities with paths toward self-sufficiency, wholeness and peace, the trauma and anguish of these demonstrations make our efforts that much more challenging. May we all find the strength to move on from these horrific events, grounded in the values of the democratic process and the many safeguards of the US Constitution that protect the freedom to vote and ensure a functioning electorate. And may the Jewish imperative of repairing the world strengthen us all each day as we work together to restore this nation to its place of respect among the world of nations.
Judy Halper, Board Chair
Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO January 7, 2021
Friends Campaign 2020
Dear JFS Friends,
As we reflect on our 80th anniversary, JFS has always been here with support and assistance. As the demands from our community have risen dramatically in the past months, JFS continues to offer not just help, but much needed hope to those in need.
We would like to share with you some inspirational quotes from our clients:
“The food staples that I receive each month at the JFS Food Pantry help me make it through the month. Since food stamps have decreased and I am now unemployed, this help is even more important to my family.”
JFS needs ongoing funds to keep our pantry running at its current level. No doubt more and more community members will need this help.
“It’s more than a Shabbat meal, I feel like someone cares about me.”
JFS needs $40,000 each calendar year to continue providing weekly Kosher Shabbat meals to Holocaust survivors, aging adults and individuals with disabilities who are shut in and isolated.
“My therapist at JFS is my lifeline. She is helping me overcome severe anxiety and I’m learning better coping skills.”
JFS needs funds to continue offering teletherapy to those in need — to digitize records and to purchase an electronic medical record system.
“I felt so depressed losing my job. I didn’t know where to turn. The JFS social workers offered me emotional support and concrete job searching strategies.”
JFS needs funds to continue unemployment support groups, employability workshops and job searching strategies.
With your generous donation, JFS can continue our mission to serve and assist the community during these times of urgent need. Donations can be made online at www.jfsnh.org. JFS needs your help!
Warmly,
Ilene Rosalimsky Bronen, Co-President, JFS Board of Directors
Linda Caplan, Co-President, JFS Board of Directors
Creating a Healthy Routine Through Unemployment
Join Rachel Scolnic, LMSW and Hannah Leiterman, LCSW from Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven for a Zoom workshop series on creating a healthy routine, managing anxiety and taking care of your mind and body while navigating through unemployment. Each workshop will include job search strategies.
The next class is Monday, November 2nd beginning at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the general public and will be conducted via Zoom.
We will add additional topics and workshops with guest speakers from across Connecticut. Follow us on Facebook and check our website calendar listings for additional dates.
You must pre-register by noon on the day before the workshop by emailing Rachel rsdobin@jfsnh.org. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the workshop start time. For targeted assistance please include your resume when registering.
“Virtual” Caregiver Support Group
Do you care for a loved one or family member? Do you find yourself isolated from others because of your role? During this time of social distancing, we are launching a new Caregiver Support group “virtually.” If you are on the journey of caring for an ill or aging loved one and looking for support and connection join us online the third Wednesdays of each at 11:00 am. Upcoming dates include: Wednesday, November 18th and Wednesday, December 18th. Please R.S.V.P. at mklein@jfsnh.org or call 203-389-5599, ext. 116. A link will be sent to you prior to the group date