Program areas at JFS
Clinical Services: JFS' clinical Services, include counseling, child and adolescent outpatient psychiatry, and diagnostic evaluation for children and adolescents, and are provided at reduced cost or free of charge to individuals of all ages, races, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds. Our skilled team of experts empower individuals to be their own agents of change to improve quality of life and overall well-being and help individuals and families lead healthy, vibrant lives.through person-centered care, our licensed professional staff partner with clients to create a treatment road map that identifies areas of strength and growth and clear and...(see schedule o) clinical Services continued from page 2:measurable outcomes tailored to the individual's personal needs. JFS fosters a safe and supportive environment for children and their families to develop the skills to be successful at home, in school, at work and in the community. During 2023, 850 individuals and families were served.the school-based Services team provides customized Services and counseling to students on-site in schools across St. Louis county to help them improve their behavioral and mental health, and academic performance. In 2023, after remaining pandemic restrictions were phased out, school-based counselors were able to fully resume small group interventions and classroom-based social-emotional activities.
Harvey kornblum Jewish food pantry: the harvey kornblum Jewish food pantry (hkjfp) is the largest food pantry in the St. Louis region. In 2023, more than 19,600 individuals visited the food pantry. A staff of 10 and a volunteer workforce of more than 350 provided at least seven to 10 days of nutritious and fresh food to individuals and families from 76 different zip codes in St. Louis. Eighty-six percent (86%) of hkjfp guests are living in households below the federal poverty level. Our team works with pantry clients to identify additional areas of need, including employment, housing, and healthcare, and provide resources and referrals that address challenges beyond hunger...(see schedule o) harvey kornblum Jewish food pantry continued from page 2:one in every seven individuals in St. Louis experiences food insecurity. As people struggle to make ends meet, the harvey kornblum Jewish food pantry remains a constant source of nutritious food and support for families, children, and older adults in our community.
Older adult Services: for more than 100 years, JFS older adult Services have empowered adults ages 60 and older to live safely and independently and enrich their quality of life. Our team of case managers collaborate with older adults and caregivers to develop and manage an individualized care plan that facilitates and supports aging-in-place and transition to group living environments. We connect older adults to community resources and provide Services, including subsidized in-home support, fall and hospital re-admission prevention, counseling and more to make quality care accessible to all.elderlink is a free information and referral phone line staffed by JFS case managers trained to help older adults and...(see schedule o)older adult Services continued from page 2:caregivers navigate new stages of life. All callers are offered a comprehensive assessment and customized information and referrals based on their individual needs, such as transportation to medical appointments, food delivery, utility assistance, affordable and safe housing information, socialization opportunities, and more. St. Louis naturally occurring retirement community (norc) enriches the lives of older adults through meaningful community involvement and increased access to support Services. Since its integration into JFS in 2022, norc's staff have connected hundreds of older adults with meaningful activities and social events, and their vetted and trained volunteers have provided minor home repairs and technology troubleshooting.
Financial assistance: JFS financial assistance supports individuals and families facing financial hardships. Our knowledgeable case managers connect individuals to community resources, government benefits, and emergency funds for basic living expenses, including housing, utilities, and medical costs.jfs case managers understand that financial status can change overnight and cause temporary disruptions, and that persistent medical and mental health issues can cause ongoing financial challenges. Working in partnership with clients, we establish a plan of action to help individuals move toward self-sufficiency and financial stability.in 2023, JFS provided more than $175,000 of financial relief for 166 families. Also in 2023, JFS was selected by the united way of greater St. Louis united for families (uff) program to continue in its second year to provide case management, financial coaching, and emergency financial assistance to families with school-age children. Uff's objectives are to help stabilize and support families on their road to increased financial security; prevent homelessness and displacement; and ensure children stay in one consistent school community.
Child abuse prevention program (capp): our team of child abuse prevention program specialists work with more than 140 schools throughout the St. Louis region to annually teach more than 46,000 children, teachers, and caregivers about body safety, the warning signs of abuse, and safe internet skills. Using developmentally appropriate practices, capp teaches children how to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touching; learn response skills; and understand grooming tactics. While the goal of capp is prevention, our expert staff also teach children who have seen or experienced abuse the importance of reporting to a trusted adult, leading to treatment and healing.in order to meet the growing demand for capp education, JFS launched a "train the presenter" initiative, designed to teach educators and school counselors to provide abuse prevention presentations at their schools. The initiative increased the number of students reached in 2023 by more than 1,100.