By Susan Kurlander, M.Ed. Jewish Community Services It’s hard to escape the devastating effects of America’s opioid epidemic. Lives lost, families torn apart, and something you don’t hear about that often – the threat that opioids pose to children. More and more of them are overdosing due to the prevalence…Read More
By Jacki Post Ashkin, LCSW-C So, your child is entering his senior year in high school. Top dog. Big man on campus. The finish line is in sight. Congratulations! Now hold on to your proverbial hat. This year is a rollercoaster ride of milestones, deadlines and transitions that will test…Read More
By Beth Land Hecht, LCSW-C While our Jewish community provides an abundance of ways to do a mitzvah or good deed, perhaps one of the most gratifying volunteer experiences is gained through mentoring. January is National Mentoring Month and this year Jewish Community Services is celebrating the 100 year anniversary…Read More
By Paige Sollins, LCSW-C Leaving the grocery store and loading bags into my car, I was startled by an alarming yelp and scream. A young child with a mini-shopping cart started to walk into the street while her mother was just exiting the store. Panicked, the mother ran over…Read More
By Kim Morrill, LCSW-C I have two daughters that have no biological connection. It makes me think about the ever present debate about “nature versus nurture” frequently. At times I have had the briefly held belief that I am an awesome parent. My eldest eats all of her vegetables and…Read More
By Julie Morton, LCSW-C “Who’s your friend that loves to play? Bing Bong! Bing Bong!” If you’ve taken your child to see the movie Inside Out they may be singing this song. After all, it’s often easy to talk about portions of a movie or personal memories that are…Read More
By Donna Kane, MA Where did summer go? It seems like we were just stocking up on sunscreen, flip flops and beach towels. Now, those outdoor summer displays have been replaced by rows of school supplies, racks of sweaters, and autumn decorations. How is it possible? In just a matter…Read More
By Myra Strassler, LCSW-C At one time you may have seen a momma duck crossing a field with its ducklings following behind. When they hatched from their eggs, the babies were imprinted with “this is my mom.” They follow her and learn from her. In many ways our children establish…Read More
By Barbara Levy Gradet, LCSW Got grandkids? Then you probably know that grandchildren are the reason we go to the trouble of having and raising children. Like the t-shirt says, “If I had known that grandchildren would be this much fun, I would have had them FIRST!” Gone are the…Read More
By Jeffrey Wolfish, LGPC Kids learn about people with severe illness from friends at school, neighbors, and synagogue. Closer to home children often become aware of a family member or classmate suffering from a life-threatening illness. This reality is difficult for people at any age, but can be especially upsetting…Read More
Social Services for Nazi victims are supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
