JF&CS

Q&A with John Wills

Fri, 29 May 2015 14:16:00 GMT

Shared by John Wills

Tell us what you do at JF&CS and how you got here.
I am the Manager of Employment Programs for JF&CS Services for People with Disabilities & Mental Illness.

Pathways to Employment supports adults with disabilities in developing their “soft skills,” or social skills, as they relate to the world of employment. The participants of this program are given the opportunity to volunteer with one of our community partners so they can practice hands on working skills followed by classroom sessions to discuss relevant topics and practice the new skills. As the participants spend time in the program and work on their specific individualized goals we begin the process of pursuing competitive employment.

Meaningful Days supports adults with disabilities in pursuing meaningful activities in their lives. Participants of this program often go through Pathways to Employment prior to receiving services through Meaningful Days. We are committed to developing a thorough understanding of each participant’s support needs, employment desires, and skills. From developing a resume to searching for jobs to preparing for an interview, we do everything we can to ensure the individual has the tools for success and has identified a job that is a good match for their skills and experience. Once a job offer is made we provide on job support by working with the employers to assist with training and act as a support and advocate for the entire length of employment.

I’ve been with JF&CS for more than five years. I started as a Program Coordinator for CHAI Works. Previously I worked at an inpatient psychiatric unit for adolescents as a mental health specialist. Before I entered the human services field, I worked as a cook for several restaurants and a painter for several contractors.

Share one of your favorite experiences at JF&CS.
Every day at JF&CS is exciting and challenging so it is difficult to pick a favorite, but the first time I was able to find someone a job was probably the best. The individual had many skills but very little support to help with social or employment activities. We worked together for just shy of a year and found him a job that matched his skills, and I am happy to say that he is still gainfully employed to this day!

When you’re not working, what would we find you doing?
Riding or working on my motorcycle, kayaking/fishing, working in my yard/garden, and cooking/grilling. Also, my wife and I recently became the proud owners of a 120-year-old and very dated house, so much of my free time is spent utilizing the skills I developed as a painter to brighten and update our living spaces.

What’s your favorite movie?
Either Back to the Future or Donnie Darko. They are very different movies but both have awesome soundtracks and are about time travel, which I find fascinating.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a baseball player or a motocross (dirt bike) racer.

Family Circle Newsletter

Tue, 26 May 2015 18:37:00 GMT

Posted by Caitlin Bohara

The Family Circle Newsletter, created by JF&CS and funded by the HALO Foundation, provides a wealth of up-to-date information about services, benefits, support groups, workshops, and other resources that help families meet the challenges of raising a child with disabilities.

This edition of the Family Circle Newsletter explores the outdoors as well as some great events and activities offered in Greater Boston for children, adults, and the entire family. Take advantage of the wonderful spring weather before it is gone!

The Family Circle Newsletter includes the following information:

JF&CS Family Swim Program
Accessible Recreation Fair
Boston Children's Museum Magic and Dance Show
Museum of Fine Arts Artful Healing
Mass Audubon
Resources

The organizations and websites are listed as a public service and are not endorsed, recommended, or validated by the H.A.L.O. Foundation or JF&CS.

To sign up for the newsletter or for more information, contact Caitlin Bohara at cbohara@jfcsboston.org or 781-647-JFCS (5327).

Caitlin Bohara has been in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health for five years. Before coming to JF&CS, Caitlin worked in Connecticut with young adults with mental illness in a residential setting, assisting them with daily living skills, employment, social activities, and individualized goals. Prior to working in Connecticut, Caitlin attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she studied psychology. Currently she works for Services for People with Disabilities and Mental Illness as the Community Programs Manager, overseeing the Family Support program as well as some residential programs.

Chaverim Shel Shalom Talent Night

Fri, 15 May 2015 13:14:00 GMT

Posted by Sandy Slavet

Talent is hard to define, but it is even harder to describe. At our recent Chaverim Shel Shalom Talent Night I didn’t have to define it, because I got to see it!

Members of Chaverim Shel Shalom (CSS), a social program for Jewish adults with psychiatric challenges, played guitar, sang, and even gave dramatic readings of their insights into modern times and its challenges. Performances included songs by Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, Kool and the Gang, the Temptations, and the Beatles!

Those who didn’t perform were treated to singing, music, and entertainment. Throughout the evening, participates were invited to join by serving as back-up singers for the more lively numbers. There was no shortage of talent or courage, and it was a night of great fun. The event was so successful that folks want to add this to our regular activity schedule.

Talent may hard to define and describe, but our performers certainly made it clear that talent is alive and well at CSS!

Sandy Slavet is the Director of Jewish Life Services for People with Disabilities. Sandy works with CHAI and CHAI Works participants providing social, educational, and Jewish programs including Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations as well as participation in community activities at local synagogues and other community locations. She also leads several social programs for adults with disabilities including Chaverim Shel Shalom, Chaverim Chaim (Friends for Life), and Jewish Signers of Massachsetts. Before coming to JF&CS in 2001, Sandy was an ASL Interpreter in private practice. Sandy is active in many community organizations and is an active member of her synagogue. Most importantly, she and her husband, Joe, have four wonderful daughters; her youngest daughter, Marie, is a beautiful 26-year-old who happens to have Down Syndrome.

Sharing Shabbat

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:40:00 GMT

JF&CS Volunteer News Spring 2015

Flour, yeast, eggs, oil, salt, sugar, and water… a few simple ingredients of a traditional challah bread can fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Whether you bake your own or pick up a loaf on your way home, challah brings people together.

Now through a new JF&CS Challah Baking program, volunteers at temples throughout Greater Boston are gathering to bake and deliver challah and share Shabbat dinner with adults with disabilities.

“Our goal is to be able to provide a Shabbat experience for adults with disabilities who live in the community and an opportunity for congregants to meet and share Jewish life experiences,” said Sandy Slavet, Director of JF&CS Jewish Life Services for People with Disabilities.

In honor of its Jewish traditions, JF&CS hosts this special meal for residents of its seven supported living houses. With Sandy’s help, residents take part in the candle lighting ceremony, Kiddush, and Motzi, and eat Shabbat dinner together several times a month. The dinners are an important way for adults living in a JF&CS program or receiving staff support from JF&CS to spend time together and enjoy this ancient ritual.

The Challah Baking program is a new way for volunteers to get involved. On Thursdays, volunteers meet at their temple to braid and bake the challah. The following night, they deliver the challah to a local supported living house, where residents of that house and other supported living houses in the area gather to welcome Shabbat.

The program was initiated by JF&CS volunteer Jennifer Gorman, a member of the Services for People with Disabilities advisory committee and chair of the JF&CS volunteer task force. Jennifer loves to bake and wanted to create a connection to the disabilities community.

“I had an idea to get into temples to do challah baking with youth groups and have them come to dinner,” said Jennifer.

“Adults with disabilities are a part of our population that needs to be respected. I think young adults don’t quite know how to interact,” she added. “Shabbat is a natural and easy way. They see that these adults sing the songs just like they do. It grabs my heart.”

During the pilot, teens from Temple Sinai of Sharon gathered to braid and bake the challah, which they delivered to a residence in Norwood the following night, joining the residents for dinner.

“It was very fun. We did different types of braiding. Some put raisins in. It was very creative and the kids enjoyed it,” said Jennifer. “We made enough so that each resident went home with a challah.”

Like most good things, challah takes time and patience. With wisdom acquired at challah bake-offs, Jennifer is looking forward to watching the program grow like dough in a bowl. She encourages everyone to get involved, saying, “JF&CS is the greatest and the team is incredible. There’s a place for everybody at JF&CS.”

You’re invited!
To find out how you and your temple can participate in Challah Baking, please contact Lauren Schleicher, Manager of Volunteer Services, at volunteers@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-5576.

Chaverim Shel Shalom’s Paint Night

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:09:00 GMT

Posted by Sandy Slavet

At last month’s Chaverim Shel Shalom Nosh & Learn, a social program for Jewish adults with psychiatric challenges, our gathering was transformed into a creative art festival. Our participants became budding artists and got their creative juices flowing to paint their own version of a painting of a vase and flowers. As adults, it was a little daunting - kids seem to be less inhibited or intimated by an empty canvas and a table full of paints. But when participants realized there were no blue ribbons, no trophies, and no Arts and Culture reporter from the Boston Globe, everyone was able to relax and welcome the challenge.

We had only four rules:

You must use the model picture.
No criticizing anyone’s work.
No criticizing your own work.
Enjoy!

All the rules were followed and the results were amazing. Every picture captured the model but also reflected each individual’s talent and imagination. Vibrant colors and varying uses of space and contrast showed that there is no limit to the unique perceptions we each have.

Sandy Slavet is the Director of Jewish Life Servies for People with Disabilities. Sandy works with CHAI and CHAI Works participants providing social, educational, and Jewish programs including Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations as well as participation in community activities at local synagogues and other community locations. She also leads several social programs for adults with disabilities including Chaverim Shel Shalom, Chaverim Chaim (Friends for Life), and Jewish Signers of Massachsetts. Before coming to JF&CS in 2001, Sandy was an ASL Interpreter in private practice. Sandy is active in many community organizations and is an active member of her synagogue. Most importantly, she and her husband, Joe, have four wonderful daughters; her youngest daughter, Marie, is a beautiful 26-year-old who happens to have Down Syndrome.

World Autism Awareness Day

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 12:57:00 GMT

Posted by Shayna Fel

John is in his early 60s and has Asperger’s syndrome. He was referred to the Adult Autism Spectrum Care Coordination and Coaching program by his elderly parents. He had no daily schedule, minimal social interaction, limited understanding of personal hygiene and social cues, and no concrete plans in place for his future. Through our work together, John now participates in the CHAI Works day program, has a buddy through Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, and receives coaching on social skills, hygiene, and how to live independently. Additionally, John’s parents are receiving support to create plans for John’s future when they are no longer able to be present for their son.

Now John is taking advantage of all of the different resources his community has to offer and his charm and exuberance shine through. John walks into any room and exudes a warm and friendly attitude that draws people to him. He knows the names of the employees at the shops he frequents and never shies away from a conversation about politics, the Red Sox, or Judaism.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. At Jewish Family & Children’s Service we are wearing blue to join this campaign and celebrate with, bring awareness to, and show our support of John, all of our clients on the autism spectrum, their families, and the worldwide autism community.

Did you know…

Autism now affects 1 in 68 children.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the US.
Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average.
Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism.
There is no medical detection or cure for autism.

List from Autism Speaks

Learn more about Light It Up Blue (#LIUB) on Autism Speaks’ website.

Shayna Fel, LICSW has been with JF&CS Services for People with Disabilities & Mental Illness since 2011. Shayna is the Coordinator of the Adult Autism Care Coordination and Coaching program. Shayna earned her MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. Before becoming a social worker, Shayna received her BA in Elementary and Special Education from Boston University. Shayna’s experience in teaching and social work has been focused on supporting clients with disabilities to create meaningful and purposeful lives for themselves.

Family Circle Newsletter

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:50:00 GMT

Posted by Caitlin Bohara

Winter is finally coming to an end. The most recent issue of the Family Circle Newsletter is dedicated to finding fun events in the area, outdoor and indoor, to welcome spring. From camp fairs to sports or musicals, there is something for the whole family.

The Family Circle Newsletter includes the following information:

Shrek the Musical
Perkins Beeping Egg Hunt
JCC All Camp Fair
Athletes 4 Autism
Boston Conservatory Music Program
Resources

The organizations and websites are listed as a public service and are not endorsed, recommended, or validated by the H.A.L.O. Foundation or JF&CS.

To sign up for the newsletter or for more information, contact Caitlin Bohara at cbohara@jfcsboston.org or 781-647-JFCS (5327).

Caitlin Bohara has been in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health for five years. Before coming to JF&CS, Caitlin worked in Connecticut with young adults with mental illness in a residential setting, assisting them with daily living skills, employment, social activities, and individualized goals. Prior to working in Connecticut, Caitlin attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she studied psychology. Currently she works for Services for People with Disabilities and Mental Illness as the Community Programs Manager, overseeing the Family Support program as well as some residential programs.

A Gift from the Bar Mitzvah Boy

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:11:00 GMT

Posted by Howard Meisner

It all started with a television set. Something simple, yet so necessary that it was obvious to all that it was missing from the common room.

The year was 1987 and I was facing that mixture of fear and apprehension that all Jewish 13-year-olds face: a Bar Mitzvah. In the midst of practicing my parsha, my family and I began to talk about what it means to reach this milestone and that, while it is a celebration, it's also a time to start to establish who you will be as you grow up. My mother suggested that I donate some of the financial gifts that I would receive for my Bar Mitzvah to a charity. We did some research and chose Community Housing for Adult Independence (CHAI), which was opening their first community home for adults with disabilities in Brighton.

I met with in the woman in charge of the program, and we talked about these amazing people who were starting their lives in this new communal home. In a way, they were doing what I was: taking a step into the broader world and figuring out who they would be.

My first gift was the donation of a television set for the common room. We all agreed that it should be something tangible that the residents could use. It was delivered to the house where it found a comfortable place in front of some couches.

I stayed connected to the program through high school as an occasional photographer for events. Chanukkah parties and donor evenings were captured on my old Pentax and developed in my school's darkroom. There were always events going on at the Brighton residence and I could see that it was a very comfortable place for the residents and their families.

When I went away to college, my physical connection with the program waned, but I stayed connected virtually through the newsletters and an annual contribution, which I have enjoyed doing now for more than two decades. It gave me a lot of satisfaction to see the program expand as quickly as it did to serve so many people. I wasn't actively connected for many years, but I've recently returned to Massachusetts and I look forward to seeing this program continue to thrive and serve a community that was so grateful all those years ago to start out with a television.

Collaborative Living Support Ribbon Cutting

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:50:00 GMT

Posted by Doreen Cummings

On December 16 JF&CS and New England Communities, Inc. hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of a new Collaborative Living Support home that opened in June to support 12 young men with disabilities. This project has been in progress for five years and bringing all of the key players together to celebrate with the new residents and families was wonderful.

We were fortunate to have all of our supporters from the city of Malden present at the event to see our success fully unfold!

Mayor Gary Christenson
Senator Jason Lewis
Representative Christopher G. Fallon
Representative Jason Ultrino
City Councilor John Matheson
Deborah Burke, Executive Director, Malden Redevelopment Authority
Stephen Finn, Executive Director, Malden Housing Authority
Noah Koretz, HOME Program Director, North Suburban Consortium
Lawrence Weiner, President, Beth Israel Senior Citizens Housing, Inc.
Stephen J. De Cesare, Vice President, East Cambridge Savings Bank

The families and residents were thrilled to show off their new rooms and to give tours to the guests as everyone enjoyed refreshments and the festivities.

A special thanks to Marc Slotnik, President of New England Communities, and his assistant, Carole Collins, who worked tirelessly over the years to make this dream a reality for our families and residents.

Our Collaborative Living Support model is designed to serve adults 22 years and older who have mild to moderate disabilities in a large house setting. This setting allows for built-in friendships, social opportunities and development, and the chance to integrate with a community of their peers.

Doreen Cummings has been with JF&CS Services for People with Disabilities & Mental Illness since 2005. After receiving a psychology degree from Wheaton College, she worked at the Charles River Center from 1994-2004. During her time in the field, Doreen has been heavily involved in developing family support, day, creative living, and community programming. Doreen enjoys playing softball, singing, being a fan of all Boston teams, web development, iPad-ing, and time with family.

Doing the Right Thing

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:41:00 GMT

JF&CS News Fall 2014

Gerry Feldman and Jewish Family & Children’s Service share a common bond. This bond goes well beyond Gerry’s consistent support of the organization as the longest-standing member of our Board of Directors. It also spans beyond his ongoing contributions to our agency’s disabilities program. The true bond lies in our shared view of serving the community with integrity.

“JF&CS is always doing the right thing,” says Gerry. “They’re always focused on serving the people most in need.”

Gerry was first introduced to JF&CS more than 30 years ago, when a client asked if he was involved in the Jewish community. Gerry said he was involved in his synagogue, and the client asked if he would like to meet someone from JF&CS. The next day, Simon Krakow, JF&CS executive director at the time, came to Gerry’s office and gave an overview of the organization. He also mentioned a case of a young woman whose needs went beyond the agency’s scope and who required private counseling. Gerry provided the funding for her counseling. “Anyone would have helped this woman,” says Gerry.

Thus began the strong relationship between a businessman and an organization with a mutual mission: to help improve people’s lives.

“When I first began my association with the agency, I felt really needed,” says Gerry, who has served as treasurer on the executive committee as well as a member of both the finance and disabilities committees. “JF&CS wasn’t as large as it is today, and I felt that I had something to contribute as an accountant and a businessman. As the years went on and the management team became stronger, I’m happy to say that they can run without me. Today, I feel my financial contributions will have a substantial impact on the organization and the community because of the strong management team.”

Recently Gerry made a long-term commitment to the agency by designating an annual gift through his estate. “While I was focusing on my own estate plan, I wanted to make sure my contributions were directed to the needs of the agency. They mentioned needing support for Ransom Road, a Brighton residence for adults with disabilities, and this program felt right to me.”

Gerry encourages others to develop a relationship with JF&CS, as he did, to gain a first-hand understanding of the organization’s value. “Being involved in JF&CS is very rewarding, especially volunteering on a committee, since it allows you to get to know the organization. It also makes you more aware of the world, especially the world of social services. Until you get involved, you’ll never know how much of a difference JF&CS can make to bettering people’s lives.”

Beyond his viewpoint of JF&CS as a volunteer, Gerry has a personal perspective on the impact the agency can make. His wife’s sister, who has a developmental disability, is a client of our disabilities program. “My sister-in-law is a very happy member of the community,” Gerry notes. “She lives in a JF&CS residence in Newton and has a job she enjoys. I don’t think it could be much better for her, and my wife, Judy, and I are so grateful for the attention, care, and commitment JF&CS has made to her well-being.”

“Speaking for all at JF&CS, including those Gerry has touched over the span of three decades, we are grateful for his unwavering dedication to the agency’s well-being, from guiding us with smart suggestions for fiscal fortitude to offering innovative ideas to support those with disabilities,” says Rimma Zelfand, CEO of JF&CS.

In honor of our 150th anniversary, JF&CS published a special 150th anniversary newsletter. View a PDF of the entire newsletter online.