News & Impact

Lisa was caught in a storm of family mental health issues. Her father, David, had suffered from depression his entire life. After receiving an early-stage dementia diagnosis a year ago, he was struggling to cope with the cognitive changes and was lashing out. At the same time, Lisa’s 10-year-old daughter, Abigail, started to display some concerning behaviors—she wasn’t sleeping or eating, and she started isolating herself from her friends.

Lisa was overwhelmed by worry as she tried to help her father and daughter. “Honestly, I was feeling totally hopeless,” she recalls. A friend suggested that Lisa reach out to JFCS to talk to a therapist about her stress. When Lisa called, she was relieved to discover that JFCS could offer mental health services to her entire family.

Ellie Pelc, PsyD
Child Psychologist and Associate Clinical Director for JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth

“It’s important for those who are struggling—at any stage of life—to know that talking to a professional can be vital in coping with stressors, challenges, or big transitions,” says Ellie Pelc, PsyD, Child Psychologist and Clinical Director at JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth. “The important thing is to reach out for help if you or a loved one is experiencing feelings of overwhelming stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.”

Getting the Right Compassionate Care

Abigail was matched with a certified child psychologist who helped get to the root of her anxiety. “Abigail was so withdrawn,” Lisa remembers. “I knew something was wrong but she wouldn’t talk to me.”

It turned out that Abigail was being bullied at school, but—aware of how stressed her mother was about her grandfather—she was afraid to add to her mother’s worries. Abigail’s therapist provided a safe place for Abigail to share her feelings and with that guidance and support, Abigail was able to confide in her mother so they could address the issue together.

“Abigail’s therapist was so skilled and so kind. She brought my daughter back to me,” Lisa says.

Dr. Catherine Madison
Neurologist at JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care

Navigating Dementia Care

Lisa and her father met with Dr. Catherine Madison, Neurologist at JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care, to do a cognitive evaluation and create a plan that would help them navigate the years to come. David also began working with a JFCS psychologist, to support him with his long-standing fight with depression and the challenges of this new phase of his life.

JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care provides specialized support for people experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as practical and emotional support for their families. Having expert advice helped Lisa better understand what her father was going through and alleviate her guilt that she wasn’t doing enough for him.

Mental Health for All Ages

Thousands of children, teens, adults and seniors received counseling and critical mental health services from JFCS last year. Our licensed and experienced therapists support people of all ages, whether they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to.

“We just kept trying to deal with things on our own,” Lisa says. “It has been a tremendous relief to find this help for our family, for all of us, in one place. JFCS truly saved our lives.”