News & Impact

As families continue to endure the effects of disruption and uncertainty, JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth has launched a new website to guide them through. The largest initiative JFCS has ever undertaken in our 170-year history, the Center for Children and Youth is transforming the way children’s mental health needs are addressed with the latest international research, evidence-based treatments, parent education, and advocacy for public policy that help families thrive. The website features video advice from clinicians, expert resources from JFCS’ Parents Place, and resources for schools, clinicians, and policymakers. It also includes dedicated support for families as they… Read More

By Robyn Bloom, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at JFCS Sheltering in place during a pandemic presents a particular—and in many cases brand new—set of challenges for couples. I am guessing you have had moments of anxiety, stress, joy, challenges, losses, silver linings, disappointments, and a myriad of other experiences. Any small differences in your relationship may feel amplified, and you may be struggling in new ways or re-visiting perpetual problems. As a therapist who works with all types of couples, my advice right now is this: it has never been more important for you to deepen your understanding… Read More

Candace Sue and Rob Hofmeister knew their second adoption might come with some challenges. The couple adopted their daughter, Violet, nine years ago and were prepared for the occasional hiccups that can come with the adoption process. What the couple didn’t anticipate was that their adoption would involve a 1,700-mile road trip during a global pandemic. All the preparations had been made, and the family’s home study completed, when the shelter-in-place requirement went into effect. It was then, in late March, that the Bay Area family received a call from JFCS’ Adoption Connection that put them in touch with a… Read More

With Bay Area residents sheltering in place, social isolation is putting thousands at risk while trying to keep them safe. Even before a statewide Shelter-in-Place was mandated, social isolation was known as America’s quietest health risk—afflicting everyone from children to seniors, and from stay-at-home parents to CEOs. Even under normal conditions, thousands in our community suffer in silence from the physical and mental health issues related to isolation and loneliness. Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of many physical and mental conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive… Read More

By Ellie Pelc, PsyD, clinical psychologist, JFCS Center for Children and Youth. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is something none of us has ever experienced before. It is a time of tremendous change and disruption for everyone. Parents are being asked to do the impossible, especially working parents, who are suddenly taking care of themselves, their houses, and their kids. The key to meeting this challenge, while taking care of your own mental health, is to be kinder to yourself. Remember That You Are Doing the Best You Can “I never thought I would yell like this. I never thought I’d… Read More

By Ryan Berman, MSW, Director of Disabilities Services at JFCS The recent change in routine has been challenging for us all—and for many adults with developmental disabilities, the upending of a familiar daily schedule has been overwhelmingly distressing. To make matters worse, families have been suddenly left with gaps in the support they are accustomed to receiving, whether from agencies, independent living services, or caregivers. The good news is that there are some tangible ways that families can help their adult  children with disabilities to cope with the new normal. Read on: 1. Make Sure Your Child Understands the Facts… Read More