May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a dedicated time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by approximately 50 million Americans living with mental health conditions, as reported by Mental Health America.
But for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, creating a safe, inclusive and open space for community members who live with mental health illnesses is a year-round effort. Last year, the Jewish Federation allocated $8 million to care for those in need, including mental health care and wellness programs.
This funding went to organizations like Tikvah to provide adults living with mental illness access to classes, group therapy sessions and social events. It also funded JEVS Human Services’ Tikvah Residence, an apartment building for individuals living with disabilities related to mental health diagnoses.
In addition to supporting programs for adults living with mental illness, the Jewish Federation also addresses the emerging challenges within the Greater Philadelphia teen and young adult community.
According to a 2022 CDC report, one-third of teens reported having poor mental health since 2020, and one in five teens have contemplated suicide.
Recognizing this disturbing trend, the Jewish Federation continues to increase its leading role in enhancing the social and emotional health of Jewish teens across Greater Philadelphia, spanning from schools to camps and more.
“Providing our teens and their caregivers with the most up-to-date research-based resources to help them thrive is a challenge in today's increasingly social media-driven world,” said the Jewish Federation’s Director of Local Grants and Partnerships Brian Gralnick.
Some of these efforts have included programs, like a recent symposium held in January about improving the social and emotional health of Jewish teens and young adults. Hosted in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, the Jewish Federation’s event brought together leaders and professionals, including speakers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Moving Traditions, TeachPA and more.
Exacerbating the troubling increase in mental illnesses among teens and young adults is the increase in antisemitic incidents reported in schools and on college campuses, especially after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel.
“Prior to Oct. 7, teens were struggling with the regular things that made life hard for teens like social and academic pressures,” said Moving Traditions CEO Shuli Karkowsky. “Then Oct. 7 happened, and for many teens, their walls started to crumble. They started to face antisemitism. Moving Traditions has seen teens asking for support.”
In high school, over 70% of Jewish students have experienced antisemitism, according to a study conducted by BBYO Insider from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5. 2024. In higher education, incidents on college and university campuses spiked by a staggering 321% to 922 incidents in 2023, most of which occurred after the October 7 terrorist attacks, according to the ADL.
“Ensuring that students have access to mental health professionals on campus is another crucial layer to combating antisemitism and its effects on mental health,” said Gralnick, who has worked closely with Jewish Family and Children’s Service and local schools to secure therapists and social workers.
JEWISH FEDERATION SUPPORTED ORGANIZATIONS
The following are a select number of local organizations that the Jewish Federation funds for its work in mental wellness:
Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) - Older Adult Care Management
JFCS provides customized in-home services and home care subsidies related to legal concerns, cognitive functioning, health and safety, emotional well-being and more. The coordination and support of older adults decreases the likelihood of institutionalization and enables them to remain at home as they age. Individuals are provided connections to resources, education and counseling, opportunities for socializing and other programs or services.
KleinLife - Active Adults Program
The KleinLife Senior Community Centers serve older adults through socialization and wellness programs in Elkins Park and Northeast Philadelphia. These programs support the ability of older adults to maintain their health and wellness through various classes that exercise the mind and body.
Tikvah/Advocates for the Jewish Mentally Ill (AJMI) Social Program
Tikvah AJMI is a grassroots organization committed to improving the quality of life for adults living with mental illness. This program provides opportunities for those living with mental illness and their loved ones to participate in education, group therapy and social events to help provide a sense of community.
Tikvah Residence
JEVS Human Services operates the Tikvah Residence program, an apartment building that helps maintain a safety net for individuals living with disabilities related to mental health diagnoses. The program offers opportunities for peer socialization, community and/or work involvement, healthcare oversight and wellness education, self-management skills, improved access to community resources and more. Tikvah Residence also engages local community members impacted by mental illness with programming and engagement.
Moving Traditions emboldens youth by fostering self-discovery, challenging sexism and inspiring a commitment to Jewish life and learning. Focused on mental health, Moving Traditions implements a small-group model, where teens learn to navigate the world so they will thrive as healthy, ethical and Jewishly connected people.
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Help the Jewish Federation’s vital work of establishing a robust mental health network and creating a more accepting, diverse and inclusive future by making a gift here.