May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a dedicated time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by more than one in five adults in America living with mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
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 supported mental health services for 4,730 adults.
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.
Nearly 20% of children and young people ages 3-17 in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder, according to Unicef. And in Pennsylvania, one out of every 12 high schoolers attempted suicide, as reported by the CDC.
For Jewish teens, this population is facing a dual burden, according to BeWell, an initiative of Jewish Federations of North America in partnership with Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. Jewish teens are not only navigating adolescence, but also a growing rise in antisemitism that is present in and out of the classrooms.
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. This past year, the Jewish Federation entered a partnership with the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, which aims to equip Jewish teens and families with resilience-building tools rooted in science and Jewish values. The partnership included the launch of a digital resource site to provide teens and families with the tools to strengthen resiliency.
See below to learn about some of the local organizations focused on mental health which receive funding from the Jewish Federation.
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)
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.
The KleinLife Senior Community Center serves 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)
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.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
Trauma-Informed Approaches to Supporting the Jewish Community
Wednesday, May 13 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Zoom
Join BeWell as we explore how to cultivate a trauma-informed ecosystem. Together we will look at what trends we are seeing, how needs have changed, and what are some steps we can take to support ourselves and others. We will take a deeper look into Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) approach and how we can use it to positively influence the Jewish community. To learn more and register, click here.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
May 7 - June 10 | Multiple Dates
Two hours of pre-work and a five-hour Zoom session
$18/person
Equip your camp counselors and youth leaders for the season with Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training, a specialized course offered by BeWell, Foundation for Jewish Camp, RootOne, and The Jewish Education Project. You will gain a three-year certification through a program that uniquely frames mental health support within Jewish values and scenarios specific to immersive youth experiences. The curriculum covers identifying common challenges such as anxiety, depression, and the impact of bullying while providing a concrete five-step action plan for both crisis and non-crisis situations. To register, click here.
***
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.