Driving to the grocery store. Mailing a package. Grabbing coffee with a friend. For someone living with a mental illness, simple errands can sometimes feel like walking through a dark tunnel with no GPS and no clear end in sight.
But, at the end of the tunnel, there is hope.
In Judaism, tikvah — or hope in Hebrew, is woven into the fabric of Jewish life and faith. It is used in the Israeli national anthem “Hatikvah” or “The Hope,” and signifies a return home and a better future, even in the face of adversity. Hope can play a crucial role in navigating mental health challenges as well. That is why Tikvah AJMI exists — and why the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia proudly supports its mission.
Founded in 1990 by a group of Jewish parents and mental health professionals, Tikvah AJMI (Advocates for the Jewish Mentally Ill) began as a forum where families could learn to cope with mental illness positively and purposefully. Today, the organization creates social and educational programming to reduce isolation, increase independence, enhance Jewish identity, and promote recovery for individuals living with a mental illness.
For Shari Simons, Tikvah AJMI isn’t just a resource, it’s her extended family. A member of the Tikvah community since 1999, Simons is both a program participant and a Tikvah volunteer. With many members of her family having recently passed, Simons has longtime friends from Tikvah, school, camp and her neighborhood.
“I need other people in my life who encourage me the way I try to encourage others. The friends that I have made in Tikvah do that for me,” said Simons, who experiences anxiety and depression, which impacts her ability to sleep, perform daily tasks and socialize.
Simons worked hard to overcome her fears of volunteering in an office environment. She now serves as a phone squad captain for Tikvah and spends time speaking with members who may feel isolated.
“It helps me to watch folks with different difficulties than me who push themselves to do everything even when it is hard,” Simons continued. “I enjoy talking to our members on the phone and at the events. When I help someone else it helps me.”
Simons will be honored for her contributions to Tikvah at the organization’s annual “Create the Connection” celebration in May, which uplifts champions of the mental health community.
Over the decades, Tikvah has grown from a volunteer-run program into a dynamic community offering more than 120 annual programs. With nearly 350 participants of all faiths, ranging from young adults to seniors across Greater Philadelphia, the organization offers something rare and powerful: an authentic sense of belonging. From music workshops and meditation to wellness programs and cultural outings, Tikvah AJMI brings people together.
“Tikvah provides a structure of support for people who too often feel isolated,” says Abby Gilbert, Tikvah’s executive director. “Folks are drawn to our organization because we provide a social and support network that is unique to the area, as well as case management through our agency partners for those seeking medical help, career advice, and much more.”
According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness.
“And yet, stigma remains a stubborn barrier to treatment and acceptance. Our programs work to break down that stigma through education and connection,” Gilbert said.
Tikvah events, like “Dessert & Dialogue,” open conversations around mental health awareness between program participants, their families and healthcare professionals. These events are also open to the public to bring awareness to mental health education and break down some of the stigmas.
For Gilbert, the work goes beyond a professional commitment—it’s deeply personal.
“My daughter Rycki, now 30, lives with bipolar disorder. I know how vital it is to have community, support and meaningful engagement,” she shared. “Rycki is very active in volunteering for Tikvah and is part of our steering committee.”
According to Gilbert, her daughter’s journey is her motivation to continue building a more compassionate and connected world for others facing similar challenges.
“There is still such a need. Tikvah shows people that they don’t have to face it alone,” she said.
Through financial support, the Jewish Federation has helped Tikvah expand its programs, reach more individuals and stay responsive to growing needs.
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it's a reminder of just how many lives are affected by mental illness each year,” says Dr. Kelly Romirowsky, the Jewish Federation’s chief strategy & impact officer and a clinical psychologist. “That’s what makes this work so critical, and why the Jewish Federation is compelled to assist organizations like Tikvah.”
Caring for those in need locally is one of the Jewish Federation’s priority areas, which includes programs that support self-sufficiency and independence. In Fiscal Year 24, the Jewish Federation awarded $21,000 to Tikvah AJMI through a Jewish Community Fund grant and through donor-advised funds.
“Without the Jewish Federation’s funding, our ability to scale this work would be severely limited. Their partnership helps us serve more people, offer more resources, and create safer and more welcoming spaces for recovery,” Gilbert continued.
Despite challenges, for those living with a mental illness, there are still many wins each day, especially with the help of a strong support network.
“My mom always said if you have hope, there are ways to do things,” said Simons. “I don't have as much family as I once did, but now my Tikvah friends have become like my chosen family. With family, you can get through anything.”
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To learn more about Tikvah AJMI or support its mission, visit tikvahajmi.org. Learn about the Jewish Federation’s impact to Care for those in Need Locally, Support Israel and Global Jewry, and Secure a Vibrant Jewish Future at jewishphilly.org/impact.