<![CDATA[JFS of Washtenaw County - Blog]]>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:21:58 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[Making Back to School Transitions Easier]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:28:16 GMThttps://www.jfsannarbor.org/blog/making-back-to-school-transitions-easierTransitions, especially bigger ones, can create a lot of excitement as well as stress. For families with school-aged children, this time of year often includes moving from the freedom of summer to a new schedule in a new place. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or entering high school, here are some ways to create a smoother transition this fall.
1. Brainstorm what the routine might look like while keeping in mind things may change; nothing is set in stone.
Setting goals can help your child feel like they have more of a say in their day to day. Talk about what after school activities they’re interested in or what they’re hoping to get out of their classes. Use these goals throughout the year to talk about what’s going on each day; go over what’s going well, what they might be struggling with, and remind them of the progress they’ve made.
Figure out where fun fits in. Focusing only on academics and grades is an easy way to increase stress on your child. Sports, clubs, and building in time for them to relax or play games at home can help them engage more socially while dealing with academic pressures.
2. Slowly adjust habits and physical environments so that there’s less change all at once.
At home, creating positive habits around mornings, bedtime, and meals can be a good place to start. Having your child go to bed and wake up earlier at least a week before school starts can help them feel more rested, as well as give them a chance to adjust to what they’re needs might be in the morning. 
For older children and teens, having a space dedicated to homework and studying can help to keep things organized, as well as prevent distractions in the future. After getting the basic supplies and list of required items for their classes, let them have some fun with the set up. Start a conversation about when they’ll do work after school, when they should take breaks, or if they’ll need to have a quick snack before so that they feel more energized.
Find ways to connect with your community and the physical spaces your child will be adjusting to. Keep an eye out for information about orientations, open houses and other back-to-school events in your community so that you can touch base with teachers and other families also heading back to school.
Take into consideration things that might be intimidating for your child, like entering the school from the drop-off line or going to an entirely new building. New places and more independent tasks can increase worry, especially if you have a child who may already be on the nervous side. Practicing these routines a few times so they’re more familiar can lessen the anxiety of doing them “for real” the first day.
3. Keep an open dialogue about adjusting and help normalize big emotions. 
Check in about how they’re feeling. If they’re feeling overwhelmed in a certain class or having difficulty with a friend, encourage them to talk about it without fear of judgement. Feeling overwhelmed when starting a new grade or going to a new school is normal – trouble sleeping, restlessness, or even complaining about things like stomachaches are often how anxiety may present itself in children and teens.
Remember to actively listen to what your child is saying – how they’re feeling, what their needs are – and name or identify things you notice back to them before jumping into solutions. Rushing into problem-solving too soon can lead to your child feeling misunderstood or unheard, so acknowledging their experience first is an important part of supporting them.
4. Know when it might be time to get some extra support for you and your child.
Having a plan doesn’t always mean things will go perfectly. Nerves and anxiety when going back to school is a normal experience but take notice of behaviors in your child like sudden shifts in mood, changes in sleep or appetite, excessive worry or hopelessness, withdrawal and social isolation, or difficulty concentrating. These things happen when someone is under a lot of stress, though they should improve over time. 
If they don’t improve or you notice that things are getting worse, seeking additional support can help you and your child learn how to navigate transitions and stressors. Therapists at Thrive Counseling are here help individuals learn coping skills to better regulate emotions and understand more about identifying and communicating their needs. To seek out services, call 734-436-4249 to complete a brief screening over the phone or find us at JFSAnnArbor.org/Thrive to request an appointment and complete the online form.
]]><![CDATA[July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:23:56 GMThttps://www.jfsannarbor.org/blog/july-is-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-monthEvery July, we recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges experienced by historically underserved communities and to advocate for equitable access to care. 
Established by Congress in 2008, the month honors author, journalist, and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, whose work helped break down stigma and amplify the importance of culturally responsive mental health services. She believed that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported regardless of their race, ethnicity, language, or background. 
While mental health conditions affect people of every background, communities of color often face additional barriers to receiving care. Cultural stigma, language differences, limited access to providers who understand diverse lived experiences, and systemic inequities can make it more difficult to seek help or receive appropriate treatment. These disparities highlight the importance of creating mental health services that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally informed. 
At JFS, we believe that mental health care should be compassionate, welcoming, and responsive to each person's unique experiences. Through Thrive Counseling and our trauma-informed services, we are committed to helping individuals and families access the support they need in an environment where they feel respected and understood. 
This month, and every month, we encourage everyone to help reduce stigma by talking openly about mental health, checking in with loved ones, and reminding those who may be struggling that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 
Together, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
]]><![CDATA[A Lifeline at Risk: Federal Changes Threaten Food and Healthcare Access]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:47:29 GMThttps://www.jfsannarbor.org/blog/a-lifeline-at-risk-federal-changes-threaten-food-and-healthcare-accessBeginning July 1, families, their service providers, and food assistance programs, including JFS' Nourish Food Pantry, throughout the state will begin feeling the effects of major federal policy changes enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 

What is Changing? 
On July 1st, a provision of the act that significantly restricts eligibility for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program goes into effect. On October 1st, similar restrictions go into effect for Medicaid. Altogether, most refugees and other lawfully admitted immigrants who have historically qualified for these programs will no longer have access to food and medical benefits. Refugees and other immigrants who arrive after July 1st will not have access to SNAP, those who arrive after October 1 will also not have Medicaid, and people who are already receiving these benefits will lose them at their next redetermination appointment (these are now happening every six months, instead of annually).  

Affected populations include refugees, asylees, Afghan evacuees who are not lawful permanent residents, survivors of human trafficking, certain humanitarian parolees, and other humanitarian populations. SNAP and Medicaid eligibility is now largely limited to U.S. citizens, many lawful permanent residents (aka “green card holders”), and Cuban and Haitian entrants. This is on top of proof of work requirements for able bodied people ages 18-64 without children that have been in effect since March. 

The changes that are about to happen could have far-reaching consequences for family stability, health outcomes, the charitable food network, and beyond. 
For over thirty years JFS has been committed to supporting the everyone who needs help, including immigrants, refugees, and other lawfully admitted individuals long after their initial welcome period. Our commitment sometimes lasts for months and even years after initial arrival, helping clients to find jobs and housing, to learn English, to apply for permanent residency, and even supporting them on the path to naturalization.  

Why This Matters 
Many newly arrived families rely on SNAP and Medicaid during their first years in the United States while they secure employment, learn English, and establish financial stability. The loss of these supports may leave many households struggling to afford groceries, medical care, and other basic necessities. Restricting access to food and healthcare could increase poverty and create new barriers to successful integration.  

JFS’ Greater Toledo Newcomer Center (GTNC) has already felt the impact of these cuts, as Ohio had implemented these restrictions implemented in November 2025. Caseworkers there have long advised newly arrived refugees, as well as other lawfully present clients, to utilize food pantries and strictly monitor their budgets. Delays in approval of Medicaid benefits have already resulted in massive medical expenses and delays in seeking medical support. 

For children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with limited resources, the consequences may be particularly severe. When families lose food assistance, they often face difficult choices between purchasing food, paying rent, covering transportation costs, or obtaining medical care.  

Increased Pressure on Food Pantries 
JFS’ food pantry, as well as the other supplemental food providers throughout the county, expect to see an increase in demand in the coming months. 

SNAP serves as one of the nation's most effective anti-hunger programs. When families lose benefits, many turn to charitable food pantries to fill the gap. As refugee and immigrant households become ineligible for SNAP, Michigan food pantries can expect: 
  • Increased demand for emergency food assistance. 
  • More first-time pantry users seeking support. 
  • Greater need for culturally appropriate and halal food options. 
  • Increased strain on food inventories and volunteer capacity. 
  • Higher operating costs for local hunger-relief organizations.  

​Food pantries already face rising food costs and growing community needs. Unlike SNAP, charitable food programs are not designed or funded to provide long-term food assistance at the same scale. Community organizations may struggle to absorb increased demand without additional public and private support.  
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How You Can Take Action 
Community members who are concerned about the impact of these changes on their neighbors can take several meaningful actions listed below.

Contact Elected Officials 
Michigan residents can contact their members of Congress and state legislators to share concerns about the impact these changes may have on refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities. Advocacy efforts can help inform future legislative proposals and state-level responses. 

Support Food Banks and Pantries 
As demand increases, JFS' Nourish Food Pantry will need additional support. Monetary donations allow our food bank to purchase food more efficiently than individual food drives. Volunteers will also be critical in helping us meet growing needs. 
Donate to Nourish here. 

Advocate for State-Level Solutions 
Michigan policymakers may have opportunities to explore state-funded programs or other policy approaches that help maintain access to healthcare and food assistance for vulnerable populations affected by federal changes. [refugees.org], [nilc.org] 

Looking Ahead 
The upcoming benefit restrictions represent one of the most significant changes to federal assistance eligibility for refugees and humanitarian immigrants in decades. While implementation will continue to evolve through federal and state guidance, JFS is preparing for increased demand for food assistance, benefits navigation, and emergency support services. 

Additional Information 
Immigration Status and Benefits 2026: New Verification Requirements and Restrictions | BenefitsUSA Blog 
Changes to Medicaid for Certain Non-citizens 
SNAP_Medicaid FAQ 


]]><![CDATA[Advocacy in Action: Creating Change Beyond Our Walls]]>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:07:49 GMThttps://www.jfsannarbor.org/blog/advocacy-in-action-creating-change-beyond-our-wallsAt JFS, our work doesn't stop when services are delivered. While we are proud to provide food, counseling, aging services, resettlement support, and so much more, we also know that lasting change requires advocacy. It means speaking up, sharing stories, educating decision-makers, and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard where policies are made. 
Recently, members of our team traveled to meet with elected officials and advocate for issues that directly impact the people we serve every day.
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Melissa (JFS Chief Development and Communications Director) met with legislators to advocate for the Jewish American Security Act, a comprehensive federal effort to strengthen the safety and resilience of Jewish institutions and communities nationwide. The agenda centers on several key priorities: expanding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $1 billion annually to better protect synagogues, schools, and community organizations; strengthening protections for Jewish students by requiring federally funded schools and universities to designate Title VI coordinators and enforce clear anti-discrimination and antisemitism response procedures; increasing accountability for online platforms through transparency reporting on how hate speech and antisemitic content are identified and addressed; enhancing coordination between the FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement to improve threat assessment and response; and investing in community-based security infrastructure, including trained security personnel, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness planning.
These discussions were grounded in deeply troubling firsthand accounts of security breaches and rising antisemitism impacting Jewish agencies and institutions. The message from these conversations was urgent and clear: sustained, coordinated investment in security and prevention is essential to protect communities today and prevent violence and hate crimes in the future. 
Sarah (JFS Chief Program Officer) and Chrissy (JFS Director of Nourish and Community Services) advocated on behalf of the Food Is Medicine Coalition, championing legislation that recognizes the powerful connection between nutrition and health. Their primary focus was supporting the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act, a bipartisan effort that would expand access to medically tailored meals for Medicare beneficiaries living with nutrition-sensitive health conditions. 
This innovative approach provides customized meals designed to support individuals managing chronic illnesses, helping them stay healthier, avoid costly hospitalizations, and improve their quality of life. Simply put, this pilot program has the potential to save both lives and healthcare dollars.
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As a proud member of the Food Is Medicine Coalition, JFS is already delivering medically tailored meals in our community and witnessing firsthand the positive impact proper nutrition can have on health outcomes. Continued federal investment in these proven interventions will help more people access the food they need not only to eat, but to heal. 
Mira (JFS Director of Community Engagement)  traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies' annual Advocacy Fly-In, joining 40 professional and lay leaders representing 23 agencies across 17 states. During two days of advocacy and education, participants met with members of Congress and their staff to discuss critical issues affecting vulnerable individuals and families, including SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Through policy briefings, coalition meetings, and nearly 100 conversations on Capitol Hill, advocates worked to elevate the voices and needs of the millions of people served by Jewish human service organizations across the country. For JFS, these conversations are especially important as many of the older adults, families, newcomers, and individuals we serve rely on nutrition assistance and healthcare programs to maintain their health, independence, and stability. 
The Fly-In also provided an opportunity to collaborate with fellow advocates from across the nation, demonstrating the collective power of Jewish human service organizations working together to protect essential safety-net programs and ensure communities continue to receive the support they need to thrive. 
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Advocacy is not reserved for politicians or policy experts. It belongs to all of us. Every phone call, email, conversation, and shared story has the power to influence change. 

The question is: What will you do to advocate for what you care about today? 
In the coming months, you'll see opportunities through this newsletter to lend your voice to issues that matter to our community. We invite you to stay informed, take action, and join us in creating a stronger, safer, healthier future for all. 
Together, we can turn compassion into action and action into impact.
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