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Have you ever thought, “Occupational therapy? That’s for people who can’t do things anymore?” The truth is, you don’t have to wait until you’re in a crisis to benefit from Occupational therapy (OT). In fact, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association, healthy adults who participate in a whole home Occupational therapy evaluations are 47% less likely to experience a fall than healthy adults who did not have a whole home evaluation. While falls may seem common, they are NOT a natural or inevitable part of aging, and are often preventable. Occupational therapy (OT) in community spaces can help keep you active longer, doing the everyday things that are personally meaningful and necessary. OTs take a look at how you move, live, and stay busy, spotting risks you may not notice until they cause you trouble.
An OT home safety evaluation helps ensure your home remains accessible by asking, “how can everyday tasks be done more easily and safely?” Slippery bathroom dangers, hard to reach everyday items can be Spoiler: if you have to stretch and hold your breath while doing gymnastics to get out of the bathtub, there’s probably a better way. Balancing on a chair in your slippers doesn’t have to be the only path to reach your favorite coffee mug. Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County’s HUD funded Older Adult Home Modification Program, offers access to OTs to help older adults fine-tune their home environments to better match each person’s unique skills, abilities, and priorities. Simple upgrades such as increased lighting on stairs can ensure early-morning walks don’t start with a misstep. Rearranging entry areas so winter coats, boots, and groceries don’t require risky reaching or tripping. Installing aesthetically pleasing grab bars that blend in provide balance support during a pain flare-up or on a “not so good” day. OTs can offer recommendations so you can make proactive decisions to maintain or improve your current function, not as a sign of decline, but an indicator of strength. Learn more by calling JFS at 734.769.0209 or visit www.jfsannarbor.org/wise. At the core of every meaningful relationship is a shared human need: the need to belong. Feeling seen, heard, and valued helps us build trust and form connections that support our emotional well-being. Whether in families, friendships, romantic relationships, or communities, a sense of belonging creates a foundation for strong, healthy relationships.
Connection grows when people feel safe being themselves. This doesn’t mean relationships are free from challenges, but rather that there is mutual respect and understanding, even during moments of disagreement. When individuals feel they truly belong, they are more likely to share openly, listen with care, and support one another through both joy and difficulty. Communication plays a powerful role in strengthening connections. Honest, respectful communication allows us to express our needs, boundaries, and feelings while also making space for others to do the same. Listening, without interrupting or rushing to respond, is just as important as speaking. When communication is thoughtful and compassionate, it deepens trust and helps prevent misunderstandings from turning into conflict. Belonging is also nurtured through small, everyday moments. Checking in with one another, sharing experiences, and showing appreciation can reinforce connection over time. These moments remind us that we matter to each other and that relationships are built through consistency, not perfection. It’s important to recognize that relationships evolve, and communication styles may need to change as people grow. Being open to learning, apologizing when needed, and adjusting expectations can strengthen bonds and help relationships adapt to life’s transitions. Healthy relationships don’t require constant agreement, but they do thrive on mutual respect, empathy, and open communication. By fostering a sense of belonging and prioritizing connection, we create relationships that are resilient, supportive, and meaningful. In a world that can often feel disconnected, intentional communication and genuine connection can make all the difference. THRIVE Counseling offers couples counseling. For more information or to request services, please visit www.jfsannarbor.org/thrive. Ann Arbor, MI — February 2026 — Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (JFS) is proud to announce a new partnership with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) to provide on-site psychiatric assessments and medication management for clients engaged in therapy at JFS’ Thrive Counseling program.
This initiative is part of a three-year initiative, with January 1, 2026, marking the start of Year Two, and represents a significant milestone for JFS. For the first time in its more than 30-year history, JFS is offering direct access to psychiatric services—an expansion designed to reduce barriers and improve continuity of care for clients receiving mental health counseling. Through this collaboration, JFS clients participating in therapy at Thrive Counseling can access psychiatric assessments and medication management in a familiar, trusted setting. By integrating services, the partnership helps eliminate common obstacles such as long wait times, transportation challenges, and fragmented care. Additionally, millage funds support a variety of Thrive behavioral health support services including interpretation and translation services, transportation, and Community Health Worker assistance. “This is a major step forward for JFS and for the clients we serve,” said WCCMH/JFS Psychiatrist, Andrew White, MD. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the JFS team. I feel lucky to collaborate with this excellent group of providers to expand psychiatric care within our community.” WCCMH brings deep expertise in psychiatric care and community-based mental health services, making the partnership a natural fit as JFS builds this capacity. “Expanding access to mental health care is a core part of our mission at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health,” said WCCMH Medical Director Tim Florence, MD. “We are thrilled to partner with JFS to provide psychiatric services to community members served by Thrive.” JFS leadership emphasized that partnering with a trusted local expert was essential as the organization launched this new service line. JFS’ Senior Director of Behavioral Health, Caroline Butler, LMSW said “This collaboration allows us to expand care responsibly while staying rooted in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality mental health services to our community.” The partnership reflects a shared commitment between JFS and WCCMH to strengthen the local mental health care system and ensure individuals and families receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive. For more information about Thrive Counseling and JFS mental health services, visit www.jfsannarbor.org/thrive. Media Contact: Melissa Goodson Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County [email protected] (734) 769-0209 Roberto grew up in Loíza, Puerto Rico, where community and service have always been at the heart of his life. Before joining JFS, he worked with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, helping protect the island’s beaches, forests, and urban spaces. After moving to the Michigan, Roberto worked multiple jobs and volunteered with JFS, where he began learning English and building a new path forward. In 2011, he officially joined JFS as a driver- a role that quickly became much more than a job. What Roberto loves most is seeing the smile on each client’s face and knowing they can rely on him. He believes no one should ever feel like “just another number,” and he brings patience and empathy to every ride. One moment that stayed with him forever was delivering food to a client who struggled to open the door — a powerful reminder of how much compassion and presence truly matter. Outside of work, Roberto volunteers at his church and enjoys teaching both youth and adults. His advice to fellow drivers is simple but meaningful: be responsible, be on time, show empathy, and take pride in your work - even down to keeping your vehicle clean. When asked to describe the JFS team in one word, he says it without hesitation: magnificent. For Roberto, JFS isn’t just a workplace - it’s family. Click here to learn more about JFSGo's safe and reliable transportation!  |
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March 2026
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JFS HEADQUARTERS 2245 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 P: 734.769.0209 F: 734.769.0224 [email protected] Hours of Operation: M-Th 9am-5pm; Fr 9am-3pm EIN: 41-2147486 |
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