ABOUTSERVICESCONTACTEVENTS EVENTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION MAY 2025 Mental health challenges often begin with subtle changes. Recognizing those early signs—in ourselves or in loved ones—can be a crucial first step toward healing and support.   WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Changes in children, teens, or adults may include: Withdrawal from friends, family, or favorite activities Shifts in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns Difficulty concentrating or sudden academic challenges Persistent worries or fear Unexplained physical symptoms Expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth   It’s also important to remember that children and teens may not always have the words to describe how they’re feeling. A drop in school performance, increased irritability, or changes in play and social engagement can all signal deeper concerns.   Don’t Wait to Reach Out If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about, early intervention can make a meaningful difference.   THRIVE Counseling offers compassionate, confidential care for individuals, children, and families facing mental health challenges. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dinner with the Chef! We’re so grateful to all who attended and helped make the evening such a meaningful (and delicious!) success. Your support of JFS’ Nourish Nutrition Services helps us continue to provide critical food assistance to individuals and families across our community. Stay tuned for more events — and thank you for being part of our mission to nourish, uplift, and connect. Nourish Receives $10,000 Grant from DTE Energy Foundation Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County has received a $10,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation in support of our Nourish Nutrition Services’ Specialty Food Pantry! Thanks to this generous support, we’ll continue to provide culturally appropriate, medically tailored, and home-delivered food to lo w-income and vulnerable individuals across Washtenaw County. This grant strengthens our pantry operations and helps ensure that everyone has access to the nutrition they need to live with dignity and health. Thank you, DTE Foundation, for helping us nourish our community! LEARN MORE ABOUT NOURISH Refugees and newcomers in our community are working hard to start over—commuting to jobs and school, attending important appointments, and studying for a better future. You can help smooth the road ahead. We're inviting our compassionate community to consider donating one of the following high-impact items to support our clients on their path to self-sufficiency: □ Used Vehicles (All donations are inspected prior to acceptance) □ Gently Used Computers or Laptops □ Public Transit Passes ⛽ Gas Gift Cards Your donation can help someone: ✔️ Commute to work or school ✔️ Get to medical and legal appointments ✔️ Search and apply for jobs ✔️ Keep up with classes and homework ✔️ Take steps toward lasting independence Thank you for being part of a community that makes a difference. To donate, contact Lindsay Hadden h[email protected] All donations will receive a tax-receipt. Let’s support our neighbors as they forge a new beginning here! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN START YOUR TEAM TODAY! NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Witnessing the hardships refugees are facing can be overwhelming, but YOU have the power to make a difference.  By walking together, we send a powerful message to those in need: we see them, we welcome them, and we will not stop providing vital support to our community. Your participation helps provide essential resources—housing, employment support, and community connections—so that every newcomer, no matter when they arrived, has the opportunity to thrive. We need your support now more than ever. Join us by registering to WALK a mile in our clients shoes and fundraising along the way! CLICK FOR MORE  EVENT  INFO 2025 WALK SPONSORS INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS LIST AND SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT OF JFS? CLICK BELOW TO SEE BENEFITS OFFERED AT EACH LEVEL! CLICK FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS CAREGIVER CONVERSATIONS Join us for connection, sharing and ideas around caregiver issues as we navigate our lives during challenging times. The group will include educational content, is facilitated by a licensed JFS Social Worker, and is open to anyone who cares for someone aged 60+. REGISTER SPOUSAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP WILL NOT MEET ON MEMORIAL DAY 5/26 Join us for connection with others in a similar situation to your own, sharing ideas and experiences around caregiver issues that arise while caring for a spouse or significant other. The group will include educational content, is facilitated by a licensed JFS Social Worker, and is open to anyone who cares for their spouse or significant other. REGISTER GRIEF SUPPORT Join us for connection with others navigating the challenges of experiencing  grief. The group will include educational content, is facilitated by a licensed JFS Social Worker, and is open to all who have lost a loved one REGISTER VOLUNTEER TODAY! Jewish Family Services urgently needs volunteers for Nourish, Washtenaw County's only specialty food pantry and commercial kitchen. Join us in combating food insecurity and preserving dignity in our community.   How You Can Help: Prep nutritious meals for delivery. Deliver food directly to neighbors in need. Organize the pantry and package groceries.   Be part of a mission-driven team, gain valuable experience, and make a meaningful difference for families, seniors, and individuals.   The need is urgent. The time is now. SIGN-UP NOW  WISE AT THE J WISE at the J is a congregate lunch meal program that takes place at the JCC on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The event is organized by JFS of Washtenaw County. All are welcome! REGISTER HERE MISSION TOURS AT JFS Join us for an inspiring one-hour in-person group tour at JFS.  Experience the heart of our community at Jewish Family Services (JFS)! We're thrilled to showcase the incredible range of services we provide to support and uplift our neighbors. From essential basic needs like food and transportation for older adults to our cutting-edge out-patient behavioral health clinic for individuals and families, JFS is here to make a difference. Discover how you can become an integral part of our mission.  REGISTER NOW  COMMUNITY CORNER [email protected]734.769.0209www.jfsannarbor.org