Tips for Parents to Focus on Kids’ Mental Health as They Head Back to School

Sometimes new routines and new schedules can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This can be common when children and teenagers experience a change in their routines.

What are some ways to address these changes?

For parents of small children, some ways to help your child’s back to school anxiety may include using a calm voice to reassure that their child is safe and protected. In addition, reinforcing routines can be helpful such as setting a realistic bedtime and selecting the next day’s clothes to wear. Arranging playdates with a familiar peer before school starts may help to lessen the anxiety.

For teens that are expressing anxiety about going back to school, listening to them can play an important role in supporting their mental and physical health. In addition, practicing breathing techniques can reduce stress. This can be taught by inhaling slowly through the nose, holding the breath for a count of four and then exhaling slowly.

If children or teens are experiencing ongoing anxiety, panic attacks or refusing to go to school, additional mental health support may be needed. A trained mental health professional can help your child or teen understand the root causes of the anxiety and help with coping skills.

Make sure you take your mental health and your child or teens mental health seriously.

by Elana Silverberg, MSW Intern

To speak with a member of our team, call 609-987-8100 or e-mail intake@jfcsonline.org.

IN THE NEWS! JFCS helps ensure fresh produce is available to the Trenton community

August 2, 2022

The Trenton Journal highlighted the Greenwood Avenue Farmers Market and JFCS’ integral role supplying groceries. Our very own Beth Englezos was quoted explaining the need in Trenton and how JFCS mobilized to ensure the market continued to operate.

Read the full story

We’re Hiring! Per Diem Therapist

Per Diem Therapist

Responsibilities:

• Collect, assess and evaluate information about the client’s situation and presenting symptoms
• Provide therapeutic interventions that are evidenced based; crisis intervention and stabilization
• Make appropriate referrals and assist with linkage to services
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the treatment plan, comprehensive assessments, discharge plans within established time frames.
• Monitor progress towards treatment goals by evaluating and adjusting services provided
• Experience with the DSM5 and ICD10 for psychiatric diagnosis
• Facilitate individual, family and group counseling sessions
• Educate family members by advising on the most appropriate and helpful roles they can fulfill in the treatment process
• Complete clinical documentation in an accurate, timely manner
• Participate in weekly case conferences and scheduled clinical and staff meetings
• Ability to maintain confidential information within HIPAA guidelines and Agency policies

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Must have a current active clinical license to practice; LCSW or LPC
• Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by Agency policies
• Ability to communicate and effectively work with culturally diverse clients, stakeholders, referral sources, and community partners including school administration, teachers, parents, students, care management organization (CMO), hospitals, Mobile Response, DCP&P, FSO and other community organizations.

Part Time Position with flexible schedule
Please submit cover letter and resume to: ShirleyB@jfcsonline.org.

An Evening with Rachel Levy Lesser

Description: Local Author Rachel Levy Lesser discusses her newly released book and reflects on the significance and sentimentality of accessories she acquired throughout her life.

Date: Thursday, December 5th at 7:00PM

Location: Shir Ami (101 Richboro Rd, Newtown)

Wine and dessert reception $36 per person – Register here: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/aAIj-g?vid=1yo36

**Registration includes free copy of the book!**

More Info: Eden Aaronson at 609-987-8100 ext. 113 or EdenA@jfcsonline.org

Nosh & Knowledge Summer Reading Series: The Bread Givers

Description: This masterwork of American immigrant literature is set in the 1920s on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and tells the story of Sara Smolinsky, the youngest daughter of an Orthodox rabbi, who rebels against her father’s rigid conception of Jewish womanhood. Sarah’s struggle towards independence and self-fulfillment resonates with a passion all can share. Bread Givers is an essential historical work with enduring relevance. A Kosher lunch will be provided by Greenwood House and there is a requested donation of $5.00 per person.

Book: The Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska

Date: Thursday August 22nd at 12:30pm

Location: Congregation Beth Chaim

RSVP: To Beth Englezos at Bethe@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100 ext. 126 no later than 8/16

This program is sponsored by Congregation Beth Chaim, Greenwood House & JFCS. All programs are open to the community and we thank Greenwood House for preparing our Kosher lunches for the Summer Reading Series.

JFCS to Hold Pop-Up Food Pantry

DATE: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

TIME: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton

DESCRIPTION: Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) will be taking its Community Food Pantry on the road and hosting a Pop-Up Food Pantry at Christ Congregation in Princeton where fresh fruits, vegetables, snack foods, and non-perishable items will be available. Food pantry distribution is first-come, first-served until food runs out. Open to the community. No proof of income is necessary, but you must self-attest to need. Also, a vegetarian dinner will be prepared by congregants and served at 6:00 p.m.

JFCS has been operating the Yvette Sarah Clayman Community Food Pantry since 1999. The Pantry is choice-based and allows clients to shop for their food instead of picking up a prepared bag. This follows our philosophy of empowering clients to care effectively for themselves and others. It is open to people of all denominations in Mercer County.

RSVP: If you plan to attend the dinner to Beth Englezos at bethe@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100, ext. 126.

Repent, The End is Near

Description: Join Rabbi Eric Wisnia as he reflects on his rabbinate, Jewish life and the changes he has seen over the last 40 years. His reflections will frame Jewish history and offer a perspective for what is yet to come. Bring your own Kosher-style lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided.

Date: Thursday, January 24th at 12:30pm

Location: Congregation Beth Chaim (329 Village Road East, West Windsor)

RSVP: Required to Beth Englezos at bethe@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100 ext. 126.

Ethical Dilemmas: What Would You Do If...? →

How The Jews Got Their Names

Description: Seniors of Beth El Synagogue and JFCS present Laurie Dinerstein-Kurs with “How The Jews Got Their Names.” She will discuss how choice subjects may have been: What do you look like? What is your occupation? Where do you live? Or maybe even a made-up name! Someone may have made the decision for you! Light refreshments will be served. This program is open to the community.

Date: Thursday January, 17th at 1:00pm

Location: Beth El Synagogue (50 maple Stream Road, East Windsor)

RSVP: Required to Beth Englezos at bethe@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100 ext. 126.

Repent, The End is Near →

JFCS Brings Help, Hope & Healing to Hightstown & East Windsor Communities

September 26, 2018 (Hightstown, NJ) – Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County (JFCS) proudly opened a new satellite office at 133 Main Street in Hightstown on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 to help youth in Crisis. The agency is now positioned to offer supportive services at a location convenient to the communities of East Windsor and Hightstown. Services will be targeted towards teens and young adults struggling with mental health concerns, those in need of stabilization and education for navigating these challenges, as well as serving as a bridge to a broad referral network of high-level services for substance abuse and acute mental health crises. “Our new location is an example of the JFCS commitment to sharing help, hope and healing to our broader community,” said Michelle Napell, Executive Director of JFCS. “Mental health challenges have come to the forefront of the national headlines this year, and it is more important than ever to recognize the need for support and education among our youth, in schools, and to parents.” The expansion into the East Windsor & Hightstown communities is funded by the County of Mercer Department of Human Services and supported by I.C.A.R.E of East Windsor-Hightstown (Initiative for Counseling, Addiction, Renewal & Education). Two years ago a group of concerned Hightstown and East Windsor residents voiced their concerns through structured focus groups and surveys over the lack of counseling services available in their community. It became clear that this area was underserved and would benefit from community based support services that would include assessment, education and referral services. This coalition was the start of ICARE, the leadership of which then turned to JFCS for the expertise in mental health in order to deliver supportive services to the community. “The launch of the JFCS offices on Main Street is a testament to the strength of our community,” said Mayor Janice Mironov of East Windsor. “To see the efforts of concerned parents and educators come together with the professional resources of JFCS is remarkable and I look forward to seeing this partnership make a true difference for our community.” Services available at 133 Main Street will include:

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Stabilization Services
Crisis Case Management
On-going Support
Community Outreach & Education
Information & Referral

Office hours will be Monday through Thursday 2:00 – 7:00 PM. For those who wish to learn more about these services or make a referral may call 609-987-8100.

How The Jews Got Their Names →

JFCS Casino Night 2019

Same time, same place…not the same JFCS Gala!

Join us for our annual event with a whole new look – Casino Night 2019! Event will feature cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, casino games for all experience levels, derby races AND a high roller Poker Tournament.

Saturday, February 23, 2019 | 7 – 11 PM | Hyatt Regency Princeton 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton NJ

Our Honorees:
Helping Hand: Gil Gordon
Champion of Hope: Gesher LeKesher Program
Partner in Healing: Pepper Hamilton LLP

With a whole new look we can customize a sponsorship package just for you! Interested in creating a unique branding opportunity for your business? Contact Helaine Isaacs at HelaineI@jfcsonline.org or call 609-987-8100 x104.

ONLINE RESERVATION – PAY BY CHECK ONLINE RESERVATION & PAYMENT

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Jackpot Sponsor $10,000

• 14 Tickets, $600 chips / $200 Derby bucks Per Guest • Logo on Invitation, Emails, Derby Journal, Event Signage/Presentation, Event Registration Page • Social Media Thank-you Post • Social Media Custom Message 3 Shares • Special Shout-Out at Event • 4 Owned Horses in Derby

Ace of Spades Sponsor $7,500

• 12 Tickets, $500 chips / $175 Derby bucks Per Guest • Logo on Invitation, Emails, Derby Journal, Event Signage/Presentation, Event Registration Page • Social Media Thank-you Post • Social Media Custom Message 3 Shares • Special Shout-Out at Event • 4 Owned Horses in Derby

King of Hearts Sponsor $5,000

• 10 Tickets, $425 chips / $150 Derby bucks Per Guest • Logo on Invitation, Emails, Derby Journal, Event Signage/Presentation, Event Registration Page • Social Media Thank-you Post • Social Media Custom Message 2 Shares • Special Shout-Out at Event • 4 Owned Horses in Derby

Queen of Diamonds Sponsor $3,600

• 8 Tickets, $350 chips / $125 Derby bucks Per Guest • Logo on Invitation, Emails, Derby Journal, Event Signage/Presentation, Event Registration Page • Social Media Thank-you Post • Social Media Custom Message 1 Share • Special Shout-Out at Event • 3 Owned Horses in Derby

Jack of Clubs Sponsor $2,500

• 6 Tickets, $250 chips / $100 Derby bucks Per Guest • Logo on Invitation, Emails, Derby Journal, Event Signage/Presentation, Event Registration Page • Social Media Thank-you Post • Special Shout-Out at Event • 2 Owned Horses in Derby

Dealer's Choice Sponsor $1,800

• 4 Tickets, $200 chips / $50 Derby bucks Per Guest • Name listing on Invitation, Emails, Derby Journal, Event Signage/Presentation, Event Registration Page • 1 Owned Horses in Derby