This article appeared in El Kentubano and the Jewish Louisville Community newspapers
It’s 10:05 a.m. on a Tuesday and Lok Chhetri is sitting down with his first client of the day. The client, an immigrant, is discussing the possibility of getting a loan from Chhetri to start a small business.
“People don’t realize that to start a business, you have to have a business plan, you have to do research marketing, you need to have financial education,” Chhetri says later after the appointment is over. “There’s lots of things that most people don’t think about or aren’t as prepared as they thought they were, when starting a business.”
Chhetri is one of the business advisors at Jewish Family & Career Services (JFCS), a Louisville-based non-profit. For nearly three decades, JFCS’ “Navigate Program” has been steadfastly committed to fostering economic growth and uplifting underserved populations like the Hispanic community in Louisville through the Navigate program’s business coaching and financial planning services.
Focused mainly on immigrants, refugees and minorities, the program provides holistic support, addressing critical facets that lay the foundation for sustainable business ventures such as Business Marketing Assistance, Training & Consulting, Business Education and Credit Building Training for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Most people have an idea of a business they want to start, but don’t have the necessary tools to do so,” Chhetri said. “They think they can just go out and borrow money and that’s it. But what they soon find out is the only thing they’ve done is go deep into debt. That’s where JFCS comes in. Not only do we offer micro-loans, but we help guide aspiring entrepreneurs by coaching them on all aspects of starting a business. It goes far beyond just offering loans for small businesses.”
For Chhetri, helping refugees, immigrants and underserved communities are a passion for him. Originally from Nepal, he first came to America 13 years ago as part of the United Nations initiative to provide protection and assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people around the world. In the 13 years since, he has experienced firsthand the sometimes-uphill battle immigrants and refugees face when coming to America.
“I think my personal experience gives me a unique perspective. I had never seen a car, or eaten a hamburger before I came to America,” he said. “When you’ve never had opportunities that so many take for granted, it can be overwhelming.
“I’ve seen people come to the United States, start their own business, and find success. The clients I work with have that good work ethic, are committed to their idea, and they think all they need is the money to make it happen. But it isn’t enough. You need a solid business plan, financial training and market research, that’s where JFCS comes in. You CAN make your business dreams a reality, but rarely can people make it on their own. That’s why I love my job. When I see a client succeed and be successful, that’s my reward.”
For information on JFCS and Navigate, contact JFCS at (502) 452-6341.
Addiction is a widespread problem affecting millions of people across the country. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in 2020, representing 14.5% of the population.
Spurred on by the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the proliferation of fentanyl overdose deaths, particularly for our youth, the significant toll drug addiction has taken on families and communities has alarmed officials and necessitated the need for specialized support and counseling services. The long-standing mythology that addiction is not a problem for Jewish youth and adults only adds to the tragedy.
The numbers of American Jews impacted by substance abuse are not widely published. A recent study, however, approximated that 10% of New York City Jewish families reported having substance abuse problems within their household. The overwhelming majority of these families also reported that they were not seeking help for these issues.
Substance abuse has tremendous ripple effects throughout the family. It impacts family decision-making, family communications, and relationships both within family of origin and throughout the extended family. That is one of the greatest unspoken tragedies of substance abuse.
Recognizing this growing need, we recently announced the expansion of services designed address the impact of substance abuse in a family. Our program offers individual, couples, and family counseling services with a focus on understanding and working through this complex issue.
We’ve long recognized the urgent need for accessible and comprehensive addiction counseling services within our community. Through this program, we hope to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals, couples, and families affected by addiction, by fostering healing and recovery.
The program will cater to individuals at various stages of their addiction journey, including those with current non-crisis level addiction issues, individuals in recovery, and loved ones of individuals in active addiction or recovery. As with all our services, we will use a holistic approach, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique circumstances. This includes support for family members affected by drug addiction.
Kathryn Cowart, LPCC-S, Assistant Director of Programs at JFCS, highlighted the significance of offering counseling and support services for loved ones and family members.
“Addiction affects not only the individual struggling with it but also their loved ones. Through this program, we can equip families with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of addiction, heal together, and foster healthy relationships.”
By employing evidence-informed therapeutic approaches from highly-qualified and compassionate mental health professionals, the program will address the underlying causes of addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and promote resilience in both individuals and families.
With case management services also available, JFCS can connect clients with additional resources, such as employment support, to ensure comprehensive care and long-term recovery.
JFCS is committed to promoting inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or faith, feel welcome and understood.
As JFCS continues to expand its range of services, the addictions program reflects our dedication to addressing the evolving needs of not only the Jewish community, but the Greater Louisville community as a whole and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact JFCS at services@jfcslouisville.org.
We find ourselves in a unique era in the ever-evolving human experience. The world’s aging population is now larger and more vibrant than ever before. Over the past 100 years, the average life expectancy has increased by 50 percent, allowing folks to live longer and creating new opportunities and challenges for the population as a whole.
We have a profound moral obligation to serve our older adults, and not just for their invaluable contributions to society. Our mothers and fathers; our grandparents and in some cases, our great-grandparents enrich our collective well-being. They have the “institutional knowledge,” if you will, and it is our duty to honor their lives and empower them to age with grace, dignity, and a continued sense of purpose.
The vision of Jewish Family & Career Services is that ALL live with dignity and purpose. Guided by our Jewish values, we serve EVERYONE, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, socio-economic background, and, of course, age.
Last year, the Klein Older Adult Program provided over 10,000 hours of home care to older adults and more than 950 rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking, and other important errands. JFCS served 68 older adults who were victims of crime, and 191 received case management or counseling to help them cope with the challenges of aging.
JFCS has worked hard over the years to develop a wide range of support services for older adults that are comprehensive and recognize that their needs evolve over time. We also recognize that caregivers play a crucial role in that support system and that caregiving comes with a unique set of challenges. JFCS’s support groups and other services for caregivers highlight our commitment to supporting those who devote themselves to caring for older adults in our community.
“The well-being and dignity of older adults is one of JFCS’s core missions,” said Dr. David Finke, CEO. “Through the Klein Older Adult Program, we’re providing comprehensive and personalized care to ensure that every older adult we serve can age with the dignity, compassion, and the quality of life they deserve.”
In July, JFCS will join nonprofits across the country participating in the national Give65 Event – a 65-hour, online crowdfunding effort hosted by Home Instead Charities exclusively for organizations serving older adults. This is the first time JFCS has been part of Give65, but the program has raised and awarded more than $5 million in support of older adults in the United States since 2016.
Between 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 11, and 2:00 a.m., July 14, the community will be asked to go to www.give65.org, find JFCS in the list of eligible non-profits, and make a secure gift. JFCS is eligible for a matching gift from Give65. Donations made within that window will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000. All proceeds go to the Klein Older Adult Program.
For more information on the wide array of services offered through the Klein Older Adult Program, click here, or call (502) 452-6341.
There are times we all need support and care…JFCS is there for those times.
May is widely recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to creating a more open dialogue about the importance of mental well-being and eradicating the stigma associated with mental health. At JFCS, this month holds great significance.
The United States is grappling with significant challenges in mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic, as individuals face increased levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. There’s also growing recognition of the racial inequalities in mental health support, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and equitable support systems to address the unique experiences and needs of marginalized communities.
Through individual, group, and family therapy sessions, our team of compassionate clinicians at JFCS work each day to help individuals and families find healing. It’s our mission to help individuals improve their overall quality of life through a holistic approach that empowers them to take charge of their mental well-being.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time when communities worldwide come together to spread awareness, educate, and work to break down barriers to mental health challenges. And while many use this month as an opportunity to prioritize mental health, at JFCS, our hope is that society learns to support those around us EVERY DAY!
Here are five things you can do to support someone with mental health challenges:
- Stay connected and offer support: Regularly check in, offering a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on. Simple gestures like sending encouraging messages or planning activities together can make a significant difference.
- Listen actively and non-judgmentally: Be present and avoid making assumptions or passing judgment. Validate their experiences and emotions, letting them know that you are there to support them.
- Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about the particular mental health condition the person is facing to better understand their experiences and challenges.
- Encourage professional help: Offer to help them find resources such as those at JFCS. You could even accompany them to appointments, if they feel comfortable with your support.
- Be patient and practice self-care: Recovery from a mental health crisis takes time. Understand that healing is a process and be patient with the person. Take care of your own mental health needs by seeking support, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care to ensure you are better equipped to help others.
Remember, while you can provide support, it’s essential to respect the person’s autonomy and boundaries. If the person is in immediate danger or experiencing a severe crisis, it’s crucial to involve emergency services as appropriate.
As Mental Health Awareness Month takes center stage each May, JFCS is working each and every day to not only reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and work with those struggling to help create a community where individuals and families can thrive.
To find out more about JFCS Family Stability and Clinical Services, click here.