When one person is hurting, our community is hurting.
When one person starts healing, our community begins healing.
One of JFCS’s core values is Avodah which translates to service. Service to others has the power to repair our world! The world can begin with your individual self, extend to your family and community, and that is how the world is healed.
Throughout our 115-year history, JFCS has adapted to the changes that take place in our community. Through continued support from individuals like you, we have been able to respond in the most immediate way to serve individuals, families, and community groups in their times of crisis.
Now we’re faced with the current crisis in Israel and Gaza. Triggered by these unfolding events, many in our community experienced a trauma reaction and, as the social service arm of the Jewish Community, we heard the need. JFCS instantly responded to individual, and community needs in a rapid, unique, and powerful way, offering options to process and cope with the emotional toll, to all in the Louisville Community, serving as a representation of the Jewish Community.
Some of the things JFCS has done to help our community cope with the trauma in Israel and Gaza, on top of our ongoing services are:
- Free individual counseling sessions to anyone regardless of faith of cultural background to manage and process the trauma that is triggered from seeing the violence on the news.
- Support groups to process in a community environment and remind everyone that they are not alone.
- Support to local Jewish organizations in their response efforts focusing on mental and emotional wellbeing for staff and community members.
- Guidance to parents of all faiths and cultural backgrounds on how to talk to their children of all ages about the Israeli and Gaza war.
As we enter the season of giving, we want to remind you that supporters like YOU allow us to continue supporting the community as we have while also responding to pressing needs like these.
By making a gift to JFCS this holiday season, you empower us to continue to practice Avodah by being responsive to the immediate needs of our community. A gift also helps us be better prepared for the next time we are called upon to serve. There is much uncertainty ahead and you can be confident in knowing we are here for anyone who needs us. YOU make that possible.
Your gift to JFCS will continue to build resilience, strengthen our community, and ensure that we can continue to be a safe haven for the next 115 years. Thank you for your dedication to our work and deep commitment to this community. We could not do this without you!
If you would like to make a gift to our annual year-end fundraising campaign, click here >
A special message from JFCS C.E.O. Dr. David Finke
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, a period of self-examination and spiritual growth. It is a time when we pause to reflect on the past year and take stock of our actions, behaviors, and choices and look towards the future with renewed passion for life and our place on Earth.
A Time for Reflection
Rosh Hashanah, which translates to “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, a period of self-examination and spiritual growth.
We ask ourselves tough questions about our relationships, our contributions to our communities, and our personal growth. What have we done well, and where can we improve? Rosh Hashanah challenges us to confront these questions honestly and make amends where necessary.
For JFCS, this reflection involves examining the work we have done to support vulnerable individuals and families in our community. I have the privilege of witnessing the profound impact JFCS has on individuals and families throughout the year, but I would be remiss if I didn’t use this to examine our work and our impact on our community.
Have we fulfilled our mission to provide assistance, counseling, and resources to those in need? Have we made a positive impact on the lives of our clients? These are the questions that drive us to continually improve our services and outreach efforts.
A Time for Renewal
Rosh Hashanah not only prompts us to look back, but also encourages us to look forward. It is a time for renewal and a fresh start.
At JFCS, we are inspired by the idea of renewal, not only for ourselves but for our clients as well. We believe in the power of transformation and the potential for individuals and families to overcome challenges and thrive “with dignity and purpose”. Rosh Hashanah reminds us of the importance of offering hope and support to those facing difficult times, helping them renew their sense of possibility.
A Time for Hope
Hope is a central theme of Rosh Hashanah. It is a time when we express our hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead in our personal lives and the world around us.
JFCS is built on the foundation of hope. For over 100 years, we have provided hope to those who may be experiencing despair or hardship. Though our programs and services may have changed over time, our simple mission of helping our friends and neighbors navigate life’s challenges and find a path to a brighter future has remained steadfast. Rosh Hashanah is a time for us to recommit to that mission and stay the course started for us back in 1908.
Reflection, renewal, and hope. The Jewish High Holy Days serve as a reminder that growth and change are possible, both individually and as a community. At JFCS, we are committed to embodying these principles in our work and ensuring that our clients have the support and resources they need to embrace life with hope and resilience.
As Jews across the world gather with family and friends to celebrate this special holiday, may it be a time of deep introspection and inspiration for us all, Jews and non-Jews alike, and may that reflection lead to a greater peace and prosperity for everyone.
L’ Shanah Tovah – to a good and sweet year ahead!
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.