STAY CONNECTED
by Margaret Lee, LMSW Did you know both January 10th and February 1st are both considered Quitter’s Day? By February 1st 68% of people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions. Why do we give up so quickly on changes we really want to make? When setting New Year’s resolutions, we often come up with big […]
Caring for a loved one with memory loss or a movement disorder is an act of profound love—but it can also be isolating, exhausting, and overwhelming. Caregivers give so much of themselves, often putting their own needs aside to ensure their loved ones receive the support and attention they need. At CJFS, we understand that […]
by Caleigh Rathmell Alevy, LMSW Caring for a loved one is deeply meaningful but can also be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. When caregiving ends with loss, grief can amplify feelings of guilt and isolation. Self-care is essential for resilience and healing. Challenges of Caregiving Burnout, compassion fatigue, and neglecting personal needs are common struggles. […]
Life is a journey filled with transitions—some joyful, others challenging. At CJFS, we help individuals and families navigate every stage of life with compassion, expertise, and connection. or young families, CJFS offers hope and support. Through the Jewish Fertility Foundation-BHM, housed under our umbrella, we guide those navigating the challenges of building their families. We also […]
The CJFS Friends Campaign is so close to the finish line – just 3% away from reaching our goal. Every gift matters, and every story of support inspires us to keep going. Lana Royal is one of those inspiring supporters. A longtime donor and volunteer, Lana is passionate about the life-changing work of CJFS. “I […]
by Amy Neiman, LMSW Ms. Green and her sister have lived together for the past 15 years in a house not far from the CJFS office. When her sister first moved in, they did what most close sisters do. They gardened, watched the birds, shopped together and played Bridge. They split the bills and reminded […]
Did you know that over 300,000 adults are hospitalized each year for hip fractures, with 95% of these fractures caused by falls? Falls are a serious concern for older adults, with over 14 million people over 65 experiencing one every year in the U.S. They’re also the top cause of injuries like broken bones and […]
by Mark Driskill, LICSW-S “What people say and what people do is all about them and not about you.” For many years I’ve used this statement as a kind of mnemonic to help me remember that a person’s words and behaviors inform me about them and really have nothing to do with me. Someone may have […]
By LaBrena Friend, LMSW During a recent visit with one of my clients, we had a heartfelt conversation about the upcoming holiday season. We shared our favorite traditions and memories. Between October and December, there are many holidays to celebrate, from Rosh Hashanah to Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. However, over the years I have […]
Ms. C, a retired healthcare professional, has always been passionate about helping others—it’s at the heart of who she is. While balancing a full-time career, she also raised her children, inspiring them with her kindness, independence, and intelligence. As her daughter fondly puts it, “She’s truly remarkable in every way.” A few years ago, Ms. […]
by Lauren Schwartz, MSW, CJFS Executive Director “I wish I had called you first,” said an adult child after moving her parents from their home of 50+ years when the new care did not meet their expectations. It’s something I hear too often from families struggling to make decisions about managing aging issues. What seems […]
CJFS is more than a service provider; we are a lifeline for those in need. For one senior client, who we will refer to as ‘Ms. B’*, CJFS became a source of support during a time of significant health challenges and unsafe living conditions. She did not feel safe in her home and had even […]
CJFS Friends 2024 Co-Chairs Karri Neal and Steve Brickman invite you to join them in being a CJFS “Friend” to enable aging-in-place, support mental health & wellness and build connection & community for families of all ages in our community.
by Kay Kornmeier, CJFS President Elect I have been a donor to the CJFS Friends Campaign since 2016, when I first learned about CJFS. As I have become more involved and learned more about the work we do, I am always impressed that CJFS finds a way to say ‘yes’ when people need help. Whether […]
by Caleigh Rathmell Alevy, LMSW As I exchange pleasantries with a passerby, my children often ask, “Who was that?” Their curiosity never gets old. Sometimes, the person is a friend and I explain how I know them; but often it’s a “stranger” and I’m simply acknowledging them with a wave or a smile and a […]
CJFS is pleased to introduce Margaret Lee, our new Senior Services Social Worker. Margaret will be working with older adults and their families to assess their needs and put resources into place that will help them remain living independently in the community with an enriched quality of life. As people age, it is often the […]
. At some point in college or my early twenties, my grandmother gifted me a scrapbook full of poems, stories, cartoons, and musings, all of which had spoken to her at different times in her life. I like to think it encouraged me to start gathering my own pieces which I have saved in my […]
by Mark Driskill, LICSW-S For most of our working life, retirement planning is about money—how much do I need and when will I have enough? While money is key to successful retirement, there is so much more to consider. In addition to income, our professional life is often a significant part of our identity and […]
by LaBrena Friend, LBSW Mother’s Day is a special day where we take time to honor the women in our lives. It is a reminder to reach out and express our love and gratitude. For me, this year is bittersweet as it marks a decade since my mom’s passing when I was only 30 years […]
Watch this short video from CJFS Hands Up Together 2024 about celebrating aging and how we serve individuals and families at every stage of life, with a special focus on supporting independence and enriching quality of life for older adults.