JFS of Washtenaw County

08/10/2026

For school-aged youth, transitioning from summer to a classroom can create a lot of uncertainty and anxiety, especially if it’s a major milestone like entering kindergarten or high school. Here are some ways to support your children as they go back to school:

✏️Brainstorm a Routine: Talk about possible goals your child might have for the school year and make sure to include ways to have fun and relax.

✏️Action Steps: Start good habits around sleep and meals, connect with other families and school staff, run through what a morning may look like, or encourage keeping a clean desk at home so they can study without distraction.

✏️Talk About It: Make sure you're observing and listening to what feelings might be coming up; a bit of anxiety during transitions is normal. Listen, reflect, and then figure out what’s next.

✏️Asking For Help: Maybe things don’t go as planned, or maybe the big feelings stick around or get worse – if managing transitions like going back to school becomes too difficult for you or your child, Thrive Counseling is here to help.

Find us at JFSAnnArbor.org/Thrive to learn more about us and complete our online screening.

08/03/2026

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER!

We hope to see you THIS FRIDAY for a Book Talk with author, Lisa Keefauver at JFS!

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262034250659051

07/27/2026

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Every July, we recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges experienced by historically underserved communities and to advocate for equitable access to care.

Established by Congress in 2008, the month honors author, journalist, and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, whose work helped break down stigma and amplify the importance of culturally responsive mental health services. She believed that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported regardless of their race, ethnicity, language, or background.

While mental health conditions affect people of every background, communities of color often face additional barriers to receiving care. Cultural stigma, language differences, limited access to providers who understand diverse lived experiences, and systemic inequities can make it more difficult to seek help or receive appropriate treatment. These disparities highlight the importance of creating mental health services that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally informed.

Click here to continue reading: https://www.jfsannarbor.org/blog/july-is-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month

07/27/2026

Meet the Author!

BOOK TALK:
Grief is a Sneaky Bitch, by Lisa Keefauver

Friday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m.
JFS Ann Arbor Board Room
2245 S State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

REGISTER HERE: https://form.jotform.com/262034250659051

Join local authorLisa Keefauver for a Book Talk celebrating the 2-year anniversary of the release of her internationally-acclaimed book, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss.

The event will feature readings, an in-conversation discussion with local therapist, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a deep dive into the core themes of the book, and a live audience Q&A. A book signing will immediately follow the discussion.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

07/23/2026

It is with profound sadness and immeasurable gratitude that the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and clients of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County mourn the passing of our dear friend, colleague, mentor, and champion, Steven "Steve" Ge**er.

To learn more about Steve and his long time community support and love for JFS here.
https://give.jfsannarbor.org/email_campaigns/44226/web?auth=1784815278

07/21/2026

Turn Your Language Skills Into Opportunity!

Are you fluent in more than one language?
JFS is offering a 40-hour training course in community
interpreting based on The Community Interpreter® Training
curriculum.This training course addresses the professional needs
of community interpreters and bilingual staff who work in Healthcare, Education, and Social/Human Services. The course promotes national ethics and standards of practice for interpreters and can prepare you for further study leading to national certification.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from JFS.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7S_fLH2q1rN5PAu2dh3bULm_YDd8Ailu2aVWp8aKp9VdDNw/viewform?pli=1

For questions, contact Rita Simpson at [email protected]

Use this form to register for our 40-hour interpreter training. The class will meet at JFS (2245 S. State St., Ann Arbor), August 3-28, Monday-Thursday, 3:00-5:30 pm.

07/13/2026

👟 Every Step Welcomes. Every Step Supports.

By joining Walk a Mile in My Shoes, you'll help JFS provide critical support like safe housing, healthy food, mental health services, English classes, transportation, employment assistance, and so much more.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and spend an afternoon making a real difference. Enjoy family-friendly activities, local vendors, delicious treats, and a community united around one important cause.

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
🕑 2:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Burns Park Elementary, Ann Arbor

Registration is free, and every participant helps us welcome our newest neighbors with compassion and dignity.

Register or donate today: https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/45228-2026-walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes

07/03/2026

JFS is closed today, Friday, July 3rd.

Regular business hours will resume Monday, July 6th.

Happy 4th of July!

07/02/2026

Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County is honored to receive a $25,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation in continued support of our efforts to launch a Community Development Financial Institution.

This investment will help us build the infrastructure needed to expand access to capital for small businesses in Washtenaw County, with a focus on entrepreneurs and communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing traditional financing.

Thank you, Bank of America, for your partnership and commitment to economic mobility and equitable opportunity. Together, we’re working to build a more inclusive local economy!

07/01/2026

Advocacy in Action: Creating Change Beyond Our Walls

At JFS, our work doesn't stop when services are delivered. While we are proud to provide food, counseling, aging services, resettlement support, and so much more, we also know that lasting change requires advocacy. It means speaking up, sharing stories, educating decision-makers, and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard where policies are made.

Recently, members of our team traveled to meet with elected officials and advocate for issues that directly impact the people we serve every day.

Read more about their advocacy in action here:

At JFS, our work doesn't stop when services are delivered. While we are proud to provide food, counseling, aging services, resettlement support, and so much more, we also know that lasting change...