Caring for Generations
 
 
 
 
 

COVID-19 Resources

We know that this is a challenging time for many of the people we serve as well as many others who have recently lost wages or been fired or laid off. In addition, social distancing has left many people feeling lonely and isolated. Whether you are already a client of JF&CS or you find yourself in need of help due to the current situation, please let us know.

Below, you will find resources and contact information to assist you during the COVID-19 crisis. To reach the JF&CS main office, please call 781-647-JFCS (5327) or email us at info@jfcsboston.org. 

Resources for Those Who Are Struggling Financially

  • The staff of the JF&CS Center for Basic Needs Assistance are ready to understand and respond to your situation, whether it is directly related to COVID-19 or not. We will connect you to all the services and resources that can help you.
     

    Food Assistance

  • If you are in need of food, please contact JF&CS Family Table at 781-693-5593. We have a variety of ways to assist people in obtaining food. Our pantry follows all public health guidance and social distancing.
     

    Emergency Financial Assistance

  • To speak to a case manager about your situation and inquire about emergency financial assistance to help with paying rent, mortgage, or utility bills, or to explore the option of a Hebrew Free Loan, please call our intake line at 781-693-1388.
     

    Public Benefits/SNAP Assistance

  • The Bet Tzedek Legal Services team at JF&CS is here to help those in need access public benefits such as SNAP (formerly known as food stamps).
     
    • Our SNAP/Public Benefits Advocates are available to help with applications and navigating this complex system. To reach our advocates, please email them at SNAPhelp@jfcsboston.org or call the JF&CS Bet Tzedek Intake Line at 781-693-1333.
       
      • To see what monthly SNAP benefits you may be eligible for based on your household size, please see this flyer.
    • If you have questions about applying for unemployment or have applied for unemployment benefits and been denied, please contact our Bet Tzedek Legal Services Intake Line at 781-693-1333.

Resources for Domestic Abuse Survivors

  • JF&CS Journey to Safety is supporting domestic abuse survivors and the people who care about them via phone, email, text, and video chat. Please call 781-647-JFCS (5327) and ask for Journey to Safety or email jts@jfcsboston.org.
     
    • Journey to Safety can provide support, consultation, safety planning, domestic abuse counseling, legal referrals and protective order assistance, emergency financial assistance, and other referrals and resources in English and Russian.
  • For 24/7 after-hours support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Please call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY. If you're unable to speak safely over the phone, you can chat on their website or you can text LOVEIS to 22522 to start messaging. 
  • Safelink, Massachusetts’ statewide toll-free domestic violence hotline, also offers 24/7 support. Please call 877-785-2020 or 877-521-2601 for TTY. 

Resources for Older Adults

  • If you are an older adult or know an older adult in need, please contact CJP SeniorDirect, our free information and resource service staffed by eldercare experts from JF&CS. Call 800-980-1982 or email info@cjpseniordirect.org.
     
    •  Our team can help with concerns about health and safety, paying the bills, being separated from loved ones, staying engaged and connected, and many other issues facing older adults and their caregivers.
  •  Our Services for Older Adults staff has compiled Tips to Maintain Your Physical and Mental Health.
  • Older adults looking for conversation and intellectual stimulation should check out these Distance Learning programs. All you need to participate is a phone! 

  • Parkinson's Resources 

  •  Our Parkinson’s Dance Instructor, Art Sullivan, has created a series of Dance and Movement videos, which are great exercise for those with or without Parkinson’s disease.
  •  For a “live” Parkinson’s Dance class with Art Sullivan, join us via Zoom video conferencing on most Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – noon. To sign up, email Parkinsons@jfcsboston.org.
  •  Our Tremble Clefs choral group for those living with Parkinson’s is meeting virtually via Zoom on most Mondays from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. To sign up, email Parkinsons@jfcsboston.org.
  •  Our support groups for Parkinson’s Care Partners are meeting remotely via Zoom on select Tuesdays and Thursdays. To sign up, email Parkinsons@jfcsboston.org.

  •  Dementia Resources 

  • The JF&CS Memory Café, a welcoming place for people living with memory changes, is meeting monthly via Zoom video conferencing, complete with dynamic guest artists. Recordings of our memory cafés are added to the JF&CS YouTube channel.
  •  For a list of virtual memory cafés being offered around the country, please visit the National Memory Café Directory.
  •  The JF&CS Balancing Act Support Group for adults coping with a parent’s dementia is meeting twice per month via Zoom video conferencing.

  • Bereavement and Spirituality Resources

  • Barbara Sternfield, our Bereavement Specialist, is offering a virtual Bereavement Support Group, Parent Loss Bereavement Group, and Partner Loss Bereavement Group. To preregister, please email bsternfield@jfcsboston.org.
  • Marjie Sokoll, our Director of Spirituality and Aging, is available for phone conversations with people who are experiencing feelings of grief and loss during this time. Please call 781-693-5619 and leave your name and phone number. When she calls you back, the number will appear on your phone as “No Caller ID”.
  • Our Director of Spirituality and Aging, Marjie Sokoll, has filmed Guided Meditation videos for people of all ages to enjoy at home. This playlist also includes yoga routines.

Resources for Parents with Young Children

Resources for People with Disabilities

  • For support or services for a family member with a disability, please contact our Disability Resource Network at drn@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-5640.

  • Resources for Parents

  • JF&CS CHAI Services is offering Free Parent Coaching for families with children who are missing the structure of school or their day program. Our experts can help you create a schedule for your loved one and troubleshoot any challenging behaviors they are exhibiting. Email us at drn@jfcsboston.org or call 781-693-5640.
  •  Our Family Navigation team is available to review your child’s current education and developmental history, IEPs/504s, and plans for additional services to make adequate progress for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. For more information, email drn@jfcsboston.org or call 781-693-5640.
  • Our Director of Social and Behavioral Supports, Angela Waring, has compiled a guide to At-Home Activities for Children, which can be enjoyed by kids with or without disabilities.
  • Angela Waring is running a virtual Book Club for Kids with Special Needs. Angie reads books out loud over Zoom and participants identify and discuss the characters' feelings and try to relate to their experiences
  • Our Sibshops support group for kids who have a sibling with a disability is meeting weekly via Zoom. Participants have the chance to share their feelings, vent about being a Sib, and play fun games. New siblings are welcome to join the group. 
  • Our Music Therapist is hosting free weekly music therapy sessions on Zoom. Come and enjoy an hour of dancing and music. These sessions are designed for kids with autism and/or neurological disabilities, and children of all abilities are welcome to participate. 

  • Social Events for Adults with Disabilities 

  • Our Jewish Life Coordinator, Alex Maslow, is hosting a number of recurring social events on Zoom. These gatherings are designed for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and/or mental health challenges, but other community members are welcome as well.
     

  • Stay Connected with Videos 

  • Our Music Therapist has made a series of Music Therapy videos, which are great for children with or without disabilities.
  • Our Jewish Life Coordinator is sharing weekly Shabbat Torah Study videos for those with or without disabilities.

Mental Health Resources

  • JF&CS is committed to supporting the emotional and mental health of our clients during these difficult times. Whether you or someone you know needs short-term support during a life transition or challenging situation, or ongoing support to manage a chronic condition, we are here to help. Learn about all of the Mental Health Resources available through JF&CS.
     
    • For more information, please contact Ginny DiMarco at 781-693-5640 or email drn@jfcsboston.org.

  • Bereavement and Spirituality Resources

  • Barbara Sternfield, our Bereavement Specialist, is offering a virtual Bereavement Support Group, Parent Loss Bereavement Group, and Partner Loss Bereavement Group. To preregister, please email bsternfield@jfcsboston.org.
  • Marjie Sokoll, our Director of Spirituality and Aging, is available for phone conversations with people who are experiencing feelings of grief and loss during this time. Please call 781-693-5619 and leave your name and phone number. When she calls you back, the number will appear on your phone as “No Caller ID”.

  • Crisis Hotlines 

  •  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support. Please call 800-273-8255.
  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling to people experiencing emotional distress during disasters. Please call 800-985-5990.  
  •  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline provides 24/7 information services for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Please call 800-662-4357.

Virtual Programs

How You Can Help

  • Visit our Volunteer page to learn how you can help JF&CS clients during the pandemic. From delivering groceries to making cards, there are many ways to get involved.  
  • Please consider donating to our Caring During Crisis campaign. JF&CS is on the frontlines of responding to the COVID-19 crisis, and we urgently need to raise funds to keep our services available for the most vulnerable people in our community.
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781-647-JFCS (5327)
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Waltham, MA 02451
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