JF&CS supports families and their children long past infancy. If your child is going through a mental health challenge, we can provide you and your family answers and hope.

Assistance & Advocacy

Answers and support for children with disabilities or mental health challenges and their families. Our Disability Lifespan Solutions service provides expert guidance and hands-on assistance that makes all the difference. Our team of Family Advocates and Clinical Case Managers provide reliable information, professional guidance, and hands-on assistance to individuals and families, helping them identify and access the resources they need.

To learn more call 781-693-5640, or email your questions to GetHelp@jfcsboston.org.

Mental Health Consultations

The Disability Resource Network is a free information, referral, and consultation service that helps parents of children with disabilities or mental health challenges access resources. The DRN connects families with useful services and provides guidance in navigating the various systems of support available to a child with mental health challenges.

Contact the Disability Resource Network at 781-693-5640 or email your questions to drn@jfcsboston.org.

Sibshops

Children who have siblings with disabilities and mental health challenges face life-long and complex emotional challenges. Sibshops, our recreational program for these children and teens, enables sharing of experiences in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, with other siblings who understand.

Sibshops is a nationally acclaimed program of fun workshops for kids ages 8-12 and teens 13 and up who have siblings with special needs. Each Sibshop gives participants opportunity to participate in recreational activities that encourage sharing, laughter, and fun! Kids will have the chance to meet and connect with other kids, who also have siblings with special needs.

Our monthly meetings include fun activities like laser tag, snow tubing, pottery painting, and other exciting field trips. At Sibshops, siblings will:

• Meet other siblings of children with special needs and have a great time together
• Obtain peer support and education in a fun and recreational environment
• Share experiences in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, with other siblings who understand

There is a one time fee for Sibshops of $100 for the year. Subsidies are available. Registration is open to anyone. Check out our flyer!

Registration is required. Please contact Valerie Maio, Manager, Inclusive Programs for Children and Families at vmaio@jfcsboston.org or 781-409-1919.

This program is funded in part by CJP and the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.