Overview
In response to the growing needs of the Montreal Orthodox communities, JFS is committed to expanding and strengthening its links to these communities.

In a bid to develop culturally appropriate responses to family needs, JFS professionals, several of whom speak Yiddish and Hebrew, deliver a range of programs and services tailored to the needs of the religious communities.

These include services to the religious day schools, crisis intervention, train-the-trainer workshops and counselling for adolescents, adults and families.

JFS programs reflect an understanding of Orthodox Jewish religious laws and practices and a deep respect for them. The programs have been developed in conjunction with Rabbonim, Yeshiva principals and teachers as well as other prominent community leaders - or received their approval. Confidentiality is carefully protected.

Our goal is to help families and children better cope with the stresses of daily life through a range of programs and services delivered in various locations.

Counselling
JFS has a network of community professionals, from within the various Orthodox communities as well as specialized therapists, with a sensitivity to the needs of the communities. They provide counselling services to individuals, couples and families at reasonable rates.

Schools
JFS has developed a roster of specialized counsellors who understand the Orthodox schools, know how they work and are sensitive to their philosophies. These counsellors collaborate with school administrators, teachers, parents and students to ensure that students have the opportunities leading to personal and academic success - all in line with the goals, beliefs and traditions of each community. Child-centered services focus on the skills needed (social skills, conflict resolution skills, organizational skills) to grow up "healthy".

Case management
Financial stresses, health issues and academic needs may bring families in contact with many systems and professionals. Families dealing with multiple systems may find themselves lost trying to negotiate a maze of public and private services, and feel that no one is helping them coordinate their lives and their plans. This can be daunting, and can be compounded by the specific religious and cultural norms of the Orthodox community. JFS case management provides support and advocacy in addressing the various needs of families and linking them to community and public responses.

Parent networks
Parent networks provide an opportunity for parents to get together each month with a trained facilitator to discuss their shared concerns about parenting. These meetings help build a strong network intended to support parents and to encourage them to think profoundly about their values, standards and expectations - particularly in the face of difficult parenting issues.
Serving the Orthodox Jewish Community (JFS News, fall 2005) - PDF

Special needs
Families in the Orthodox community often find their options limited in their search for responses to their special needs. When confronted by mental health, physical or developmental issues, Orthodox families face special challenges in accessing necessary services. JFS has been able to provide direct services which are culturally sensitive, advocate for public sector responses, or provide funding for private services.