Response to Ongoing Crisis

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, family and friends residing in Pittsburgh sought help and support from JFCS Immigration Legal Services to secure a legal pathway for Ukrainians to relocate to the United States. 

• Family Reunification: JFCS is committed to assisting residents of Southwestern PA with family reunification. US citizens or permanent residents can act as an Anchor/Petitioner to bring their relatives to the US through regular immigration channels. To petition for family reunification, please complete this form and a staff member will contact you.
• Supportive Resources: Our comprehensive services are available to assist immigrants and incoming arrivals to address all of life’s changes and challenges. We lead the ISAC collaboration to help immigrants and refugees connect with social services, resources and support available in Allegheny County. To request assistance, please complete the intake form on the ISAC website and a caseworker will contact you.
• Counseling Support: During a time of crisis, our team of therapists and mental health professionals are available to provide immediate support, please contact our JFCS Counseling Services at 412.422.0400.

We will continue monitoring the events in Ukraine.

To learn more about JFCS Immigration Legal Services, visit jfcspgh.org/legal

When the United States evacuated from Afghanistan, Pittsburgh was identified as a resettlement location for new arrivals. Within weeks, JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services started resettling hundreds of people. It continues to be the largest resettlement initiative in US history.  

With individuals and families arriving in the US without worldly possessions and with limited notification on the timeline of their arrivals, JFCS turned to the Greater Pittsburgh Community to assist with resettlement needs. As the initial relocation comes to a close, the resettlement and absorption process continues and the needs of new Afghan arrivals continue.

• Donations: Each refugee receives $1,225 to pay for housing, food and basic needs while getting resettled. Unfortunately the stipend is not sufficient to support a family while they secure employment. 
• • • Gift Cards: Donate gift cards to help refugees buy groceries and household items. 
    • Furniture: Donate furniture through our partners at Off the Floor. Off the Floor furnishes homes for new arrivals.
    • Temporary Housing: Help a new refugee family by opening your home. Contact Ivonne Smith-Tapia at ismithtapia@jfcspgh.org to get involved. (Important: Guest space is required to have a separate house entrance.)
    • Monetary Donations: Make a general donation to provide our team the flexibility to support refugees with any needs they may have at jfcspgh.org/donate.
    • Other in-kind donations: At this time we are not accepting other In-Kind donations. 

• Volunteer: In times of crisis, volunteers provide critical support to complement core services. To apply to volunteer, please complete an application at jfcspgh.org/volunteer.

To learn more about JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services, visit jfcspgh.org/refugees.

To support JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services, donate at jfcspgh.org/donate.

After the 10/27 Synagogue Shooting at Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation building, JFCS committed to supporting bereaved and injured victims, their families and the greater community. As a member of the 10/27 Healing Partnership, JFCS offers counseling services alongside partner organizations.

The impact of the shooting will be felt for years to come. It is never too late to seek support. 

• Trauma Counseling: Schedule 1-on-1 therapy with a counselor at JFCS by calling 412.422.7200. 

• Support Groups: Join a support group to gain tools to navigate trauma, bereavement and challenging times. Register at jfcspgh.org/events.

• Crisis Line: Help is available immediately, 24/7 at the Center For Victims Hotline at 1.866.644.2882.

• Call 911 immediately if a person is an immediate threat to themself or others (violent, threatening violence, suicidal), and explain that there is a psychiatric emergency. 

In addition to trauma counseling and community support groups. JFCS also provides care navigation for each bereaved family and facilitates a support group for witnesses of the shooting. 

To learn more about JFCS Counseling Services, visit jfcspgh.org/counseling.

To support JFCS Counseling Services, donate at jfcspgh.org/donate.

Teens are struggling. The past few years have brought unprecedented challenges impacting the mental health and wellbeing of young adults. Long wait lists, cost and insurance limit access to immediate treatment and support.

JFCS launched UpStreet as a brief support center for teens and young adults – ages 12-22 to provide barrier free mental health services to teens, young adults, their parents and caregivers. All services are free.

• Brief Support: Speak with a counselor immediately on our chatline at upstreetpgh.org.
• Scheduled Counseling: Schedule a face-to-face session with a counselor at upstreetpgh.org.
• Peer Mentoring: Meet up with another teen with experience with mental health.

To learn more about UpStreet, visit upstreetpgh.org.

To support UpStreet, donate at jfcspgh.org/donate.