Empowered & Equipped: Career Services in Action
JFCS staff and participants gathered together to celebrate another successful cohort of the Immigrant Workforce Program. This free program is designed to equip immigrants with knowledge and skills for their journey toward employment in the United States. For 16 sessions over two months, participants learned about job searching and career readiness from our career counselors.
One participant reflected on their experience, “After completing the program, I was accepted into the same company where my husband works. I’ve always valued your teachings and good advice, and I want to thank you for your support during this challenging time in my life.”
The next Immigrant Workforce Program starts in September and applications are open! To learn more and apply, visit the link below or forward this email to someone who might be interested.
How to Prioritize Your Mental Health This Summer
Katherine Palma, Adolescent & Young Adult Psychotherapist at UpStreet, knows that summer is supposed to be the season of fun and relaxation—but it can also be overwhelming.
“There’s this pressure to always be doing something exciting, soaking up the sun, or making the most of every minute. While that sounds great in theory, it’s okay if your brain needs a break.” Palma advises that taking care of your mental health is just as important in the summer as any other time of year.
One way to boost your mood and bring some balance is through positive event scheduling– planning little things throughout your week that you actually enjoy and can look forward to. “These don’t have to be big events, just moments that give you a spark. Think coffee dates with a friend, watching a movie you love, or taking a sunset walk.”
Summer’s a great time to get outside and take advantage of the sunshine, but it’s all about finding what feels good for you and what brings you joy.
Do you have a teen or young adult in your house this summer? Have them come down to UpStreet’s drop-in space. Open from 12 – 3 pm, they will find a safe space to decompress, have a snack, cool down, play games, hang out with peers, and talk with a therapist if they want to. UpStreet therapists are also accessible via online chat Monday – Friday 10 am – 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday 2 pm – 10 pm. UpStreet is located at 5844 Forward Ave., Pittsburgh.
Award Winning Care in the Heart of Our Community
We’re proud to share that JFCS has been honored with the Best of the Burgh: Best Counseling Center. This recognition highlights the impact the counseling team has had on the emotional well-being of individuals, families and our community. To learn more about our counseling services and to meet our team, click the link below.
Success in Every Step: Together We Are Making an Impact, But We Still Need Your Help!
This year’s Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community was a success! Thank you to our staff, dedicated volunteers, and the community for your support. With your help, we raised over $3,000! Every penny raised goes to the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry to purchase food and supplies for the people we serve.
Missed the event but still want to make a difference? Save the date for Critical Needs Day on Tuesday, August 5. The #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert is a community-wide day of giving that supports over 200+ nonprofits in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties that serve vulnerable populations.
Your support on Critical Needs Day can directly impact families who are facing increased hardships. Families who rely on schools to provide breakfast and lunch are now stretching their budget to provide more food while juggling work and childcare. Together, let’s make the day count and make a difference for those in our community who need it most!
All Together Now! A benefit music festival for Pittsburgh’s Immigrant Community
Inspired by the unifying power of music, by their shared love of music, and by their belief in the power of community coming together for good, Ted Cmarada and Susan Spangler conjured a dream of a Pittsburgh music festival that would bring Pittsburgh neighbors together in support of our immigrant neighbors.
Join us for the All Together Now music festival from August 7-10. With four days of music, at 10 different venues, and 21 bands and artists, you are sure to find something you love! For tickets, venues, and information, visit the link below.
Proceeds will go to the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact, a group of 20 immigrant-serving organizations, including JFCS, in the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
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