In the past few days, the JFCS has worked in concert with our partners in the Jewish community to organize the following:
Drop-ins at the JCC (Jewish Community Center – Room 202)
Professional counselors have volunteered their services to speak with anyone in need of support.
The schedule for the week of Oct 29 – November 2 (Friday):
9 am – 9 pm
On Saturday, November 3:
9 am – 7 pm
We have also had drop-ins this week at the JCC of South Hills.
Jewish Day and Public Schools
• Our therapeutic staff is talking to teachers and students – explaining how to speak about the tragedy, what to look for, and offering any additional support
• The Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) will be speaking to the Hillel Academy
• The ITC has also coordinated with Pittsburgh Public Schools on how to speak with students struggling, along with the Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health
• We connected a Medical Clown, from Dream Doctors of Israel, with various schools and organizations
• We worked with the staff of the JCC preschool teachers and students, along with the staff and kids at the after school program, The Second Floor and Diller Fellows (teen groups)
Community Involvement
• The ITC has met at various synagogues, trained staff, and met one-on-one with families
• Sent therapists to the Squirrel Hill Health Center
• Visited various Senior Centers around the city – scheduling to provide support and meeting with the Senior Center in Turtle Creek next week
• Sent massage therapists the Jewish Federation
• United Hatzalah has been sent to the JCC, JUC (Jewish University Center), Shady Side Academy and private homes
• We have arranged for volunteer counseling at the Carnegie Library (Play Space), Literacy Pittsburgh, Men’s Club at Beth El and Repair The World
• At the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry: Acupuncture Without Borders, Reiki for Trauma – we have also sent massage therapists to various organizations
• The ITC conducted a workshop here for our staff
• Pittsburgh Action Against Rape has offered us their warm-line and crisis counselors for anyone who needs to reach out for support – they can be reached at: 1-866-363-7273 – when prompted press 2 for a helpline counselor.
Thank you to everyone that has reached out and offered assistance and resources.
If your place of work, school, or anything else is in need out our services – please reach out.