The trauma caused by COVID-19 is bringing increased awareness to the importance of mental health care. In the past pandemic year, Jewish Family Services (JFS) has seen a 50% increase in the number of counseling sessions. JFS has responded by providing more resources and information with a focus on preventive initiatives.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and JFS is increasing its commitment to mental health care by sharing additional information and activities. JFS special efforts include distributing wellness videos and articles and hosting community discussions and a special event.
Each week, JFS will have a different theme: May 2-9, Mental Health is Public Health; May 9-14, Systemic Inequalities in Mental Health; May 16-22, Making Space for Others’ Mental Health Needs; May 23-31, Making Space for Your Mental Health Needs.
JFS Mental Health Month activities include:
Mental Health is Public Health: Lunch and Learn on Facebook Live, May 5, 11:30 a.m. Health is a product of what’s around us. Attention to mental health should be universal and include community and policy-level interventions. Join members of the JFS staff live on Facebook at facebook.com/jfskc for an informal virtual discussion taking a closer look at the latest research, data and realities of mental health in our community and across the nation. A recording of the discussion will be posted at www.jfskc.org and on JFS’ Facebook page.
Sneak Peek at PBS’ Mysteries of Mental Illness on Facebook Live, May 13, 7:30 p.m. An exclusive sneak peek screening and discussion hosted by JFS and the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition live on Facebook at facebook.com/jfskc. Clips from the four-part series to be broadcast in June will be shown followed by discussion.
Making Space for YOUR Mental Health: Lunch & Learn on Facebook Live, May 26, Noon. Your Mental Health is just as important as your physical health and must be a priority. Join JFS and Erik Hulse, mindfulness based stress reduction teacher at the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness, live on Facebook at facebook.com/jfskc. Hulse will guide participants through his Loving Kindness program to help establish routines and habits to strengthen mental health.
A complete list of JFS Mental Health Month information is posted at www.jfskc.org.
In addition, JFS has launched Well Focused: A Video Wellness Library at www.jfskc.org. The library offers mental health prevention and educational videos with topics ranging from meditation, grief and parenting. Original videos are regularly created to address the evolving needs of our clients and community.
As a comprehensive human service agency, JFS is committed to strengthening the mental health of the Kansas City community by supporting people facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis — regardless of faith, age, culture or lifestyle by providing services.
JFS services are available, accessible and affordable. JFS professional counselors, licensed social workers and therapists provide individual and group counseling for children, families and adults, and in-home counseling for homebound older adults. In addition, YouBeYou, a youth mental health and wellness program, provides education, resources and mental health support to school communities through a variety of services and offers information and resources at youbeyou.us.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, call JFS Navigator at (913) 327-8250 or email . All services are by appointment. For an emergency situation, call 911.
