JF&CS partners with synagogues, senior housing centers, early childcare centers, and community centers, enabling us to reach people who would not otherwise reach out for services.

Community Training

We train professionals to act as effective first responders for mental health in their communities, such as in public housing agencies and early childhood education centers. We also educate community groups on key mental health topics, in synagogues and other forums. You can view a full list of our mental health workshop offerings here.

Community Support Liaison

JF&CS, in collaboration with Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), has launched a new service that brings personalized social service expertise to partner synagogues in Greater Boston. The Community Support Liaison is a trained social service professional who provides short-term support to congregants while building strong relationships with clergy and lay leadership. The Community Support Liaison helps congregants locate resources, offers coaching, and provides referrals. They may also host mental health and wellness workshops and support groups focused on the specific, emerging needs of the community.

If you are interested in bringing a Community Support Liaison to your congregation, please contact mentalhealth@jfcsboston.org.

Peer-Led Support Circles

Circles of Connection is a new pilot initiative for the Boston Jewish community that is building our communal capacity to care for and support one another during this time of increasing trauma, stress, polarization, and rising antisemitism.

Through peer-led support circles, Circles of Connection uses an evidence-based, trauma-informed model to help participants feel seen, heard, and supported as they process the stress and anxiety of our challenging world. The support circles are led by trained community members who have learned how to create respectful and welcoming spaces where people can connect meaningfully across shared experiences, bridge differences, and build resilience.

Interested in launching a support circle within your community? Reach out to circlesofconnection@jfcsboston.org to get started.