Jewish Family Service - Cincinnati

Congratulations to our COO, Linda Kean, for her Avodah Award from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Well deserved, Linda, and MazelTov!

At our 130th Annual Meeting, we had the honor of recognizing some extraordinary people who make Jewish Cincinnati shine.

Anne Goldstein (Junior Avodah Award): Anne has spent nearly 10 years at the Mayerson JCC connecting people to each other and to Jewish life. She walks with teens through Auschwitz on March of the Living. She runs the Oy Vey 5K and the J Classic. She means so much to so many!

Linda Kean (Senior Avodah Award): Linda has given 30 years to Jewish human services, 25 of them at Jewish Family Service. This past year, more people came to JFS than ever before. Linda makes sure the doors stay open.

Jim Heldman (Goldstein Volunteer of the Year): Jim has volunteered across nearly every corner of our community for decades. He also leads a Monday morning walking group where dozens of friends show up just to be together. Jim’s incredible spirit brings people together.

Thank you, Anne, Linda, and Jim. Mazel Tov! 🎉

"Many parents feel the pressure in public spaces to have their kids “hold it together,” especially when it seems like others are watching. The truth is, almost every parent has moments like this—it just isn’t often talked about. The more you talk openly about your own experiences, the more others will share theirs. And sometimes, that honesty is what helps others feel less alone.

A big part of our role as therapists is helping parents understand that what may look like “noncompliance” is often a child trying to regain a sense of control in a world that feels too fast, too loud, or too uncertain. Our work is then to help children build the language to express what they need—whether that’s control, autonomy, or reassurance.

Big feelings are a normal part of childhood. Our goal is not to eliminate them, but to help children move through them safely while adults remain steady, consistent, and emotionally available. Over time, children learn that big feelings are manageable—and that they don’t have to navigate them alone."

— JFS team member, LISW-S, youth counseling expert

In honor of May, Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Dementia Awareness Month. TLDR: The test group that followed the "FINGER" lifestyle program showed about 25% greater improvement in overall cognition.

The FINGER Study: How Lifestyle Can Prevent Cognitive Decline Learn about the FINGER study evaluating multiple lifestyle factors on preventing cognitive decline.

"Children do not need perfect parents or perfect therapists. They need adults who can stay emotionally present when things are imperfect— and find their way back to each other after a challenge or crisis."

— JFS team member, LISW-S, youth counseling expert

In May, Mental Health Awareness Month, we are inviting our therapists to share their insights with you.