Shatter the Stigma: Teen Voices for Mental Health
Shatter the Stigma: Teen Voices for Mental Health
When we launched the JCC Teen Mental Health Committee, our mission was clear: break the stigma surrounding mental health, promote emotional wellness, and empower teens to speak up, support each other, and share resources. Since then, this dedicated group has led powerful conversations, created wellness kits, and hosted impactful community mental health fairs. But this […] Learn More ›
Inspiring Education, at Home and Abroad
Do we ever really stop learning? I took some time off last week and took my good friend to one of my favorite places in Colorado. While I have been there many times, we did things on this trip that were firsts for me, too. On breaks in between morning walks and mountain hikes, my […] Learn More ›
Finding Calm in the Chaos: Understanding and Managing Stress When Overstimulated
Big crowds, large events, and loud noises stress me out. As a little kid, I was scared of trains because they made loud noises. Now, I don’t like loud music. I used to avoid grocery stores because they felt overwhelming—big, crowded, and chaotic. While I’ve grown more comfortable with grocery stores over time, I still […] Learn More ›
Celebrating JDAIM at the J
Each February, JCC Chicago, alongside Jewish organizations around the country celebrate JDAIM (Jewish Disability Acceptance Awareness and Inclusion Month). Though we at the J celebrate the achievements within the Disability community all year round, February is JDAIM is really at the intersection of multiple identities and all that comes with that. It is an additional […] Learn More ›
All Star Abilities Expands to Chicago: Transforming Teens’ Lives Through Fitness and Friendship
Photo caption: Reid (far left) and Kaden (center) standing working with two All Star Abilities participants on the row machine. Written by: By Reid Pearsall & Kaden Uddin All Star Abilities has been transforming teens lives since 2017. It’s aimed to close the fitness gap by pairing teens with and without disabilities together for a […] Learn More ›
Growing the Next Generation of Leaders: Apachi Day Camp’s CIT Program
At Apachi Village Northbrook, we’re not just creating incredible summers; we’re helping shape the next generation of leaders. Watching campers grow into confident, capable role models through our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role as Director. Our CIT program is designed to give teens in 8th to 10th […] Learn More ›
Shaped by Camp Chi: Jack Zislis’ Journey from Camper to Counselor
From camper to counselor, Jack Zislis shares how Camp Chi shaped his life. In this video, he reflects on giving back to the place that helped him grow, guiding campers to discover Chi’s magic, and how camp prepared him for college and beyond. This video was filmed on July 19, 2024. Learn More ›
Music & Hope Filled The Air At The 2nd Annual Growing Hope Concert
Wow! What a night we had at the 2nd Annual Growing Hope Concert and Community Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 25, a.k.a., the recently proclaimed Illinois Growing Hope Day! Together, we reveled in the inspiring performances and celebrated our shared commitment to creating a kinder, more inclusive world. We also welcomed YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago as […] Learn More ›
Pause, Take A Break & Prioritize Your Mental Health
Most of my school year is spent drowning in a pool of stress. Between homework, endless late-night practices, and countless sleepless evenings spent bent over a history textbook, school never seems to give me any sort of break. But there was always one light at the end of the tunnel: Summer vacation. Each May, I feverishly […] Learn More ›
2024 Annual Meeting & Staff Awards
On September 10, our community gathered for the 2024 JCC Chicago Annual Meeting & Staff Awards at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi in Northbrook. We heard from President & CEO Addie Goodman, outgoing JCC Chicago Board Chair David Nankin, JUF Board Member and Community Building and Jewish Continuity Commission Chair Steve Erlebacher, incoming Board Chair Stuart Hochwert […] Learn More ›
Meet our SunriseWALKS 2024 Family Ambassador – Michelle Nowinski
It was just another diaper change for my 6-week-old son Teddy when I felt a small lump on his inner thigh. The doctors didn’t have any answers at the time and told me to monitor it for changes. Two weeks later, I found another lump near the first. I ultimately found 14 little lumps all […] Learn More ›
Pride For Apachi & Disability Inclusion
My daughter, Libi, lives up to her name every day. Libi means “my heart” in Hebrew. She was born with Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition often characterized by medical issues, learning challenges, and an affinity for music and incredibly loving personality. Libi is truly the heart of our family and the choices we make are […] Learn More ›
It Doesn’t Have to Go as Planned
It’s okay to cry on your birthday. My family loves birthdays and makes a party out of everything. They have an even better excuse to do so when it’s double digits, a permit, a license, or any other extra special birthday. But here’s the thing… I can promise that I cried on every one of […] Learn More ›
The Perspective of a Jewish Chicago Teen
It’s been a hard time for Jewish teens across the Chicagoland area. Casey Luchs, a senior at Walter Payton High School and one of our JCC Chicago teens, shares her experience following a recent sit-in at school. Her powerful essay sheds a light on how she feels to be a Jewish teen today. JCC Chicago […] Learn More ›
It’s About the Effort
After the first three weeks of being in high school I was despondent, my self-esteem was completely shot, and I felt like my reputation, which I had cultivated for years, was crumbling around me. Now, looking back upon it, I am astounded with how distorted my understanding was that quizzes, tests, and grades defined one’s […] Learn More ›
Sowing the Seeds of a Brighter Future: Cook County United Against Hate is Growing Hope
JCC Chicago has been proud to partner with Cook County United Against Hate, starting with our Violins of Hope Chicago initiative in 2023. What was a big idea all about kindness, unity and hope inspired JCC Chicago to launch a movement that we call Growing Hope. It is a call to action, a mindset, and movement designed […] Learn More ›