Gulf Coast Jewish Family And Community Services Inc

TO HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE FULFILLING LIVES BY EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS & STRENGTHENING FAMILIES.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES - SEE SCHEDULE OCHILD WELFARE CASE MANAGEMENT PROVIDES PROTECTIVE SUPERVISION FOR CHILDREN REFERRED BY THE FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE AND CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATORS. COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN-HOME AND IN ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENTS WITH RELATIVES, NON-RELATIVES AND LICENSED FOSTER CARE SETTINGS TO ENSURE SAFETY, WELL-BEING AND PERMANENCY, INCLUDING ADOPTION, FOR AN ACTIVE CASELOAD OF OVER 1,000 CHILDREN. THIS PROJECT IS PART OF THE STATEWIDE PRIVATIZATION OF STATE PROTECTIVE SERVICES. CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROVIDES DIRECT CHILD WELL-BEING AND HOME SUPPORT SERVICES TO LICENSED (LEVEL II) CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN PLACED IN THESE HOMES. INCLUDES FACE-TO-FACE CONTACTS, MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE, PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND ANY ADDITIONAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALIZED TO THE CHILD. CAREGIVER SUPPORT MANAGERS ARE ASSIGNED TO (TRADITIONAL FOSTER) HOMES TO COMPLETE THE RELATIONAL ASPECTS OF LICENSURE/RE-LICENSURE, TO INCLUDE HOME ASSESSMENT, PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE CAREGIVER, AND ENSURE STABILITY IN THE HOUSE. TRANSITIONAL SUPPORT SPECIALISTS ASSIGNED TO CHILDREN, AGES 13-17 YEARS OLD, PLACED IN LICENSED SETTINGS, AND SECURE INDEPENDENT LIVING AND OTHER GOALS, UNIQUE TO THIS AGE DEMOGRAPHIC, ARE MET. DIVERSION/PREVENTION PROGRAMS PROVIDE FAMILY INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDES INTENSIVE IN-HOME FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH WITH THE GOAL OF KEEPING AT-RISK CHILDREN "SAFE AT HOME." THE PROGRAM HELPS THE FAMILY TO IDENTIFY AND PROBLEM SOLVE REGARDING THOSE ISSUES THAT LEAD TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT; TO LEARN ABOUT, PRACTICE, AND DEVELOP PROFICIENCY IN STRATEGIES TO AVOID, DEAL WITH, OR OVERCOME THOSE ISSUES; AND TO TEACH AND MODEL WITH THE FAMILY REGARDING HOW TO UTILIZE COMMUNITY RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY AND TO THEIR BEST ADVANTAGE. FAMILIES AT-RISK OF HAVING THEIR CHILDREN REMOVED FROM THE HOME DUE TO ABUSE/NEGLECT ARE REFERRED TO THE PROGRAM BY CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATORS. FAMILY REUNIFICATION SERVICES DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BY PROVIDING INTENSIVE IN-HOME FAMILY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH CASE MANAGEMENT AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES TO ENSURE A SAFE AND PERMANENT REUNIFICATION OF THE CHILD AND FAMILY. SERVICES ARE DESIGNED TO RESPOND TO INDIVIDUAL SITUATIONS THAT MAY INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OF PARENTS AND/OR THEIR CHILDREN, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND/OR SIGNIFICANT THREATS OR A RECENT OCCURRENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE HOME. THESE EVENTS IMPACT THE FAMILY'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHILD. FAMILY SKILL BUILDERS (FSB) PROGRAM DESIGNED TO REDUCE CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, FAMILY CONFLICT, AND CHILD BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. IMPROVEMENTS TO FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS ARE MADE BY PROVIDING IN-HOME THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS, CASE MANAGEMENT, PARENTING EDUCATION, CRISIS STABILIZATION, AND SUPPORT. SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 0-17 WHO RESIDE IN BROWARD COUNTY. ALL DIRECT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN-HOME AND/OR COMMUNITY SETTINGS AT TIMES THAT ARE "FAMILY FRIENDLY," INCLUDING EVENINGS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS WITH 24/7 STAFF AVAILABILITY IN THE EVENT OF A CRISIS. FSB PROGRAM REFERRAL SOURCES INCLUDE BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE - CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS SECTION AND BROWARD SCHOOLS. FAMILY SERVICES INITIATIVE (FSI) PROVIDES NAVIGATION SERVICES FOR FAMILIES IN PINELLAS COUNTY, TO INCLUDE ACCESS TO INFORMATION, SUPPORT, AND RESOURCES, TO ASSIST IN REGAINING FAMILY STABILITY. SYSTEM NAVIGATORS WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE FAMILY TO ASSESS, IDENTIFY, AND PRIORITIZE A FAMILY'S BARRIERS AND NEEDS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY STABILITY. PROVIDES SERVICES BY DEVELOPING FAMILY-CENTERED, STRENGTH-BASED AND NEEDS-DRIVEN, FAMILY SUPPORT PLANS, WITH FAMILY PARTICIPATION. FOR FAMILIES WITH EMERGENT NEEDS, PROVIDE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO THE FAMILY SO THAT STABILITY IS ACHIEVED IN A 7-10 DAY SERVICE DELIVERY. FOR FAMILIES WITH MORE COMPLEX NEEDS, PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SYSTEM NAVIGATION WITH A 30-DAY SERVICE DELIVERY. FOR FAMILIES NEEDING TRUANCY NAVIGATION, FOCUS ON REDUCING SCHOOL ABSENCES AND PREVENTING (FURTHER) INVOLVEMENT IN THE TRUANCY COURT SYSTEM. GOOD AFTERNOON FRIENDS AND AMIGOS (GAFA) IS AN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE TUTORING AND HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE TO SCHOLARS FROM KINDERGARTEN TO 3RD GRADE. PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WILL BE INVOLVED IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES. RESOURCES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS TO HELP MEET IDENTIFIED NEEDS TO INCLUDE HOME VISITATION. SCHOLARS IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 3RD GRADE ENROLLED AT IDENTIFIED ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (REDDICK AND ROBINSON ELEMENTARY). HEALTHY YOUTH TRANSITIONS IS A PROGRAM THAT TARGETS ADJUDICATED YOUTH, YOUTH IN PROTECTIVE SUPERVISION, AND ADJUDICATED YOUTH IN RELATIVE AND NON-RELATIVE CAREGIVER LIVING ARRANGEMENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES WHO REQUIRE EXTENSIVE SUPPORT AND INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES TO TRANSITION SUCCESSFULLY TO ADULTHOOD AND INDEPENDENCE. THROUGH THE USE OF A TEAM APPROACH, PROGRAM STAFF ADVOCATE, AND COACH YOUTH IN INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS. AGES 15-22. HEART GALLERY OF PINELLAS & PASCO PROVIDES ADOPTION SUPPORT FOR FOSTER CARE CHILDREN. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS VOLUNTEER TO PROVIDE PHOTOS OF THE CHILDREN WHICH DISPLAY ACROSS WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND PHYSICAL GALLERIES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY IN HOPES OF FACILITATING AN ADOPTION. THIS PROGRAM ALSO SERVES AS A RESOURCE AND LIAISON FOR FAMILIES INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, CELEBRATES ADOPTION CEREMONIES AT COURT, AND PROVIDES POST-ADOPTION SUPPORT THROUGH RESOURCE SHARING, MEETINGS, AND EVENTS. KINSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES BY PROVIDING DIRECT SUPPORT TO NON-LICENSED CAREGIVERS (RELATIVES AND NON-RELATIVES) OF CHILDREN IN THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN THE CAREGIVERS' HOME AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES. THE PROGRAM UTILIZES DIRECT FAMILY INVOLVEMENT TO DEVELOP AN INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT PLAN TO ADDRESS NECESSARY SERVICES SUCH AS CASE MANAGEMENT, CAREGIVER BENEFIT ASSISTANCE, CRISIS INTERVENTION, AND PEER SUPPORT. SUPPORT SERVICES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN AND STABILIZE KINSHIP PLACEMENTS TO MAINTAIN CHILDREN, REQUIRING OUT OF HOME PLACEMENT, WITH THEIR "FAMILY" VERSUS LICENSED FOSTER CARE. WOMAN-TO-WOMAN PROGRAM IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR TEEN MOTHERS AND PREGNANT GIRLS FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY WHO ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR ACADEMIC FAILURE AND REPEAT PREGNANCIES. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS, WEEKEND RETREATS, WORKSHOPS, PARENT SEMINARS, AND LINKAGE WITH EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES. VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTION OFFERED IN NINE PINELLAS COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS TO DECREASE DISRUPTIVE, AGGRESSIVE, BULLYING BEHAVIOR AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY INTRODUCING, PRACTICING, AND ROLEPLAYING PROSOCIAL BEHAVIORS THAT IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND OVERALL STUDENT SUCCESS. YOUNG ADULT TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM IN BROWARD COUNTY PROVIDES SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO YOUNG ADULTS AGES 17-24, WHO HAVE SERIOUS EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL ISSUES OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND/OR PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS. WITH THE GOAL OF SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD. TRANSITION TO INDEPENDENT LIVING (T2IL) PREPARES YOUTH AGES 15-22 FOR LIVING IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND TARGETS YOUTH WHO ARE "AGING OUT' OF FOSTER CARE.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - SEE SCHEDULE OBEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT SYSTEM WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PILOT PROJECTS IN FLORIDA TO FOCUS ON THE DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION OF YOUNG ADULTS AND SENIORS WITH SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS. DARLINGTON RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY IS A 16-BED LEVEL 2 STATE LICENSED FACILITY THAT PROVIDES SHORT TERM (39 MONTH) RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT TO ADULTS WHO ARE 18+ AND ARE DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE AND PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS AND/OR A CO-OCCURRING DISORDER. THE FACILITY PROVIDES ACCESS TO PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES AS WELL AS PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION, INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING, AND CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, IN ADDITION TO LIFE SKILLS TRAINING IN A HOMELIKE ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS INDEPENDENCE AND ENCOURAGES INDIVIDUALS TO SEEK INDEPENDENT LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY. THE FACILITY RECEIVES REFERRALS FROM THE LOCAL STATE HOSPITAL AS WELL AS THE MENTAL HEALTH RECEIVING FACILITIES, CASE MANAGERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS WITHIN THE SUNCOAST REGION. ADULT RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT & STABILIZATION (ARTS) IS A 16 BED LEVEL 1 STATE LICENSED INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM IN BROWARD COUNTY FOR OLDER ADULTS 30+ YEARS OF AGE WHO HAVE A SEVERE AND PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS AND MAY HAVE CO-OCCURRING ISSUES. THE PROGRAM ACCEPTS FORENSIC REFERRALS THAT WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IN A COMMUNITY SETTING, AS WELL AS FROM THE LOCAL STATE HOSPITAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RECEIVING FACILITIES. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES, PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, AND OTHER SUPPORTS FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS. ADELE GILBERT RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY IS A 16-BED LEVEL 2 STATE-LICENSED RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM IN PASCO COUNTY FOR ADULTS AGE 18+ WHO HAVE A DIAGNOSED MENTAL ILLNESS AND MAY HAVE CO-OCCURRING SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES. THE PROGRAM ACCEPTS NON-VIOLENT FORENSIC REFERRALS THAT WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IN A COMMUNITY SETTING. SERVICES INCLUDE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION, RECOVERY-ORIENTED LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION, SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING, INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, AND OTHER SUPPORTS FOR UP TO THREE OR EIGHT MONTHS. ALTERNATIVE FAMILY PROGRAM (AFP) IS BASED ON THE THERAPEUTIC FOSTER HOME CONCEPT OF TRAINED SPONSORS WHO OPEN THEIR HOMES TO NO MORE THAN FIVE ADULTS OR SENIORS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND WELCOME THEM INTO THEIR FAMILIES. WITH OVER 219 BEDS IN 71 LICENSED CARE HOMES COVERING A 36 COUNTY AREA, SPONSORS PROVIDE 24-HOUR CLIENT SUPERVISION, CARE, AND SUPPORT IN EXCHANGE FOR A MONTHLY STIPEND. OLDER ADULTS SUPPORT TEAM PROVIDES SPECIALIZED INTERVENTION FOR ELDERS AT RISK OF SUICIDE. IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH STATE ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES, THIS HOLISTIC PROGRAM IN BROWARD COUNTY PROVIDES IN HOME ASSESSMENT, CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELING, AND CASE MANAGEMENT WITH THE OVERALL GOAL OF REDUCING SUICIDE RISK. INTERVENTION SERVICES PROVIDES SUBSTANCE ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR ADULTS 18 YEARS AND OLDER IN PINELLAS, PASCO, AND HILLSBOROUGH COUNTIES WHO PRESENT WITH RISK FACTORS FOR SUBSTANCE MISUSE. THIS IN-HOME PROGRAM PROVIDES INDIVIDUALIZED SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND INTERVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION, SHORT-TERM PROBLEM SOLVING, ADVOCACY, REFERRAL, AND FOLLOW-UP TO REDUCE RISK FACTORS AND THE NEED FOR MORE EXTENSIVE TREATMENT. PREVENTION PROGRAM PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS FOCUSING ON THE PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND INCREASING HEALTHY BEHAVIORS IN OUR COMMUNITIES. CURRENT PREVENTION EFFORTS INCLUDE ELDER EDUCATION, SOCIAL MARKETING AND PARENTING FROM PRISON. THE PROGRAM SERVICES MORE THAN 5,000 ADULTS ANNUALLY IN PINELLAS, PASCO, AND HILLSBOROUGH COUNTIES. SUPPORTED HOUSING/LIVING PROGRAM ASSISTS OVER 75 INDIVIDUALS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS OR CO-OCCURRING SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY. SERVICES INCLUDE OBTAINING AFFORDABLE HOUSING, DEVELOPING READINESS FOR WORK OR VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES, VOCATIONAL JOB AND COACHING, AND HELPING TO STRENGTHEN DAILY LIVING SKILLS. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, AND PINELLAS COUNTIES.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AT THE HARVEY HERTZ CENTER - SEE SCHEDULE OHOLOCAUST SURVIVORS PROGRAM HELPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS IN 7 COUNTIES OF THE GREATER TAMPA BAY AREA BY PROVIDING CRITICALLY NEEDED, IN-HOME CARE, EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FUNDS, TRANSPORTATION, SOCIAL EVENTS, AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO PRESENT OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT. A NEW INITIATIVE CALLED "CHAI" ("LIFE" IN HEBREW) COMPLEMENTS THE CORE HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS' PROGRAM BY PROVIDING SENIOR FRIENDLY TABLETS TO SURVIVORS ALLOWING THEM TO STAY CONNECTED WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY BY OFFERING ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE SOCIAL ISOLATION, LIKE YOGA AND MUSIC CLASSES, AND FRIENDLY VISITORS. EMERGENCY FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES OFFERS ASSISTANCE IN MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN PINELLAS, PASCO, AND HERNANDO COUNTIES. PROGRAM SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION, AND INTEREST-FREE COLLEGE LOANS. WILLIAM AND SALLY ISRAEL FOOD PANTRY PROVIDE NON-PERISHABLE FOOD, LIMITED CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CLIENTS OF GULF COAST JFS CLIENTS BY APPOINTMENT AND CLIENTS OF OTHER PROGRAMS MAY ACCESS THE PANTRY THROUGH THEIR CASE MANAGERS OR PROGRAM STAFF. YAD B'YAD (HAND-IN-HAND) RECRUITS JEWISH ADULT VOLUNTEERS AS MENTORS, COMPANIONS, AND ROLE MODELS FOR JEWISH CHILDREN AGES 6 TO 17. THE RELATIONSHIP STRENGTHENS THE FAMILY BY ENRICHING CHILDREN'S LIVES WITH ADDITIONAL ADULT INFLUENCE AND SUPPORT. CHATS (COMPANIONSHIP, HELP & ACCESS BY TELEPHONE FOR SENIORS) A FRIENDLY CALLER PROGRAM WHEREIN TRAINED VOLUNTEERS WILL "CHAT" WEEKLY WITH HOMEBOUND OR ISOLATED SENIORS TO INCREASE THEIR SOCIAL CONTACT. THIS PROGRAM AFFORDS INDIVIDUALS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER WITHOUT LEAVING THEIR HOMES. VOLUNTEERS ARE MATCHED WITH PARTICIPANTS BY VARIOUS CRITERIA AND ARE EXPECTED TO CONTACT TWO OLDER ADULTS WEEKLY WITH CALLS EXPECTED TO LAST 10 TO 15 MINUTES AT A MINIMUM EACH.