Play therapy: Communicating with children in the language they speak

By Becca Hotchkiss, LICSW • JFCS Counselor “Birds fly, fish swim, and children play”– Garry Landreth I love this quote by Landreth, founder of the largest play therapy training center in the world, the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas. Most people think of ther[...]

From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: April 2022

From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper Jim Cohen, CEO of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, recently returned from a mission trip to the border of Poland and Ukraine. He proudly reported to his Twin Cities colleagues that refugees streaming across this border are being greeted by a number of relief organizations, among them the Joint Di[...]

ParentChild+ Staff Spotlight: Chantel Jullie

How long have you worked at JFCS and what is your role here? I started at JFCS in the ParentChild+ program as an Early Learning Specialist in 2015. In 2018, I took on a Coordinator role in the program. Can you share about some of your previous work experience and how it has helped you as[...]

Meet our newest Counselors, Becca Hotchkiss and Samantha Taleff

Becca Hotchkiss, MSW, LICSW (she/her) All of us are faced with experiences in life that are scary and difficult, with which we could use some help. Using warmth, gentleness, and humor, Becca’s goal as a therapist is to create a safe, healing relationship to join you in exploring the p[...]

Help JFCS meet urgent community needs during time of uncertainty

By Scott Rubin • JFCS Board Member and 2022 GIVE Campaign Chair In a world filled with uncertainty, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis continues to meet the urgent needs of our community, and offer support to people of all ages and backgrounds as they manage physical, mental[...]

Volunteer Spotlight April 2022: Ted Peilen

Can you tell us about yourself and your background? I was born and raised in St. Louis Park, where I always had a connection to the local Jewish community growing up, whether through Talmud Torah, BBYO or synagogue. I went to college out-of-state and lived all over the country for several years [...]