JFCS of the Suncoast

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day that celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.

At JFCS of the Suncoast, we recognize the importance of creating a community where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. As we reflect on the significance of this day, we remain committed to fostering hope, understanding, and opportunity for all.

Please note that our offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume normal business hours on Monday.

Thank you to everyone who joined the “Lunch and Learn About” program! We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the mission and impact of JFCS of the Suncoast with the community. A special thank you to CEO Dr. Helene Lotman and Kari Ellingstad, Director of Family Wellness Programs, for highlighting how our programs support children, families, and vulnerable individuals across the Suncoast. 💙

June is Men's Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the mental health challenges many men face—and the importance of seeking support.

💙 Men die by su***de more than four times the rate of women.
💙 More than 6 million men experience depression each year.
💙 Alcohol dependency impacts 1 in 5 men.
💙 Yet less than half of men struggling with mental health concerns seek help.

Mental health struggles don't always look the way people expect. They can show up as irritability, isolation, substance misuse, risky behavior, exhaustion, or feeling emotionally numb.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

📍 JFCS of the Suncoast Counseling Services
📞 941-366-2224
🌐 jfcs-cares.org

Additional resources:
📞 Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
📞 NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
📱 Text "Helpline" to 62640
🌐 Mental Health America: mhanational.org

You don't have to face it alone.

In honor of Holocaust Survivor Day, June 4th, we had the privilege of bringing Holocaust survivors and their families from across the Suncoast together for a special luncheon at The Ora.

Approximately 100 survivors and family members gathered for an afternoon of music, dancing, laughter, fellowship, and shared memories. The event was made possible through a collaboration between JFCS of the Suncoast, Gulf Coast JFCS, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and the Holocaust Claims Conference.

Holocaust Survivor Day is a time to recognize lives that endured the unimaginable, honor stories that continue to inspire us, and celebrate the resilience that has carried generations forward. While we can never forget the tragedy of the Holocaust, we can take this opportunity to celebrate the courage, perseverance, and determination of those who survived.

Today and every day, we honor not only what survivors endured, but the lives they built, the families they raised, and the lasting impact they continue to have on our community.

Today we honor those who gave their lives in service. And we hold space for the families who carry their absence every day — not just today. If grief is heavy for you this Memorial Day, you're not alone. Support is here when you're ready.

We are closed in observance.

Happy Shavuot from JFCS of the Suncoast!

In observance of the holiday, our offices will close early at 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 22, and will be closed on Friday, May 23.

We wish all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful Shavuot!

In 1986, conversations around mental health often happened behind closed doors. Therapy was something many people felt they had to hide, and asking for help carried a heavy stigma.

Today, those conversations are happening more openly — in workplaces, schools, homes, and across social media. While stigma still exists, more people are speaking up, seeking support, and recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.

For nearly 40 years, JFCS has been committed to walking alongside individuals and families through life’s challenges, helping create a community where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. And we’re continuing that work every day. 💚

Today, on International Day of Families, we recognize the vital role families play in building strong, healthy communities 💙

This year’s theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” highlights how economic hardship, educational barriers, mental health challenges, and limited access to resources can impact a family’s stability and a child’s future.

At JFCS of the Suncoast, we see every day how the right support can change the trajectory of a family’s life. Through counseling services, youth programs, financial assistance, fatherhood initiatives, and family support programs, we work alongside local families to help build resilience, strengthen connections, and create brighter futures for children and caregivers alike.

Every family deserves the opportunity to thrive—and no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

Learn more about the programs and services helping families across our community:
🔗JFCS-Cares.org