Depression and sciatica were the ‘perfect storm’ that took Michelle* from stable housing to becoming a homeless woman. Originally from Texas, she’d moved to the Puget Sound region to be with her family and was looking forward to continuing her employment as a teacher. Her battle with mental illness and the physical pain of her…
Reflections From a Young Geriatric Care Manager
As a newly-minted Russian Language Geriatric Care Manager — green-eyed, bushy-tailed and not yet 30 — I came to the field with my own preconceptions of what my new job would entail. Though my team at JFS had prepared me as much as possible for the complexities of the position, part of me envisioned the role…
Food Bank Update
One aspect I love about the Polack Food Bank is our commitment to feeding our neighbors in a way that strengthens the local economy and community. I believe that serving vulnerable individuals should not come at the expense of other vulnerable parties. I am proud of all the work JFS has done to achieve this…
Averting the Harsh Decree of Mental Illness
There was no word for mental illness in antiquity. Like the fear of death, the fear of slipping into mental anguish was as real in antiquity as it is in our times. We see this in the traditional Jewish liturgy of old. For example, in the most well-known prayer of the High Holidays, ‘Unetaneh Tokef,’…
The Collapse to Homelessness
Homelessness doesn’t happen to people with education, right? A degree in social services, certification in chemical dependency, chairperson of the Seattle Public Schools Head Start program – these are a few of the accomplishments Charles “Carlos” Woodson had prior to 2009. Woodson, a single father and longtime Central District resident, spent his days taking care of…
7 Tips for Breaking Bad Habits
Many of us choose the new year as a time to set intentions to address unhelpful habits and return to our more healthful selves. Here are seven strategies for helping you stick to this year’s resolutions. Set an intention daily. Identify the habit you want to change and set an intention to notice when it…
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