West Hartford-based Jewish Family Services has launched ‘JFS ONCALL,’ a free emotional support hotline available to those in the Greater Hartford area.

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In our increasingly digital world, innovation is rapidly changing our day-to-day lives and we’re constantly finding new ways to connect. With a push from these unforeseen circumstances, JFS has grown our capacity to serve our community when and how we are needed most; we are adapting to necessary changes, learning the newest technologies, building resilience as a team, and transferring important skills to a digital landscape.

JFS social workers will be operating a free and confidential emotional support hotline: JFS ONCALL. This is not a crisis line or a replacement for therapeutic telehealth appointments; this is an outlet for community members to express their worries, be heard, and gain support. Call 860-613-5429 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. to talk to a member of the team.

“Feelings of fear, stress, and worry are normal in a crisis,” said Anne M. Danaher, Jewish Family Services Chief Executive Officer. “The coronavirus pandemic significantly affects mental health for everyone, but especially for those with an existing mental illness.”

Both the anxiety of contracting the disease and mandatory “social distancing” rules may cause an increase in isolation and feelings of loneliness and despair; existing feelings may also worsen and trigger symptoms. Myriad mental health concerns, including depression, self-harm, suicide, substance abuse, and domestic violence will also escalate. Parents face challenges in helping their children to feel safe at a time when the world no longer feels safe.

“It is our obligation to provide these services and it is our honor to embrace possibility for all in need in our community,” said Pia Rosenberg Toro, President of Jewish Family Services. “JFS is on the forefront of responding to persons impacted by this outbreak in many different ways and we are prepared to provide the requisite services as the needs increase.”

About Jewish Family Services

In partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, the JFS mission is to enhance and strengthen quality of life through the Jewish tradition of caring and compassion. JFS Counseling, Education and Community Support programs serve the Jewish community AND the community at large regardless of race, religion and gender. To learn more about Jewish Family Services, visit jfshartford.org

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