By Sam Sam Maron, The Rawnhurst Torah Weekly
Here in Rhawnhurst
Jewish Family & Children’s Services Assists NE Philadelphia’s Orthodox Community
It’s probably one of the best kept secrets that shouldn’t be. Orthodox Jewish families here in Rhawnhurst can now turn to the JFCS of Greater Philadelphia for help in resolving behavioral health issues that may be challenging them. With a new post-pandemic 8546-B Bustleton Avenue office, Orthodox Service Program Manager Ronni Troodler says JFCS now has 2 dedicated clinical social workers working with Orthodox families.
The two are Ms. Troodler & Carly Chodosh—both Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
The Northeast JFCS Orthodox Services Program was designed to target members of Congregation Ahavas Torah, Rav Leizerowski’s shul, Bnai Israel-Ohev Zedek & the Lubavitcher Center.
Now seeing 20 clients between them, there are about 60 other Orthodox clients seen by other JFCS clinicians—who have been trained by Ronni & Carly to understand the unique issues that Orthodox clients may bring to their sessions.
“For example , ” Ms. Troodler said, “if a client has a religious issue the other social workers may come for help to clarify the problem. “We provide the other staff seeing Orthodox clients with Cultural Competency training to help them understand the unique needs of our Orthodox clients. We support them in their work with those clients.”
The clients not seen by Ms. Troodler & Ms. Chodosh have chosen to be seen by the other social workers because “they felt that they had a need that could not wait…” until they were available.
There is still a waiting list and, Ms. Troodler said, JFCS is in the process of hiring a third fulltime social worker to work alongside her and Ms. Chodosh.
Because JFCS is a “community-based agency,” she said, “we see persons with a full gamut of problems.”
That includes, she added, people with financial needs—some of whom qualify for JFCS financial aid—as well as people with marital issues; anxiety; bipolar disorder; eating disorders; and trauma.
“Almost everyone we see has some kind of trauma,” she said that may have emanated at their job or from some sort of illness.
Many also have issues in executive functioning—challenges in setting priorities in their lives or how to accomplish tasks of everyday living.
Clients may be seen in office; at their homes if the sessions can be held without distraction or remotely via telehealth using platforms such as Zoom.
She also noted that the Bustleton Avenue does not see walk-in clients.
Interested parties should call 866 532 7669 for an appointment during which an Intake will be arranged.
Later, the individual will be screened by a clinician and following that screening sessions will begin.
The local JFCS Orthodox program is among others offered nationally by JFCS agencies in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio and California, Ms. Troodler said.
Offices located at 8546B Bustelton Ave. , next door to T Mobil