Services

Support Groups

Support Groups

Support groups play a vital role in fostering community and providing essential resources for those facing various challenges. For families navigating the complexities of emotional health issues in children, these groups offer a compassionate and confidential space to share experiences, gain practical insights, and receive mutual support.

Recognizing the unique struggles faced by grandparents, dedicated support networks empower them to connect and learn effective ways to assist their grandchildren while nurturing their own well-being.

In the educational realm, support networks for both female and male educators create environments where teachers can connect with peers who understand their unique challenges, fostering collaboration and shared insights. Additionally, specialized groups for school leaders provide opportunities for principals to discuss their multifaceted roles, share experiences, and support one another in managing the complexities of school administration.

Overall, our goal is to offer valuable resources, promote resilience, and strengthen connections among all participants.
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Rabbinical Liaison

Rabbinical Liaison

As a trusted Rabbinic liaison, Nissa facilitates effective communication between families and their Rabbis, addressing these emotional and behavioral challenges. We empower families to share their struggles, clarify questions, and develop solutions.

For families with children struggling emotionally or behaviorally, Shabbos and Yom Tov can be overwhelming. The lack of structure during these holidays can lead to behavioral difficulties, strained relationships, and differing parenting perspectives, ultimately affecting the entire family. Siblings may even develop negative associations with these times due to the need to tiptoe around their brother or sister.

At Nissa, we work closely with families and their local rabbis to develop realistic, halachically-sound behavioral plans that address each child's unique needs. Through clarification, planning, and ongoing support, we aim to restore enjoyment to family gatherings and minimize their negative impact.

By bridging the gap between families and their rabbi, we strive to create peaceful and enjoyable Shabbos and Yom Tov experiences. To ensure targeted support, we aintain open communication with local rabbis to stay informed about emerging community concerns.
Community Expansion

Community Expansion

Community expansion involves four main areas. First, we provide support groups for families and grandparents who are dealing with children or grandchildren facing emotional or behavioral challenges. Second, we offer support network groups for school principals, teachers, and staff to help them manage these issues effectively. We also focus on developing future mental health leaders by offering reflective groups.

Third, we engage with community leaders and Rabbis to understand emerging issues and then collectively create prevention classes aimed at addressing the root causes of these problems. Fourth, we bring together mental health and social service organizations to identify, discuss, and address community concerns that have been highlighted by these organizations. Finally, after these meetings, we focus on the issues identified for a deeper understanding. Through research and expert discussions, Nissa aims to pinpoint the root causes and collaboratively develop tailored solutions for the Chicago community.
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Case Management

Case Management

Case management is the title Nissa uses to describe our work supporting families with children who are facing emotional and behavioral challenges. We offer these families emotional support and guidance and help connect them to appropriate community resources. Our role is to provide a non-judgmental space where they can openly discuss their struggles. We assist them in navigating these difficult situations, even when the path forward is unclear.

We collaborate with schools to ensure that everyone involved receives the best support possible. This includes coordinating care, advocating for the family's needs, and helping to develop and implement effective strategies to address the challenges they face. We also support families with follow-up tasks after meetings with organizations or schools, helping them understand and complete next steps to ensure that their needs are continuously met, and progress is made.

We monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided, adjust individualized plans as needed, and ensure that all aspects of the family’s needs are addressed. We also facilitate communication between different service providers and help the family manage any paperwork or administrative tasks involved in accessing services.

We understand that the process can feel scary, overwhelming, and isolating, and our goal is to ensure that no one must face these challenges alone.