Golden Valley Nonprofit Sees ‘Skyrocketing’ Demand for Mental Health Assistance
For over a century, the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) has assisted more than 13,000 people each year who need help for various reasons.
“We have more than 30 programs offered,” said Laura Gorke, intake and resource connection program manager with JFCS, which is based in Golden Valley.
Gorke said demand for the Golden Valley nonprofit’s emergency financial assistance program skyrocketed last year.
Rental and mortgage assistance and one-time emergencies like car repairs are behind the influx of need.
“We went from a few years back of seeing maybe just a handful of applications coming each week to the point where I believe we had over 40 applications coming in on a weekly basis,” said Gorke.
The organization takes a holistic approach to helping people recover, including career counseling and mental health support.
“There’s so much more anxiety. I feel like anxiety has totally skyrocketed,” said Jill Kozberg, mental health and senior services director.
About a year ago, the agency expanded its mental health department to meet high demand. It added more therapists and launched a program to address the needs of children.
“It’s specifically for the parents of kids and teens who are struggling with anxiety because the need for that, anxiety has become debilitating for some many people,” explained Kozberg.
JFCS officials says although they are stretched thin, they will continue to be a place where the community can come for resources.
Contact Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis if you want to volunteer or donate.
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