In this episode of the Mighty MERP Podcast, host Melissa Rosenblum speaks with Lily Elsohn, Senior Director of Mental Health Services at Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Atlantic and Cape May counties.
They discuss Lily's journey into mental health, the vital programs offered by JFS, including Community Support Services (CSS) and the PATH program, and the challenges faced in providing mental health support in the community.
The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, the changing attitudes towards mental health, and the ongoing need for housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
takeaways
Lily Elsohn's personal experience with mental health inspired her career.
JFS provides a wide range of services beyond therapy, including food assistance and outreach.
Community Support Services (CSS) helps adults with severe mental illness live independently.
The PATH program assists individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing vital resources.
Building trust with vulnerable populations is crucial for effective outreach.
The expansion into Cape May County has increased JFS's service capacity.
The JFS Sprinter Van is a valuable tool for outreach and service delivery.
Changing societal attitudes towards mental health is a gradual process.
Housing remains a significant challenge for mental health services.
Empathy is essential in understanding and supporting individuals with mental health issues.
Sound Bites
"This is packed with heart, hope and honesty."
"You do not have to be Jewish to be served."
"It's a great organization to work for."
Chapters
00:00 Lily Elson's Journey into Mental Health
02:31 Overview of Jewish Family Services (JFS)
05:25 Understanding Community Support Services (CSS)
08:32 Connecting Individuals to JFS Services
11:27 Success Stories from CSS
14:33 Exploring the PATH Program
17:25 Building Trust with Vulnerable Populations
17:43 Navigating Barriers to Housing
20:12 Expansion of Services in Cape May County
26:52 Changing Attitudes Towards Mental Health
34:58 Challenges in Mental Health Support
36:57 Future Aspirations for Housing Solutions
37:46 Community Support and Awareness for Mental Health
