Several times a year, Jewish Family Services (JFS), in collaboration with the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors (CJCS) and several other organizations, hosts holiday commemorations for adults living with mental illness. Its most recent event was a Chanukah celebration at the CJCS auditorium attended by more than eighty people ranging in age from eighteen to seventy-five. The event was open to clients of JFS, the CJCS, the YM-YWHA Special Needs Network, and the Douglas Hospital Residential Resource Network.

The party-goers enjoyed a candle lighting ceremony, a feast of traditional holiday foods, and each received a gift. A pianist provided entertainment, and one of the participants got up to recite the story of Chanukah. Together, everyone experienced a true sense of community that individuals with mental illness are so often denied.

It is a rare pleasure for a person with a mental illness to have the opportunity to socialize in an atmosphere free of anxiety and stigma, where they can be themselves without fear of being judged harshly. This gathering provided such an atmosphere.

Though most of the participants live within the community, they  frequently feel lonely, isolated and, often, unwelcome at mainstream holiday events. Despite the best of intentions, even family gatherings can be fraught with tension. Particularly during holidays, it is important that individuals with mental illness can share their Jewish identity in a meaningful and fulfilling way that makes them feel less isolated.

The clients, themselves, are very supportive of one another. Those who have been coming for years look upon these occasions as their family holiday gathering. They are held to mark the major holidays on the Jewish calendar, as well as a number of Shabbatons.

For more information about JFS programs for adults living with  mental health illness, contact Marcie Klein, Supervisor, JFS Mental Health Support Services, at 514 345-2645, ext. 3412 or at Marcie.Klein@jfsmontreal.org.

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