Student Support Resources
It’s a really difficult time to be a Jewish college student. During moments like this, it’s important to care for ourselves and to look out for those in our communities.
ASK: Acknowledge, Support, Keep -in-Touch
67% of young adults tell a friend they are struggling before telling anyone else. You don’t have to be an expert to help a friend you’re concerned about. Just A.S.K.
Acknowledge
Create a supportive space by letting them know you’re here for them.
Support
Validate their feelings and ask what they need.
Keep-In-Touch
Check back in regularly and consistently.
Practice showing up for a friend using this interactive Youtube video created by Active Minds. As Jewish tradition teaches, It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, nor are you free to desist from it. While we don’t have to be experts to show up for our friends, we all have a role to play in caring for others in our communities.
Need help now?
Crisis Text Line – Text “E” to 741-741
The Trevor Project – Text “START” to 678-678
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Text or call 988.
What kind of support is available to me in my community?
Hillel cares about you! If you are struggling or need assistance, there are resources available to support you and your well-being.
- Your Hillel professional will know what kind of resources are available through your college or university. They are a great place to start to learn what kind of support is available where you go to school.
- Find out if your school partners with TimelyCare, a resource for virtual therapy and self-care tools. Google “TimelyCare” and the name of your school to see if it’s offered through your counseling center or student health office.
- In partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and the Jewish Federations of North America, Hillel connects students seeking support — including mental health counseling, vocational services, and resume support — with organizations offering these services. Below is a list of organizations that support opportunities for college students. Don’t see your community listed? Find out if there’s a Jewish Human Services agency near you, or use the SAMHSA agency locator to discover mental health organizations in your state.
The Collat Jewish Family Service (Birmingham) offers financial assistance, counseling, and food. Contact Marcy Morgenbesser.
The Jewish Family Services of Greenwich has telehealth services. Contact Rachel Kornfeld.
Jewish Family Services of Metro Detroit provides mental health consultations, emergency financial assistance, food assistance, and Passover food assistance. Contact Debra Edwards.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis offers counseling, career services, and financial assistance. Contact Dana Shapiro.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey has emergency assistance, food support, and counseling services. Contact Rachael Ovitz.
Jewish Family Services of Greensboro offers supportive counseling, resources, and food distribution. Contact Betsy Gamburg.
Project Extreme Crisis Text Line provides free confidential support by trained crisis counselors. Text LEV to 741741, or contact Ayalah Lebowicz.
UJA Federation of New York has various support and resource options. Learn more by visiting the website.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia provides emergency financial assistance, care management, counseling, information, and referral. Contact David Rosenberg.
Charleston Jewish Family Services offers emergency aid, counseling resources, and food distribution opportunities. Contact Sara Chesley.
Jewish Family Service of Houston provides mental health text support through its Touching the Heart program. Contact Laurie Silver.