08/25/2026
Supporting a Family Through Crisis: A Continuum of Care
Three siblings found themselves caught in the middle of an increasingly contentious divorce and custody battle. As conflict between their parents escalated, the children experienced growing anxiety, confusion, and emotional distress. The instability at home began to affect multiple areas of their lives, including their behavior, relationships, and ability to function at school.
The family's relationship with Bellefaire JCB – a Jewish Federation of Cleveland beneficiary agency – began through the oldest child, who was identified by her Jewish Day School as struggling to cope with the challenges surrounding the divorce. Through Bellefaire's Jewish Day School Counseling Program, she was connected with a counselor who provided a safe, supportive space to process her fears, express difficult emotions, and develop healthy coping skills. Over the first several months of counseling, she began showing signs of improvement and greater emotional stability.
As the school year progressed, however, the counselor observed new concerns. The ongoing family stress contributed to the development of an eating disorder, requiring a higher level of care beyond what could be provided in the school setting alone. Because she was already receiving services through Bellefaire, the transition to additional mental health support was seamless, helping her access the next level of care when she needed it most. Her care team worked collaboratively to ensure continuity of support while she continued meeting regularly with her school counselor. With consistent intervention and wraparound care, she ultimately demonstrated significant growth, resilience, and emotional stability.
As Bellefaire staff became more involved with the family, additional challenges emerged. One of the siblings, who is on the autism spectrum, was struggling with emotional regulation and increasingly unpredictable behavior at home. His physical aggression toward the youngest sibling created additional stress for the family and raised concerns about the well-being of all three children.
Recognizing the impact this was having on the youngest child, Bellefaire connected her with an early childhood mental health specialist who provides services within local day schools. Through cognitive behavioral therapy and other age-appropriate interventions, she learned strategies to manage her anxiety, process the changes occurring within her family, and regain a sense of safety and confidence.
Throughout their work with the children, Bellefaire clinicians recognized that the family would benefit from support beyond services directed solely at the siblings. The mother, who was serving as the primary caregiver and navigating the emotional toll of the divorce while managing her children's complex needs, was experiencing significant stress and anxiety herself. Bellefaire referred her to individual counseling to help strengthen her own mental health and coping skills. Through therapy, she gained tools to manage the challenges of divorce, advocate effectively for her children, and provide the stability they needed during a difficult transition.
What began as support for one child evolved into a coordinated, family-centered intervention. Bellefaire counselors across multiple programs collaborated regularly, ensuring that each family member had the appropriate level of care. In addition to counseling, the family received resources and guidance related to autism services and supports.
When a local family is in need, Jewish Cleveland is there. Thanks to our community's support of the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, families can turn to Federation's network of beneficiary agencies, including Bellefaire JCB, for compassionate, coordinated care that evolves as their needs change. Together, we help children build resilience, parents find strength, and families move forward with hope, healing, and the confidence that they are never alone.
TOGETHER, we help save and change tens of thousands of lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world. Thank you!
