Counseling Services
Children / Adolescents

Family Life Education

Jewish Healing Program

Healthy Families / Healthy Children

School Based Programs

Member Agency Of:

Alliance for Children & Families

Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies

Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation

United Way of Sarasota County

United Way of South Sarasota County

Accredited By:

Council on Accreditation of Services for Families & Children, Inc.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse have become ever-present problems in our society. Our Substance Abuse Program focuses on Prevention and Intervention.The best way to avoid substance abuse is through prevention. We identify those who are at risk for abusing substances. When substance abuse problems are suspected, intervention is necessary. This is when we are able to assess the need for further treatment. When substance abuse problems are present, we are able to make appropriate referrals for treatment. Sometimes, people use alcohol and/or drugs to “self-medicate” or mask other problems.

Assessment for drug and alcohol abuse is a regular part of our intake process along with assessment for mental, emotional, behavioral, and psychological problems
Substance Abuse is addressed with individuals of all ages, couples, families, groups and in our school based and senior programs.
Prevention is the educational component of our program.
Intervention is the action phase of our program where more intensive treatment will be considered.
We incorporate Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention into other programs such as Anger Management and we assess each client.

For additional information, call Wendy Effron, LCSW, Director of Counseling Services at (941) 366-2224 or weffron@jfcs-cares.org.

VOLUNTARY INTERIM PROGRAM - ENHANCED RECOVERY (VIPER) FAMILY UNIFICATION SERVICES

JFCS is a proud participant in a unique county funded substance abuse program, referred to as “VIPER”.VIPER is a ten week substance abuse program located at The Salvation Army.JFCS provides Family Unification Counseling to individuals in the program, and their families, to help them cope with the effects of substance abuse on the family system.Individual, group and family therapy is available for participants.Other agencies involved in VIPER are: The Salvation Army, First Step of Sarasota, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Suncoast Workforce and the Sarasota Health Department.

For additional information please call Wendy Effron, LCSW,
Director of Counseling Services at (941) 366-2224 or
weffron@jfcs-cares.org.



		email: info@jfcs-cares.org