Meet her once and you’ll know, Jessica Katz has a gift for making people feel seen.
Whether it’s welcoming a new resident, guiding a family through a difficult transition, or strengthening Selfhelp’s ties to our community, Jessica helps everyone feel connected.
As our Director of Resident Services & Community Outreach, Jessica brings honesty, respect, and compassion into every conversation, and her approach is rooted in one simple belief: Selfhelp isn’t just a place to live—it’s a home, and it’s a family.
What brought you to The Selfhelp Home — and what made you feel this was the right place for you?
I strive to imbue every interaction in my life with honesty, respect, and compassion – and I truly believe SHH embodies these three tenets. We are a home, we are a family here; I am grateful to and empowered by our community. I came to Selfhelp after several years of volunteering here, and I knew that this was where I wanted to be.
In your own words, what does “Resident Services & Community Outreach” mean here day to day?
“Resident services” means I get to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents, while “community outreach” means I get to build and strengthen organic relationships within both the Jewish and secular communities. I love what I do — I get to make friends and make lives easier on a daily basis!
What’s a moment with a resident or family member that has really stayed with you?
I remember the exact conversation when it all gelled for me — I was working with an assisted living family whose mother was considering a necessary move to the skilled nursing floor. Suddenly I realized I knew how to direct the conversation in a compassionate way so the resident and the family could be assured and comforted, and I think I was able to make a difficult transition easier for all involved.
How do you help new residents (and their loved ones) feel welcomed and supported in those first days?
I do my best to learn about the resident’s preferences, likes/dislikes, and personality — I try to gain insight into their loved ones as well. Providing person-centered care is a deeply important cornerstone of Selfhelp’s culture.
What are some of the most meaningful ways you’ve seen community partnerships enrich life at Selfhelp?
I’ve loved building new relationships with 4 local Chambers of Commerce- interacting with community members in hyperlocal settings has led to increased awareness of Selfhelp through our greatest organic tool- word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations.
When you think about the Selfhelp community, what makes it unique — and how do you help protect that culture?
As someone who was first a volunteer for Selfhelp (from 2017-2020) and then became a staff member beginning in 2022, I think that the bones of our organization have been and continue to be the excellent care we provide our residents. From nursing and rehabilitation care to offering strong programming and a sense of community- we provide it all, and I strive to bring service with a smile both in the building and beyond.
What’s something people might not realize about the emotional side of your work, and how do you stay grounded?
I care deeply about the work I am privileged to perform on a daily basis, and what I love most is when residents, their loved ones, and our staff are all cohesively working together — this is why I call service/care conversations “fan club” meetings! It’s difficult to see families that may not be in harmony during a tough time in their loved one’s life, when I don’t have the tools or ability to solve or mitigate their internal struggles.
Bringing Cora, my standard schnauzer, to work to visit residents helps me recall my volunteer days with my dog Libby as a Certified Therapy Dog Team, and seeing the great joy she gives to our residents and staff with her snuggles always brings me comfort as well. Bringing animals from Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue (CLEAR) to visit is also a great time- I’m perpetually grateful that I can share this other passion of mine with our residents.
Can you share a recent program, initiative, or collaboration you’re especially proud of, and tell us why you’re proud of it?
I’ve loved building a relationship with our friends at JUF TOV (Tikkun Olam Volunteer), JUF’s connection point for people looking to donate their time to help others. We welcome them several times a year for activities ranging from flower arranging with residents, themed Bingo events, and Holocaust learning activities, and the experiences are always meaningful for both Selfhelp residents and our guests.
I’m also excited to continue building a relationship with CJE Senior Life’s new Metro Chicago office in Lakeview. I’ve already seen our residents receive excellent support from CJE’s local social worker.
What does “person-centered care” look like through your lens, outside of clinical care?
Learning about person-centered care was a really exciting concept for me when I first started at Selfhelp. I love the idea of meeting my residents where they are, and experiencing the world through their eyes. If they’re hanging out in 1966, I want to hear all about it! I feel honored whenever a resident shares stories or experiences with me, that confidence is truly a valued experience. The more I know about who they are, the better care my colleagues and I can provide to them.
If you could describe what you hope residents feel every day at Selfhelp in a single sentence, what would it be?
I hope our residents feel safe, comfortable, and supported.