Touching the Heart

Providing messages of support and well-being   

Alexander Jewish Family Service (Alexander JFS) offers this unique text-messaging program that provides messages of support and well-being for high school seniors through graduate school, as well as young professionals, parents and teachers.

Research shows that friendly messages can support a sense of belonging and overall well-being, ultimately helping to reduce isolation and prevent suicide in this ever-changing world.  

Every two weeks, participants receive messages that help them stay grounded, manage stress and navigate life challenges.

We currently have more than 310 active participants with a 90% retention rate. People who join our program stick around because they feel the benefits. Whether you are looking for support or are interested in offering it, we encourage you to give it a try and sign up today.

Touching the heart gives:
  • A text message of support every two weeks
  • Wellness tips, inspiration and information for high school seniors, college and graduate students, young professionals, parents and teachers
  • An easy way to maintain resilience
  • An opportunity to text back and connect with a member of the TTH team
  • A free service for all in the respective age groups

Common Questions about Touching the Heart

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is a high school senior, college student, graduate student, young professionals or parent is welcome to join.

How much does this program cost?

This is a free service JFS Houston offers to the community.

What information do you need?

We ask for the receiver's cell phone number as well as some demographic information for reporting purposes. The receiver can opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

What do the messages say?

Sample intro message: "Hi, Welcome to Touching the Heart! We are glad you joined our text connection program. We'll be there with a few words of support every two weeks to make your days a little easier. You can text back anytime if you need additional support or have questions.
-Touching the Heart Team, Jewish Family Service Houston."

What are other things I can do to stay connected?

-Spend time writing in your journal. Identify your support system: friends, family and other trusted adults who are there for you if you are struggling and need to connect and feel safe and heard.

-Write about the healthy activities that leave you feeling restored and relaxed and see if you can make the list longer each time you journal.

-Make time for connection with your friends and trusted adults every week.

-Tell someone you trust if you believe you would benefit from counseling.

-Consider writing the things you are grateful for and see how you feel.

-Keep a conversation going with your friends about how they are feeling

-Be sure you have had your annual physical and consider an annual counseling “physical.”

Upcoming Events

Opportunities that transform lives - including yours.
View Calendar

Resources & News

A central location for you to be empowered with knowledge.
Explore JFS Central
Behavioral and Mental Health
,
Mental Health Emergency Resources
White Desk with a plant, lamp and open laptop
Volunteers
,
Community
Volunteer Log Hours
graphic with paperwork and check mark in box
Agency News & Events
,
Privacy Statement
Volunteer deliverying meals
Volunteers
,
Volunteer Opportunities
Houston Jewish Family Foundation
,
Historical Fund Established after WW II
Figure standing on side of mountain with arms outstreatched
Carl’s Daily
,
Moving Forward - March 15 2021
Sandi Helfman Wolf Photo
Agency News & Events
,
A Letter to You
Figure standing on side of mountain with arms outstreatched
Carl’s Daily
,
Spring Cleaning - March 1, 2021

Sign Up Today

Enrollment for this program is always open! Complete the Registration form and start receiving occasional text messages with tips and just to say hello and see how you are doing.

arrow
Contact Us Directly

(713) 986-7832

TTH@alexanderjfs.org

‍

Hours of Operation
Need Help Now?
For Medical Emergences: Call or text 911
For Mental Health Emergencies: Call or text 988

‍

Additional Resources:‍

Houston Crisis Hotline

(866) 970-4770

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

The Trevor Project, LGBTQ Crisis Hotline

(866) 488-7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

(800) 799-SAFE (7233)
www.thehotline.org

‍

After the crisis:

For CURRENT Alexander JFS clients: please provide an update to your Alexander JFS staff about the care you received through any emergency resources.

For NEW clients who are seeking Alexander JFS services for the first time: please inform the Alexander JFS staff about the recent care received through any emergency resources. 

‍

Together We Are Stronger

Thank you to our collaborating partners and sponsors for providing essential resources to make our work possible.

Partnership Opportunities
Volunteer
underwriter:
Label for logos:

We provide light, hope and help.

Explore Alexander JFS Services
five children standing close
Children's Counseling
A focus on the mental health and well being of children, ages 2 through teens.
Learn more
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Trainings to learn a five-step action plan to recognize signs of mental health distress in others.
Learn more