Preisler Shorenstein Institute Offers Holocaust Education for Thousands
- Donor Stories
- Education
- Named Endowment Funds
- Holocaust Center
Like many children who had a parent who survived the Holocaust, Lydia Preisler Shorenstein felt an obligation to find a way to honor her father’s memories and experiences, as well as to educate others about the tragedy of the Holocaust so that history would not continue to repeat itself.
For Lydia the call to action came when she and her late husband, Doug Shorenstein, visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. along with her family, including Lydia’s parents, Simon and Etelka.
Simon Preisler was born in Fancsicovo, Czechoslovakia to an observant Jewish family. A survivor of Auschwitz,… Read More
Posted by Admin on November 12, 2016
Frank Stein and his partner, Paul May, Give a New Generation the Chance to Bloom
- Donor Stories
- Bequests
- Parenting
May their memories be for a blessing.
Frank Stein and his life partner, Paul May, drove cross-country to San Francisco in the 1960s to seek their fortunes, knowing that they could live their lives more openly as a gay couple out west. In the years that followed they created an incredible life together and became successful businessmen. Growing up from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Frank understands firsthand how some families struggle. With a generous grant to JFCS’ Parents Place, he and Paul’s success can now help parents, children, teens, and families get the tools and support they need… Read More
Posted by Admin on May 24, 2016
You Can Even the Playing Field for At-Risk Children
- Donor Stories
- Stories & Testimonials
I wanted my son to have the same chances in life as other kids. JFCS made it possible.
When a child isn’t off to a good start his future is at risk—and puts stress on the entire family. Sheryl found herself in serious trouble when her son got dropped from preschool for starting fights and disobeying teachers.
“I couldn’t find another preschool for Ben and had to take a lot of unpaid time off work. I was behind on rent and started running out of money for food. The stress was overwhelming but I knew we could both do better,… Read More
Posted by Admin on May 10, 2016
Gerald B. Rosenstein: A Fond Farewell to a True Friend
- Donor Stories
- Bequests
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Named Endowment Funds
- Holocaust Center
This past year Jewish Family and Children’s Services said goodbye to one of our dearest friends, Jerry Rosenstein. A Holocaust survivor who bravely told his story after decades of silence, a businessman with keen financial acumen, a gay man who cared about human rights, and a generous person who fully gave of himself in service to others, he made an impact on JFCS equally immeasurable and enduring.
As a holocaust survivor, Jerry was active in Holocaust education and a solid supporter of the JFCS Holocaust Center.
Jerry’s relationship to JFCS dates back to the mid-1980s when he made his first… Read More
Posted by Admin on May 9, 2016
A True Family of Friends
- Donor Stories
- Named Endowment Funds
Eugene and Elinor Friend set an incredible example of philanthropy for their children.
Through their involvement with various organizations in the community, they showed their deep connection to their home and their heritage.
Their story spans more than a century. As an Eastern European Jewish immigrant in New York City around the end of the19th century, Gene’s father was drawn to the western frontier, a place without barriers or discrimination.
Elly moved to California from El Paso, Texas and met Gene while attending UC Berkeley. They married in 1940 and started a family. Though the two shared a passion for… Read More
Posted by Admin on November 10, 2015
A Childhood of Loss Fuels a Giving Opportunity
- Donor Stories
- Financial Assistance
When the San Francisco section of the National Council of Jewish Women helped establish an educational scholarship at JFCS benefiting single parents in need, it held particular resonance for NCJW Board member Linda Kurtz, who partnered with the Council to bring the scholarship to fruition. “My father died when I was 11,” Linda says, “and my mother was left to raise six children alone. We became destitute overnight.”
Named in loving memory of Linda’s late mother, the Rose Mazursky Memorial Scholarship helps single mothers striving to better their and their children’s lives through educational opportunities. “I know what a little… Read More
Posted by Admin on March 5, 2015