News & Impact

As the devastation of the war in Ukraine grew, Dr. Yuri Veber felt compelled to help. Yuri and his wife, Mila, both were born in Kyiv and immigrated to the United States. Following the growing refugee crisis and watching the destruction of homes and whole neighborhoods has been heart-rending. Realizing he could use his professional expertise to raise funds and heighten awareness, Yuri planned a special clinic day. His periodontal practice contacted referring dentists with this offer: Patients who had to pay out-of-pocket for needed periodontal services could receive treatment for free. In place of payment, patients would be invited… Read More

  “The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.” —Eli Wiesel Thank you for your outpouring of generosity! We are grateful for your donations to JFCS’ Emergency Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine Relief, your offers of assistance, and your thousands of shares on social media. Together, we are working to ensure there is critical aid for so many people in this time of tragedy and heartbreak.   Updates from Our Partners in the Trenches To date more than 3 million people—primarily women, children, and elderly—have had to flee from their homes. Through JFCS’ Emergency Humanitarian Fund, individuals arriving… Read More

Ryan had been struggling academically and socially since the beginning of the pandemic. He had looked forward to high school. Now he was spending his first year of high school online, without opportunities to make friends. Academically, Ryan had difficulty with remote learning and continually lost focus, which quickly led to him falling behind. Ryan’s confidence plummeted as he ended the school year with a C average, having been a straight-A student. The teen became withdrawn and severely depressed. Ryan is not alone. This month US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, issued a public health advisory on the mental health challenges… Read More

No one knew she needed food. Vivienne, 87, a widow, worked all her life as a Macy’s clerk and never asked anyone for help. In fact, she was one of those people who always helped others—in her synagogue, at the local hospital, or a neighbor in need. But with no children, no local family, and a failing heart, her world became smaller and smaller, and she found herself increasingly alone. At the end of every month, her refrigerator was almost empty. Only a package of bologna and a half loaf of white bread is what we found. A longtime neighbor… Read More

In an unprecedented public-private partnership, the JFCS Holocaust Center will partner with the State of California to respond to rising acts of antisemitism and hate. By combining private donations with public money, the JFCS Holocaust Center will lead an important initiative to expand Holocaust and genocide education across our state. Over recent months, JFCS has been working closely with key policymakers and community partners to advocate for critical action to combat hate in California. This month, a historic budget deal was signed—thanks to the leadership of the Jewish Legislative Caucus, led by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and State Senator Scott Wiener;… Read More

JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community is thrilled to announce the opening Gary’s Place, a beautiful new residence for young adults with disabilities. Offering a warm and welcoming community and comprehensive professional services, Gary’s Place is part of the JFCS ‘urban kibbutz’ in the heart of San Francisco. Just around the corner from JFCS’ Shupin House in charming Laurel Heights, Gary’s Place welcomes those who are ready to move out of their family homes and take the first steps towards independence. Residents learn skills such as how to manage finances, keep a clean home, prepare meals, and navigate transportation and… Read More