News & Impact

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

Robert (Bob) Rosner and his wife, Julie Goldman, are long-time friends and generous supporters of Jewish Family and Children’s Services, dating back to when they attended classes at Parents Place. “What resonates so much for me is the combination of Jewish values and social services,” says Bob, who recently was elected to the Board of Directors. “We love that JFCS helps families and children in need and the most vulnerable of our community.” Growing up in Palo Alto, Bob attended Congregation Beth Am. His mother was a special education teacher, and his parents raised Bob to have a strong Jewish… Read More

Susan was sandwiched by family mental health issues. Her father, Mike, had suffered from depression his entire life and now at age 78, was experiencing early signs of dementia. At the same time, Susan’s 12-year-old daughter, Georgia, started to display some concerning behaviors—she wasn’t sleeping, she felt unable to eat, and she started isolating herself from her friends. Susan was overwhelmed by worry as she tried to help her father and daughter through their symptoms, and began to feel alone and hopeless. A friend suggested that Susan reach out to JFCS to talk to a therapist about her stress. When… Read More

As a native San Franciscan, Valli Benesch has been involved in the local Jewish community throughout her life. She attributes her deeply rooted commitment to giving back to her community to two things: “Being Jewish and the values of Judaism.” Valli joined the Board of Directors of Jewish Family and Children’s Services at the urging of her husband, Bob Tandler, who recently completed two terms on the board. Our community is fortunate to have the involvement of these two dedicated leaders with expertise in real estate, finance, and business and a wholehearted affinity for the JFCS’ mission. Valli, a… Read More

With compassion and generosity, our community came together over the last year to provide the highest quality care to more people than ever in Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ 171-year history.   Today, conditions are still uncertain. Recovery will be long—especially for the most vulnerable. Your help is needed to ensure no one is left behind.  Recently, Nina, a mother of two, was desperate for a lifeline.   Nina ran through her scant savings trying to provide for her daughters after her small business collapsed. With mounting debt, no family to lean on, and no clear path forward, Nina’s panic grew. Her… Read More

Doug Winthrop has served on JFCS’ Board of Directors since 2007 and was recently elected as President for 2021 – 2022. A magna cum laude graduate of both Harvard College and the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was an editor of its law review, Doug clerked for former United States Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens before moving his litigation practice to San Francisco to join Howard, Rice, Nemerovski, Canady, Falk and Rabkin, which later combined with Arnold & Porter LLP. We recently sat down with Doug to talk about his time with JFCS and what motivates him… Read More