News & Impact

Lisa was caught in a storm of family mental health issues. Her father, David, had suffered from depression his entire life. After receiving an early-stage dementia diagnosis a year ago, he was struggling to cope with the cognitive changes and was lashing out. At the same time, Lisa’s 10-year-old daughter, Abigail, started to display some concerning behaviors—she wasn’t sleeping or eating, and she started isolating herself from her friends. Lisa was overwhelmed by worry as she tried to help her father and daughter. “Honestly, I was feeling totally hopeless,” she recalls. A friend suggested that Lisa reach out to JFCS… Read More

Dear Friends, When my wife, Dorothy, and I moved into JFCS’ Rhoda Goldman Plaza ten months ago, we marveled that we had become beneficiaries of an organization we have known and admired for so long. Our connection to Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) spans decades, beginning during my long tenure as President of Palo Alto University. Influenced by distinguished leaders like Tad Taube, Marcia Goldman, Rabbi Stephen Pearce, and Gary Shapiro, our university proudly partnered with JFCS on mental health initiatives and professional training. The collaboration between the university and JFCS became even more meaningful when Anita Friedman, one… Read More

This recognition reflects Dr. Friedman’s decades of visionary leadership, her unwavering commitment to human dignity, and her lifelong dedication to strengthening Jewish peoplehood and community around the world. Under her guidance, JFCS has become an internationally respected leader in delivering compassionate, innovative care rooted in Jewish values. The Israel Museum’s honor also highlights the deep cultural and spiritual connections between our work at JFCS and the rich tapestry of Jewish life and heritage in Israel. Through meaningful exchanges and shared values, JFCS has long nurtured cross-cultural relationships with Israeli institutions and thought leaders. These collaborations—rooted in a common belief in… Read More

JFCS changes lives every day—and we couldn’t do it without the help of our volunteers. From providing companionship to isolated seniors to ensuring people in need have access to nutritious meals, volunteers are essential to every aspect of our work.  During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting a few of the many individuals who give their time and talents to strengthen our community. For Bryce Jacks, volunteering with JFCS has become a way of giving back to his community and connecting with others. Bryce Jacks, volunteer and leader of “Science with Bryce” at Shupin Social Club: “I first got involved with… Read More

In celebration of JFCS’ 175th anniversary, we’d like to extend a big thanks to Showtime Photo Booth for providing JFCS with a photo wall for guests to use at all of our special events! With 27 unique photo solutions since 2013, they are the premier choice for photo booth rental in Los Angeles.… Read More

JFCS changes lives every day—and we couldn’t do it without the help of our volunteers. From providing companionship to isolated seniors to ensuring people in need have access to nutritious meals, volunteers are essential to every aspect of our work.  During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting a few of the many individuals who give their time and talents to strengthen our community. For Alana Green and her family, volunteering with JFCS has become a meaningful way to live their values—together.  Alana Green, volunteer and inaugural chair of the JFCS Marin Donor Circle:  “For over a decade, JFCS has felt like… Read More