News & Impact

The Press Democrat By Meg McConahey FAUX FLAMES MAY BE A GOOD IDEA FOR THE FIRE-TRAUMATIZED THIS YEAR It’s the season of soft light, when candles are flickering and hearth fires roaring. But in the aftermath of October’s firestorms, which destroyed thousands of homes in Sonoma County and shrouded the air with heavy smoke for days, many people may find themselves looking warily at those flames that used to symbolize cozy comfort and peace. “Fire has been one of those things that keeps us warm and has always had positive memories,” said Diana Klein, director of the Sonoma County Regional… Read More

Newly appointed Board member David Kiachko is known for his warmth and passion for elevating awareness about causes that impact the Jewish community. After nearly two decades on the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) he is looking forward to also contributing his vast expertise to the JFCS Board. Having spent his childhood overseas and then working in international trade in Korea, he settled in the Bay Area and in the field of finance, specializing in options trading. David is also a member of JFCS’ Marin Major Gifts Committee and Public Issues Committee and says, “There are only a few organizations… Read More

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO – Jewish Family and Children’s Services, one of the largest and oldest charitable institutions in the Bay Area has a received a grant of $250,000 from Tipping Point Community to support its emergency aid to victims of the North Bay fires. The generous grant will be a welcome addition to JFCS’ Disaster Assistance Fund and will be used to help low-income families and individuals get back on their feet after the fires. “The North Bay fires hurt thousands, but especially those who were already struggling paycheck to paycheck,” said Dr. Anita Friedman,… Read More

Over the past decade Alex Varum has paved the way for a new generation of young adults to support JFCS and step into leadership roles. He recently joined the JFCS Board of Directors and has been an influential force on the long-standing JFCS Emigre Committee. Originally from the Soviet Union, Alex immigrated to the U.S. with his family as a child. He completed his education in the Bay Area and holds a law degree. With his expertise in law and business, Alex has established himself as a successful Bay Area real estate professional and property manager. Alex, his wife, Natalie… Read More

Plucked from the ashes of Auschwitz and published in 2014 by the JFCS Holocaust Center, Rywka’s Diary: The Writings of a Jewish Girl from the Lodz Ghetto has been an international sensation, sold alongside The Diary of Anne Frank. The tattered school diary written in Polish by 14-year-old Rywka Lipszyc has captivated readers around the world and has been translated into 15 languages. It is now being published in its native Polish tongue. This month Rywka’s powerful words became available throughout Poland. The new and beautifully designed edition was published in partnership with Austeria Publishing House in collaboration with the… Read More

For 30-plus years Carl Grunfeld, MD, Ph.D, has been a well-loved and deeply knowledgeable JFCS supporter. He and his family have strengthened the organization in significant ways that will continue to be felt for generations. Carl is treasured by JFCS clients and staff, and he humbly acknowledges, “I’ve pretty much done whatever JFCS felt I could contribute to doing.” Carl has been a member of the Board, the JFCS Palliative Care Taskforce, and the Loans and Grants Committee, as well as chairing the Ethical Care Committee. He has even taught Russian emigre teens how to bake desserts! As an internationally… Read More