News & Impact

Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) will be paying tribute to a group of 20-, 30-, and 40-somethings making significant contributions to the vitality of the Jewish community when the agency holds its 14th Annual Emigre Community Gala on Sat., Feb.7, at San Francisco’s Westin St. Francis Hotel . These younger individuals, participants in a JFCS affiliate group called RJeneration, are part of a large and growing number of Russian-speaking Jews who, as volunteers and donors, are ensuring the continuity of the Jewish community for generations to come. “RJeneration members, their friends, and their families play an integral role in… Read More

Susan Kolb, Board President and extraordinary JFCS and community leader for many decades, loves everything about us, from our programs at Parents Place andSeniors At Home to services that help those in urgent need. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her history and dedication to JFCS and the Jewish community. Tell us a bit about your background. I grew up in a wonderfully warm and embracing Jewish community in Oakland and moved to Los Angeles when I was 13. I went to high school there and college at UCLA. How did you become involved in… Read More

Joe Amaroso will be the first to tell you that he is as surprised as anyone that he is still alive and kicking. He wasn’t supposed to be. HIV-positive for decades, Joe, now 68, was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS in 1993, a few years before the development of effective life-prolonging drug therapies. Joe Amoroso “I was in the hospital with a temperature of 104 – 105,” Joe says. “They packed me on ice. I’d made a will, bought a tombstone, and took care of my funeral arrangements.” As his health has waxed and waned over the past two decades, JFCS… Read More

Alice Radio @ 97.3 By: Liz St. John, reporter Lisa Geduldig is a comedian/host/producer of the annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Shows in San Francisco. Eve Meyer is Executive Director of San Francisco Suicide Prevention and Barbara Farber is Director of Development at Jewish Family and Chidlren’s Services. This year’s show will benefit the two organizations. Two shows on December 24th, 25th, and 26th at the New Asia Restaurant. Listen to the Full Interview from Alice Radio… Read More

San Francisco’s Lisa Geduldig has earned a rightful place in the pantheon of Jewish comics whose gut-busting humor helps us forget our cares and sorrows. But Geduldig, whose Kung Pao Kosher Comedy has been delighting audiences during the holiday season for 20-plus years, also wins applause for being a mensch. As in years past, a part of the proceeds from her Kung Pao shows will go to help people in need. This year, JFCS’ Nutrition Programs are a beneficiary. “Food is among the most basic of human needs,” says Geduldig. “I like supporting JFCS’ programs because they address human needs… Read More

A rising star in the high-tech world, Greg had a dream job that allowed him to provide a comfortable life for his family: Jewish day schools, summer camp, trips to Israel and Europe, and leadership roles in his synagogue. But all of that changed late last year, right around Hanukkah, when he had a cerebral hemorrhage at work. It was the last time he’d see his office … and experience the world as he knew it. “Our world collapsed,” says Leora, Greg’s wife. “I remember thinking, ‘Who will help us now?’ Then I answered my own question: JFCS.” Leora knew… Read More