News & Impact

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

Across all the regions JFCS serves, volunteers play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission to care for the community. Their time, energy, and compassion make meaningful work possible, and their impact is felt every day. April is Global Volunteer Appreciation Month—a time to recognize those who dedicate themselves to supporting others and strengthening their communities. In that spirit, we’re highlighting just a few of the many ways JFCS volunteers are making an impact. Read on to see just a few of the many ways JFCS volunteers are showing up to support people in need. Families with young children… Read More

JFCS changes lives in ways that are both big and small. Whether finding support in a moment of need, strengthening connections to Jewish peoplehood, or discovering a community that feels like home, JFCS makes meaningful impact for families and individuals at every stage of life.  For Tali Feinberg’s family, Jewish Baby Network provided friendships, confidence, and a meaningful way to celebrate their Judaism. Tali Feinberg, Jewish Baby Network Alum: “I came late to the Jewish Baby Network; my daughter was already two years old when we moved from the East Bay, where no such resource existed. What a difference it… Read More

High school junior Marley Freyman has always been passionate about leadership, an interest she nurtured through her involvement in the many opportunities offered by JFCS’ YouthFirst programming. Her first experience was as a YouthFirst Impact Year Leader. As her service project for that program, she collaborated with JFCS’ Shupin Social Club and the Gary Shupin Independent Living Community for adults with developmental disabilities. She organized the Shupin volunteers in an effort to clean up walking paths in San Francisco’s Presidio district. “We took a lot of time walking in pairs through nature, picking up trash and forming bonds between groups… Read More

When a raging wildfire swept through the Bowyer’s house in Northern California last fall, it destroyed more than just their property—it took their home and years of cherished memories. This devastating loss came at an already overwhelming time, as the family was grappling with serious health challenges and the recent loss of a beloved family member. The holidays loomed ahead, promising none of their usual warmth and joy. “It challenged us to stay strong and lean on each other,” the family said about their feelings of initial hopelessness, “The wildfire was our rock bottom.”  Lost and devastated, the family turned… Read More

For decades, JFCS’ Adoption Connection has been a national leader in domestic open adoption. With the upcoming launch of our new surrogacy program, JFCS will be a unique family building center, providing education, expertise, and compassionate support for two popular paths to parenthood. Below, read the heartwarming first-hand experiences of new families Adoption Connection has helped grow. Mischa and Lillie “We’re so grateful to Adoption Connection for being there for us! Their encouragement to keep showing up led us to life with Felix, which we wouldn’t trade for anything.” We knew we wanted to adopt, and got started in the… Read More