News & Impact

When Nina Klein introduces herself, she often says “I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors.” From a young age, she was encouraged to discuss the Holocaust and her parents’ experiences. While it wasn’t always easy for Nina to hear or share these stories, she believes this openness was valuable in her upbringing and a major inspiration for becoming a volunteer at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles—an organization dedicated to Holocaust research and remembrance.   Nina’s volunteer journey in the Jewish community would eventually lead her to JFCS, where she is a dynamic presence in numerous roles across the agency.… Read More

This spring, JFCS’ Financial Aid Center received record numbers of scholarship applications from outstanding local youth eager to pursue their college dreams. Thanks to the generosity of donors to JFCS’ scholarship fund, many young people received the life-changing news of financial help. Among the happy students were the four recipients of the Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship, which was established more than three decades ago through the visionary commitment of Mrs. Camp. This year’s Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship recipients have an array of aspirations—from astrophysics to the arts. What they share is a strong connection to their Jewish identity, a commitment… Read More

Julie was always an exceptional student. Whether she was earning gold stars or straight A’s, she never failed to impress her teachers. That all changed for the worse when a tragedy struck her family, plunging Julie’s educational future into grim uncertainty. Fortunately, with the support of her family and JFCS, she was able to find her footing, get her degree, and set out on her dream career. Towards the end of her 6th grade when she was eagerly looking forward to beginning middle school, Julie lost her adoring father to an undiagnosed heart condition. She and her mother were devastated.… Read More

by Michelle Nobriga, JD, MBA, Director of JFCS’ Adoption Connection For many aspiring same-sex parents, the path to building a family through open adoption was once littered with discriminatory, out-of-state legal barriers. Couples were often forced to make the heartbreaking decision of which partner would adopt as a single parent first, with the other initially labeled as their “roommate” on paperwork. The emotional turmoil was agonizing but accepted as the only option at the time. However, for some lucky couples in San Francisco, hope emerged when the city briefly issued same-sex marriage licenses in 2004. This move would eventually be… Read More

When Matt Zimbalist and his partner started Re-Up Refills, they set out to make sustainable, zero-waste living more accessible in their Bay Area community. But bringing that dream to fruition takes more than just passion—it requires financial support. That’s where JFCS’ Financial Aid Center stepped in, with a loan that helped Re-Up Refills take its impact to the next level. The seeds of Re-Up Refills were first planted at Urban Adamah, a Jewish farm and educational center in Berkeley, where Matt and his partner, Carly, met and connected over their shared values around environmental stewardship. After years of patronizing… Read More

Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ Shupin Social Club participants recently gathered for their annual Passover Seder, continuing a treasured tradition made possible by longtime JFCS supporters Suzanne and Michael Berke. “Our connection to the Shupin Community is very personal,” says Michael. “My niece Lana had special needs. She did not live long enough to enjoy being part of such a warm community. We love supporting services that would have meant so much to her.” Passover is a favorite holiday in Michael’s family. His mother, Elaine Berke, of blessed memory, was an inspiring leader of the community and loved to bring… Read More