News & Impact

By the time Diana was referred to JFCS by her synagogue, she and her children were homeless. They fled home after the children were physically abused by their father, and they had nowhere safe to go. JFCS’ Dream Program provides tailored support to families like Diana’s because of the generosity of donors who give through endowment and unrestricted funds. Clients appreciate how JFCS is able to address their unique situations with personalized solutions. In Diana’s case, that meant everything from parent coaching and counseling through JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth, to guidance navigating family court, to arranging repairs when… Read More

Kendall was in an abusive marriage for 15 years. She often thought of leaving but didn’t know how she would provide for three children when her husband had never allowed her to work. Ultimately, her husband became violent with her oldest son, and Kendall fled with her children quickly. Faced with having to protect her kids and find a job to support them, Kendall didn’t know where to turn until a local homeless shelter connected her with JFCS. While many factors contribute to abuse in families, the continuing pandemic has brought lockdown entrapment and economic insecurities that have sharply… Read More

By Susan Carroll, Director of Family Support Services at JFCS  COVID-19 significantly impacted us all—whether we experienced a reduction in our capacity to earn a living, were separated or isolated from loved ones, or, whether we agreed or not, we experienced our activities of daily living as dictated by powers beyond ourselves. Sadly, these are common occurrences for persons experiencing domestic violence (DV)—feeling powerless over what you can do, who you can see, where you can go, or how long you can spend there. Imagine if you can, the impact that COVID-19 restrictions have had on your stress levels, mental… Read More

When Claire was told—after three months of furlough due to the pandemic—that she would not have her job at a Jewish organization to go back to, she panicked. After suffering 10 years of violence and emotional abuse, Claire had just separated from her husband and started rebuilding a life for her two young children. Without an income, how would they stay in their new apartment? How could she guarantee that her kids would stay safe? COVID-19 has brought with it another pandemic: domestic violence has risen as stress, proximity, and increased substance abuse take their toll. In this short time,… Read More

A parent’s most important job is keeping their child safe. Imaging being unable to do that. Ellen and her 12-year old daughter Sari, were referred to JFCS by a homeless shelter following a violent attack on their lives by Ellen’s husband of five years. When they married, he promised to protect and care for Ellen and her child, but in a chilling turn, he developed a drug addiction and became their worst nightmare. While much of the abuse was directed toward Ellen, Sari also became the victim of her stepfather’s abuse when she tried to protect her mother. Ellen fled… Read More

For most of us there will be a time in our lives when a personal crisis shakes us to our very core, and what felt like solid ground under our feet suddenly feels like sinking sand. JFCS’ Emergency Family Assistance Program works with people who are in such a dark place—who are struggling to get their basic needs met so they have the strength and support to overcome the challenges ahead. Whether an eviction, a devastating accident, or leaving an abusive partner triggered the crisis, over 2,500 Bay Area residents received emergency assistance from JFCS last year. A Family Safe… Read More