News & Impact

Hannah*, who is 82 and lives alone in San Francisco, was eager to get the COVID-19 vaccine so that she could go out and have some pieces of her pre-pandemic life back. But Hannah doesn’t have wifi or a computer, and like many local seniors who lack access or familiarity with technology, she was unable to use the websites that California provided to book an appointment. Not only was her internet connection unstable, Hannah found the websites so confusing to use on her cell phone that she stopped searching altogether.   Fortunately for Hannah, a volunteer named Suzanne Mankoff is one… Read More

By Brittney Reiser, AMFT, Child Therapist at JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth Receiving a positive COVID-19 test in your family or community can be frightening for adults and children alike. Young children, who may not fully understand what this diagnosis will mean for them or their loved one, might ask questions like “Am I going to die?” or “When can I see grandma?” These questions may be painful to hear and difficult to answer. Parents and grandparents are likely managing their own anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty that comes along with a COVID diagnosis as well. Here are 5 strategies… Read More

JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community provides connection, community, support, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. As a Shupin Club member since 2018, Heather loves trying new activities and one day hopes to have a job and help others. Read on to learn more about Heather and her favorite things about the Shupin Social Club. Tell us about yourself! My name is Heather Ostrau. I am from Palo Alto originally and lived in Napa and Concord at other independent living programs until I found Shupin House. When did you join Shupin Club? What were things like before you joined?… Read More

JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community is thrilled to announce the opening Gary’s Place, a beautiful new residence for young adults with disabilities. Offering a warm and welcoming community and comprehensive professional services, Gary’s Place is part of the JFCS ‘urban kibbutz’ in the heart of San Francisco. Just around the corner from JFCS’ Shupin House in charming Laurel Heights, Gary’s Place welcomes those who are ready to move out of their family homes and take the first steps towards independence. Residents learn skills such as how to manage finances, keep a clean home, prepare meals, and navigate transportation and… Read More

When Aaron turned 25, his frustration at not being able to move out of his mother’s apartment and be more independent grew. His mother, Judy, wondered how Aaron would be able to take this step. With his developmental and physical challenges, Aaron struggled to manage everyday tasks—like preparing a healthy meal and keeping track of his medications and medical appointments. As a single parent, Judy feared what would happen to Aaron if something happened to her. Mother and son felt stuck—and all on their own. Then a friend suggested Judy call JFCS. For more than 20 years, individuals of all… Read More

“What is happening, Mommy?” “Are we going to war?” As we process the recent violence at the U.S. Capitol, our children may be asking questions that are difficult to answer. How should we talk to our kids and grandkids about such a difficult topic? How do we support them through stress, anxiety, and uncertainty? And how can we teach empathy, understanding, and respect so that future generations are inspired to build unity and to stand up against hate? JFCS offers a wide range of expert guidance and support to guide families through challenging conversations and to bring our community together.… Read More