News & Impact

Jewish Family and Children’s Services and our community in the Bay Area are helping the victims of the devastating wildfires across California.  Please donate – Make a gift today and you can help JFCS provide direct aid in concert with the network of other disaster relief organizations to ensure that essential services are given. Our community experienced first-hand how the destructive 2017 North Bay fires have impacted thousands of people who still face a long-road to recovery. At JFCS, we are here to support those who have suffered the loss of homes, jobs, community, and loved ones—now and in the… Read More

Written by Beth Berkowitz, Psy.D, Director of Children’s Clinical Services and Child Training Institute at JFCS’ Parents Place. There is no doubt that the most recent tragedy in Pennsylvania has escalated our fears. With this sad reminder of the painful consequences of anti-Semitism, racism, and hatred, it is normal for all of us—including children—to experience anxiety, worry, anger and confusion in its aftermath. Below is some guidance to help prepare you for conversations at home. Talk to Your Children Avoiding the subject will only increase worry and fears. Encourage your children to ask questions, and do your best to… Read More

Dear JFCS community, We are all full of sorrow in the wake of the terrible loss of life and hateful act of anti-Semitism at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We send prayers for strength and healing to those who are suffering, and we are grateful for the expressions of support echoing across the country and the world at this difficult time. At this time we remember the words of President George Washington, who wrote to one of the first US synagogues—the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island—in 1790:  “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell… Read More

Upon receiving the news that he had been chosen to receive a scholarship by JFCS’ Financial Aid Center, Avery Cruz was at a total loss for words. But his mother, Deborah, was able to find some, saying, “You have no idea what this means! I was so worried about how we were going to afford college next year.” Avery and Viviane Lorvan, the two recipients of this year’s Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship, awarded annually, embody the most admirable aspects of the next generation of the Jewish community. Their resilience against adversity, coupled with their commitment to academic growth, made them… 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

Last October deadly wildfires ignited across the North Bay. Within hours of the crisis JFCS began providing immediate services to families, emotional support, emergency financial assistance, child care, food, mattresses, and vouchers for clothing and fuel. In the days and months that have followed JFCS has tailored services to meet the changing needs of the community, providing case management, insurance workshops, assistance with living expenses, help locating temporary housing, and counseling to 1,200 individuals. On the one-year anniversary of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in California history the region is still very much in transition, especially for those who were… Read More