News & Impact

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

By Ryan Berman, MSW, Director of Disabilities Services at JFCS The recent change in routine has been challenging for us all—and for many adults with developmental disabilities, the upending of a familiar daily schedule has been overwhelmingly distressing. To make matters worse, families have been suddenly left with gaps in the support they are accustomed to receiving, whether from agencies, independent living services, or caregivers. The good news is that there are some tangible ways that families can help their adult  children with disabilities to cope with the new normal. Read on: 1. Make Sure Your Child Understands the Facts… Read More

Gerson Bakar z’l, a Beloved Visionary, Remembered You might not know of Gerson Bakar z’l by name but you have almost certainly seen his work in San Francisco. Levi’s Plaza, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the UCSF Mission Bay campus—these are just a few of the iconic San Francisco institutions that Gerson helped bring to life. Gerson, who passed away last June, supported many charitable projects yet it was giving back to his Jewish Community that brought him the most satisfaction, saying, “Asking me why the ‘Jewish Community’ is important to me is like asking me why the… Read More

John Levin is a long-time JFCS partner and supporter. His mother, a polio survivor, showed him firsthand how persons with disabilities can overcome obstacles to reach their highest potential. John’s instrumental and inspiring leadership paved the way for the creation and growth of JFCS’ highly regarded Disabilities Services Program, which has served thousands of children and adults with disabilities and their families. John is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the law firm Folger Levin LLP. His incredible vision has created a lasting national impact. His far-reaching honors in public service include the National Public Service Award from Stanford Law… Read More