News & Impact

Services for individuals with disabilities are not always easy to find and while some organizations are reducing their services, JFCS offers one of the most comprehensive programs for individuals with disabilities and their families in Northern California. The determined young woman, Nona Miloslavsky, is living out her dreams while getting the support she needs to thrive. She was recently honored at JFCS’ Fammy Awards Gala. Nona Miloslavsky is a spirited and determined young woman who has benefited from JFCS’ People with Disabilities Program. When Nona was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder at age six, her parents knew that… Read More

There’s nothing like nuzzling with a friendly, four-legged creature that has plenty of unconditional love to share. Scientific and empirical evidence indicates that animals offer comfort and joy to isolated seniors battling with depression. While numerous pet therapy programs exist, JFCS’ Canine Corps program is unique because it fosters ongoing and meaningful three-way relationships between clients, volunteers, and their dogs. Barking up the Right Tree For eight years JFCS has been matching trained canine companions and their owners with clients in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma County, and the Peninsula. Like many JFCS initiatives, the program is designed to help the… Read More

Half of Bay Area residents over 85 are currently experiencing some form of dementia, and by 2020, the region is expected to see a 49% increase in residents with Alzheimer’s disease – not including other related conditions. With so many individuals and their families facing the challenges of these conditions, the need for dedicated local support has never been greater. That’s why, one year ago, JFCS launched the Center for Dementia Care—part of Seniors At Home, the Bay Area’s largest provider of senior care—and took a pioneering leap in enhanced support for people with Dementia-related conditions, and their families… Read More

Steven, a professional architect and father, first called JFCS when his medical issues became debilitating. He had lost his job and to make matters worse, he and his wife had just divorced. With these major life stressors, Steven’s health further deteriorated and his savings was spent paying bills and child support. At 52 he says, “I had been totally self-sufficient my whole life, until I had these health issues.” Since calling JFCS, Steven has benefited from the food pantry and food vouchers, rental assistance, and, most importantly, case management. The JFCS Clinical Care Team has been his advocate and… Read More

As a single mother with Multiple Sclerosis, Meira found that raising her daughter was becoming an increasing challenge. When she called JFCS, she was virtually homebound and was struggling with meal preparation and getting her daughter off to school. To complicate matters, Meira’s daughter had been diagnosed with a learning disability and Meira, unable to drive, did not know how she would get to the after-school specialist, let alone to her own medical appointments. People with disabilities often need assistance to help them achieve and maintain optimal levels of well-being and self-sufficiency. JFCS case managers start by completing a detailed… Read More

JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community provides both residential and community based services to young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The Shupin Social Club invites young adults from all over the Bay Area to come together to learn critical skills, socialize and feel a part of a vibrant community. Several times a month the members participate in organized activities such as bowling, karaoke, cooking classes and Jewish holiday celebrations. A group of 10 recently took a field trip to the California Academy of Sciences where they watched a performance by Horvitz Youth-Ability, a program for young adults with disabilities… Read More