News & Impact

We recently welcomed Holocaust survivors from JFCS’ Cafe by the Bay program to an event called “Our Own Shetl,” designed to immerse them in the world of the once-thriving Jewish communities of Eastern Europe known as shtetls. Through lovingly crafted visuals, live music, and traditional food, we recreated the rich cultural atmosphere of these historic villages. The result was an engaging, interactive experience that brought history to life for those who lived it. A team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly in a private art studio to construct our very own shtetl. They repurposed large cardboard boxes into building blocks for… Read More

High school junior Marley Freyman has always been passionate about leadership, an interest she nurtured through her involvement in the many opportunities offered by JFCS’ YouthFirst programming. Her first experience was as a YouthFirst Impact Year Leader. As her service project for that program, she collaborated with JFCS’ Shupin Social Club and the Gary Shupin Independent Living Community for adults with developmental disabilities. She organized the Shupin volunteers in an effort to clean up walking paths in San Francisco’s Presidio district. “We took a lot of time walking in pairs through nature, picking up trash and forming bonds between groups… Read More

When Nina Klein introduces herself, she often says “I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors.” From a young age, she was encouraged to discuss the Holocaust and her parents’ experiences. While it wasn’t always easy for Nina to hear or share these stories, she believes this openness was valuable in her upbringing and a major inspiration for becoming a volunteer at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles—an organization dedicated to Holocaust research and remembrance.   Nina’s volunteer journey in the Jewish community would eventually lead her to JFCS, where she is a dynamic presence in numerous roles across the agency.… Read More

On Sunday, September 22, JFCS welcomed volunteers of all ages to our offices in Marin County to help assemble care packages for Rosh Hashanah. Volunteers packed over 375 gift bags with hand-written cards, treats, and holiday essentials for people in need.   One of the day’s highlights was the participation of five-year-old Sasha Green from Marin. His parents, Alana and Steve Green, and older brother, Zev, are longtime JFCS volunteers who have been bringing Sasha to volunteer at JFCS events since he was two years old. They clearly raised Sasha to embody the values of a mensch—someone who actively strives to… Read More

Sharing stories is a powerful way to connect with community and learn about one another, and we encourage our volunteers to share stories from their experiences at JFCS. Below are some first-hand accounts of how our volunteers are changed by the beautiful acts of Hessed (kindness) they do in their work with JFCS and our clients. Donna Borok Moss/JFCS Marin Volunteer “For most of my adult life, I have been involved in the world of animal rescue. Being an animal lover, I have volunteered for many animal non-profits. However, I began to feel the need to give back to my… Read More

Tucked safely in Margie Baer’s bicycle bags are fresh fruit and vegetables, proteins, and staples—essential foods that save vulnerable Marin seniors from hunger. For more than four years, Margie, a retired doctor, has delivered groceries from JFCS’ Food Bank to the doorsteps of local seniors. “It’s meaningful to bring food to elderly members of our community. Many of them don’t have family nearby to help,” says Margie. She smiles when recalling an older gentleman who would greet her each week with a new joke, giving the gift of laughter in appreciation for the food. Next time you see a cyclist… Read More