News & Impact

For Maria Ramos-Chertok and her husband, Keith, one of the best ways of imbuing their sons with Jewish values is by having them help create, assemble, and deliver bags of Hanukkah treats to JFCS clients in need . The Chertok boys—Michael, 10, and Joshua, 12—have been doing so for at least five years. “It is an important part of tikkun olam,” Maria says. “They have had some remarkable experiences meeting the clients who are receiving the Hanukkah bags from us.” The Ramos-Chertok family and many others are part of JFCS’ efforts to reach out to the thousands of clients and… Read More

The fall is busy for many of us—work, school, and preparations for the Jewish New Year. It’s also a hectic time for Amy Darling, a JFCS friend on the South Peninsula. But Amy always makes a commitment to JFCS at the High Holidays, rallying family and friends to assemble and deliver Rosh Hashanah foods to older JFCS clients in need. It’s a tradition she strongly believes in. “I grew up visiting nursing homes with my grandmother,” she says. “I now take my 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter with me, and I encourage as many people in my community to participate… Read More

By the time Jonah was 30, he’d had more than a dozen surgical procedures to treat Crohn’s disease, a chronic disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The surgeries prevented his debilitating condition from worsening, but they didn’t cure him of it. Because of Crohn’s, he has been unable to have a career. “I was deeply depressed by the way my life was turning out,” he says. “Fortunately, a family friend told me about JFCS’ Disabilities Program. It has been a lifesaver. I’ve not only received emotional support, but also solid, practical guidance and other services that have kept me… Read More

JFCS sends warm wishes to you and your loved ones as Passover nears.We also want to thank all participants in our Seder Sacks assembly and delivery efforts, who bring holiday cheer to the most vulnerable in our community, and our friends who have given to our our Seder Sacks campaign. You can still help with Seder Sacks. Come join us! A special thank-you to Joyce Newstat and Susan Lowenberg, who recently established the Seymour Newstat Endowment Fund, This thoughtful gift supports a beautiful annual seder for Holocaust survivors who attend JFCS’ Café by the Bay, a program that… Read More

What do Zoe Schwartz, Marsha Jacobs, Lynn Ganz, Miriam Sparrow, Ellen Mundell, Marlene Stein, and Bonnie Lasky all have in common? The dynamic septet are part of the Sonoma Leadership Council, a JFCS affiliate group that has come together to support JFCS’ outstanding services. “JFCS is like my favorite Jewish mother and father,” said Lynn, “tenaciously protecting, loving, nurturing, and strengthening their family.” The Leadership Council members are among many in the Bay Area who want to improve the lives of tens of thousands yearly through exceptional programs like Parents Place, Seniors At Home, Dream House, and… Read More

Every Hanukkah, Joyce and other residents at a local senior community look forward to seeing JFCS volunteers Mike, Kathy, and their two children, who bring holiday greetings and bags of traditional foods. “The treats are lovely,” says Joyce, “but what I most enjoy is the company. My children and grandkids live far away, so it’s nice to spend time with people I consider part of my extended family.” “Joyce is delightful,” says Mike, “and the kids have grown close to her over the years. We try to visit her and other local residents at Passover and the High Holidays, as… Read More