News & Impact

JFCS has been invited to participate in the San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative, a joint project of seven agencies that have come together to help city residents who are citizenship-eligible become naturalized citizens. JFCS invites you to help members of our community who are interested in becoming citizens to take the next steps. We are seeking volunteers, in the morning and the afternoon, to assist in a variety of capacities. Volunteers will: Help register applicants at the next free naturalization clinic (see details below). Help manage traffic flow. Fill out necessary paperwork, and more. The next naturalization clinic… Read More

Sarah Goldwasser is one of 43 Bay Area high school students gaining professional experience this summer through Youth First’s internship program. An incoming high school senior at Larkpsur’s Redwood High School, Sarah is working this summer for the Marin Independent Journal (IJ), where she is writing news briefs and articles. This is a great opportunity for Sarah, who loves to write and serves as Review Editor of her school newspaper. It is also her first real job, and she is thrilled to be getting paid. “My parents are very proud of me,” says Sarah, and “I’m learning what it’s… Read More

Loneliness is a major issue for the elderly and has been linked closely with poor health. Debby Katz and John Perkins are volunteers with JFCS’ Senior Companions program. They regularly visit elderly clients and have seen the positive impact of their companionship first hand. They are also getting as much out of the program as the seniors whose lives they touch. Debby and John have found that volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to your community and get connected with others. Both retired professionals, they are among the hundreds of volunteers who have helped our elderly… Read More

JFCS’ Food Program, which runs a Food Pantry in each of our five regional offices (in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties), is seeking volunteers to go to the San Francisco Food Bank on a weekly basis to select appropriate food items for our San Francisco Food Pantry and for our home-delivered meal program serving younger adults with disabilities. Several volunteer openings are available. Volunteers will have: A strong interest or background in health and nutrition. Interest or experience in volunteering in a social-service setting. Strong communications skills. Reliable transportation. A valid California driver’s license,… Read More

Because business leaders know it takes a village to support those in need, they generously offer resources to JFCS clients. Recently, Peet’s Coffee & Tea contributed to our Dream House and Parents Place programs—a result of Peet’s customers who made donations to totaling $10,000. Peet’s joins many business partners, that give cash and in-kind gifts. They include San Francisco magazine, Whole Foods, the San Francisco 49ers, and many more. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support that we receive throughout the year from companies, big and small, that want to give back to the community by investing in… Read More

Seventy-three-year-old retired businessman Paul Sonnenblick volunteered with students in San Francisco’s public schools for a couple of years, so when he learned about JFCS’ mentoring program during a tour of the agency, he jumped at the opportunity to be of service. “I like working with kids,” says Paul, “and the 10-year-old JFCS assigned me to is such a delight and smart as a whip.” Paul reviews homework and school assignments with Steven, a 5th grade student, and he uses computer games as a springboard to discuss a wide array of issues and to boost his student’s writing and speaking abilities.… Read More