- Meet Our Leaders
Michael Janis has been active in Bay Area civic life for many years. He has also brought his business expertise and dedication to humanitarian service to his volunteer work on various JFCS committees for the past eight years. Most recently Michael has overseen JFCS’ Public Issues Committee of more than 100 volunteers, working with elected officials throughout the Bay Area, in Sacramento, and in Washington DC.
Megan and Michael Janis
Professionally Michael manages San Francisco’s historic SF Market, the critical wholesale produce marketplace connecting growers worldwide with Bay Area food businesses. The sun will soon be setting on his tenure on the Board, but thankfully Michael will not be parting ways with JFCS anytime soon and says, “I’ll continue to be a dedicated supporter of my incredible JFCS community!”
How did you first get involved with JFCS?
My wife, Megan, and I met Anita Friedman, JFCS’ Executive Director, at a reception and we were immediately “hooked” when we learned about the compelling work that the organization was doing. We were most especially impressed with the scope of services and the diversity of people that JFCS serves every day.
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I grew up on Long Island and came to San Francisco in 1989 for a job offer. I remember explicitly negotiating a one-year contract because I couldn’t envision not being in New York City. Like so many transplants, I fell in love with California and I never went back!
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with JFCS?
It would be hard to choose just one. I’ve enjoyed working alongside high-caliber staff and extremely talented lay leadership—most especially in my work on the JFCS Public Issues Committee, which meets with our elected officials to discuss pressing issues. On behalf of JFCS’ thousands of clients, we work to give voice to their needs and concerns in an effort to create the best possible public policy.
Since I’m not from a Jewish background, it has been very rewarding to raise awareness for the organization when I’m out in the general community, which is often. I get to talk about what JFCS stands for and the impressive services that JFCS provides to both Jews and non-Jewish members of the Bay Area.
JFCS has served the Bay Area for 168 years. It is part of the social fabric of the Bay Area and has many high-quality programs and services that are for everyone: JFCS’ Parents Place, Seniors At Home, Adoption Connection, and Cleanerific, to name a few.
Has JFCS helped you or have you used the services in some way?
Yes, my family engaged JFCS’ Seniors At Home for home care services for Megan’s mother over a year ago. Putting the care of a loved one into the hands of someone else is never an easy decision, and her caregivers are extremely professional, knowledgeable, well-trained, and have such a kind and compassionate manner.
Taking care of an aging family member is quite a journey, and Megan and I could not be more impressed and thankful for the services or the team of Seniors At Home. They have been there to guide us along on every decision and step of the way. Besides home care we’ve taken advantage of the care management services and a Dementia Care consultation so that we can feel prepared for whatever is next down the road.
While my mother-in-law is comfortable and getting the everyday help she needs, it also gives Megan and me both a sense of relief knowing she is safe and well cared for.
Anything else you would like to add?
It has been incredibly humbling to be a part of the JFCS community and involved with an organization that helps so many Bay Area residents. I’m proud that I’ve been able to contribute a bit to this amazing organization.