Some families are dreamed into being long before they take shape. From the earliest days of their relationship, Stephane and Marie shared a clear and heartfelt commitment to building their family through adoption. At JFCS’ Adoption Connection, we are grateful to have supported them as they welcome...

After a lifetime of independence, struggling with day-to-day tasks can feel demoralizing. For Jeanne Halpern, 90, having a little help at home has brought relief and newfound joy. For the past five years, Jeanne has called Rhoda Goldman Plaza—JFCS’ vibrant assisted living community—home. She p...

At JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care, we believe that healthy aging begins long before memory loss becomes a concern. Our team is dedicated to helping older adults maintain cognitive vitality, supporting those who may be at risk for—or simply worried about—memory changes, so they can stay healthy...

JFCS is proud to announce that Jacqueline Neuwirth has been elected President of its Board of Directors. A longtime supporter and dedicated leader within the organization, Jacqueline brings both passion and vision to this new role. Service as a Family Value Jacqueline’s commitment to service is de...

Simon Miller, volunteer with JFCS’ Legal Services Program: When I first started volunteering with JFCS, I was looking for a way to feel more rooted in my community. I began with grocery deliveries—a simple way to offer help that fit easily into my week. I didn’t expect that a one-off reque...

The JFCS Shmunis Internship Program (SIP) is a six-week, paid summer experience that matches high school students with real-world internships in healthcare, business, education, tech, environmental advocacy, and more. In addition to their placements, interns participate in dynamic workshops that emp...

With visionary support from the Shmunis family, JFCS is expanding its summer internship program to help more teens prepare for life beyond high school. This summer, high school students across the Bay Area are gaining more than just work experience—they’re discovering purpose, building confidenc...

My name is Iryna, and I’m from Odesa, Ukraine. I came to the United States in 2022 with my 9-year-old daughter, fleeing the war with nothing but hope—hope to find safety and the strength to rebuild our lives from scratch. The first months were frightening and deeply isolating. I didn’t speak E...

JFCS has stood as a sanctuary for those fleeing violence, persecution, and disaster, from the pogroms of the 19th century to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Our commitment to the Jewish value of “welcoming the stranger” runs deep in our history—and continues with unwavering purpose even now. A His...

Laura Filshtein, Volunteer with JFCS’ Friendly Visitors Program: When I first learned about JFCS’ Friendly Visitors program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I was matched with Lydia, a resident of the assisted living community at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, and i...

Simon Miller, volunteer with JFCS’ Nutrition Program: When I moved to San Francisco from Boston just two years ago—by way of my hometown, London—I knew I wanted to build meaningful connections in my new home. I didn’t expect that delivering groceries through JFCS would become one of the ...

This recognition reflects Dr. Friedman’s decades of visionary leadership, her unwavering commitment to human dignity, and her lifelong dedication to strengthening Jewish peoplehood and community around the world. Under her guidance, JFCS has become an internationally respected leader in delivering...

JFCS changes lives every day—and we couldn’t do it without the help of our volunteers. From providing companionship to isolated seniors to ensuring people in need have access to nutritious meals, volunteers are essential to every aspect of our work.  During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re...

Dear Friends, Where does a troubled Jewish teen who is being raised in a single-parent family on welfare and food stamps turn to find help and support in the Bay Area? What beyond spiritual support can a Rabbi who very much wants to help offer a family in crisis? More than 50 years ago our […...

A Q&A with Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet Following October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents in K – 12 schools surged by 135%, creating unprecedented challenges for Jewish families. Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet, LCSW, Education Specialist at the JFCS Holocaust Center, brings over 40 years of experience as a c...