JFCS professionals reached out to her. Sarra, who has arthritis, osteoporosis, poor circulation, and a heart condition, became a patient at JFCS’ L’Chaim Adult Day Health Center, which provides essential medical, rehabilitative, and social services to frail, low-income seniors. Now, she can’t wait to get on the L’Chaim bus each day.

“My first day on the bus,” Sarra says, “the driver was so caring. When I arrived, everyone hugged me. I found a new family.” In addition to assistance for serious medical conditions, Sarra is buoyed by L’Chaim’s many Jewish cultural programs for seniors. “This is a gift from God,” she says. “Without L’Chaim, I wouldn’t be alive.”

Sarra echoes the sentiments of the hundreds of L’Chaim patients. But because of deep government cuts to L’Chaim and other programs in California, they are at risk of losing services that keep them safe and independent. They’re also more likely to enter nursing homes and hospitals and use emergency rooms—far costlier alternatives.

We need your help. JFCS must raise $500,000 by June 30 to make up the shortfall in government support for life-sustaining services for the elderly like Sarra. Learn more about taking part in this effort and make a gift here.

Watch a video about budget cuts to services for frail and vulnerable seniors.

That was Carla’s great fear when she considered leaving the man who threatened to kill her if she ever called the police to report his beatings. Now, thanks to Dream House, JFCS’ residential and domestic violence prevention program for women and children, Carla is moving on to a safe and successful life.

At Dream House, Carla and other residents participate in individual and group counseling to deal with the abuse they’ve experienced. Their children also benefit from therapy at JFCS’ Parents Place. In addition to emotional support, the women receive assistance to develop educational, financial, and professional plans so that they can become independent when they leave Dream House.

Dream House is a “profound dream,” Carla says, “a place to live without violence and to learn the tools to lead a healthy, free life … It is for me a little like going to the Promised Land.”

Hear more of Carla’s story in this video, a tribute to Michael and Elaine Kaplan, who helped to make Dream House a reality. Read more about another Dream House client’s triumph over abuse, and learn some startling facts about the incidence of domestic abuse in this country.

In Sonoma County, Charles, a 58-year-old man with disabilities, feels the same way about Greta, his JFCS RIDES volunteer, who takes him to and from his doctors’ appointments and other vital errands. “I don’t know what I’d do without her,” he says. “It would be very hard to get around, and I would be isolated.”

Michael, Greta, and 2,000 other wonderful JFCS volunteers offer greatly needed assistance and bring much joy to thousands of our community members each year. While we are grateful for their efforts every day, we will thank them officially later this spring at volunteer appreciation events in all five JFCS regions. We will also be congratulating JFCS volunteers Jim Blattner, Bernard “Bud” Rubin, and Clyde Fox, who are receiving special Carob Tree Awards in recognition of their endowment gifts to JFCS and their service to the community. These volunteers and many others are ensuring that JFCS services are there for those in need for generations to come. Learn more about making an endowment gift.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more about the dozens of opportunities at JFCS by calling 415-449-1288, emailing RachelK@jfcs.org, or clicking here.

The costs of these complimentary programs are underwritten by generous JFCS supporters.