See and hear what our clients and volunteers say about the programs and services offered at
Jewish Family and Children's Services. If you or someone you know needs, help, please get in
touch with us. No one needs to feel alone.
Pioneers in Bay Area Holocaust Commemoration
Hear from the pioneers in Bay Area Holocaust education and learn about the establishment of the Holocaust Center of Northern California, now the JFCS Holocaust Center.
Olga Barsky
After Olga Barsky’s husband died, she and her children turned to JFCS for practical, emotional, and, financial support. Grateful for JFCS’ help, Olga now gives back to the agency as a volunteer.
Celebrating 40 Years of Immigration
Stories of Jewish immigration from the former Soviet Union, celebrating the success of those who came to start new lives and thanking those who helped them.
Helping Young People Fulfill Their Dreams
JFCS’ Educational Loan, Grants, and Scholarship Program provides support to promising young people like Masha, a recent Dartmouth College graduate applying to medical school.
Help Us Preserve Specialized Services for Special Needs
Budget cuts leave families of children with special needs bereft of the specialized services enabling them to have a brighter future.
Budget Cuts Hurt Services for Vulnerable Seniors
Low-income, frail seniors will suffer greatly from budget cuts to adult day health programs and supplemental security payments. You can help us close the gap in funding.
The Kaplans
Psychotherapists and 2012 Fammy Award Winners Michael and Elaine had a dream: to help victims of domestic abuse. They found a way to fulfill it at JFCS.
Gerson Bakar
Real estate developer and philanthropist Gerson Bakar was honored for his living memorial to his nephew through the gift of the Gary Shupin House – Independent Living Community at JFCS.
Sophie
Even during her mother’s terminal illness, high school student Sophie remained an active contributor to teen leadership programs at JFCS, winning a 2012 Fammy Award for her courage and caring for others.
Going the Extra Mile
A group of volunteers in JFCS’ palliative care program went beyond providing comfort to the sick and the dying. They created an endowed fund to ensure the care of future generations in need.
JFCS Canine Corps
Four vignettes will make you smile … and smile some more, as you see the life-affirming effects of pet-assisted therapy with people of all ages and conditions in life.
Hedy
A hidden child in Brussels during the Holocaust, Hedy, now 89, shares her story with youth, and volunteers her many talents at her assisted-care residence, Rhoda Goldman Plaza, and at JFCS.
The Clebaner Family
Emigres from the Ukraine, Lida and her children, Natasha and Misha, participated in many programs at JFCS since coming to the U.S. in 1992. Today, they are all dedicated to “giving back” to the local and global community.
Dr. Ingrid D. Tauber
Psychologist and philanthropist Ingrid D. Tauber received JFCS’ Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award at the Fammy Gala Awards on March 26, 2011.
Seven Stories That Will Break Your Heart
These seven individuals--Jared, Jeff, Gal, Allen, Linda, Cecelia, and David--have gotten back on their feet with the support of JFCS' Emergency Family Assistance program.
Pola
Pola is a Holocaust survivor who shares her wisdom and compassion with teens in our Team Tzadek and Next Chapter programs.
Jeff
A Fammy Award honoree, Jeff lends his time and energy to many volunteer programs at JFCS, including visiting people who are chronically or terminally ill.
Gal
When Gal's second child died, JFCS supported her through the grieving process.
Shelli
JFCS provided palliative and end of life care to Shelli, who died at 24 of brain cancer.
Jane & Michael Rice
Fammy Award winners Jane and Michael Rice volunteer in our Chicken Soupers program, delivering meals to people with disabilities and AIDS.
Dr Anita Friedman
Executive Director Anita Friedman celebrates 30 years of leadership at JFCS; receives first Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award.
Charlie Spiegel
LGBT champion and Fammy Award winner Charlie Spiegel adopted his daughter through JFCS’ Adoption Connection.
Neale
When Neale lost his job, he turned to JFCS for emergency funds to help him pay the bills while he looked for another job.
Francesca
JFCS' Emergency Assistance Fund helped Francesca get through a rough spot when she broke both ankles and couldn’t work for an extended time.
Faye
Struggling to make ends meet with her part-time job and disability payments, Faye got new tires for her car, so she could keep commuting to work, from JFCS’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Dana
JFCS’ Family Loan Program helped Dana learn how to manage her finances, get out of debt, and go back to school.
Jack
Jack, a Holocaust survivor, was able to stay at home with the help of JFCS’ Seniors At Home program until he passed away in his mid 90s.
Sylvia
Sylvia survived Siberia during the Holocaust but doesn’t think she could survive old age and live in her apartment without JFCS’ senior services.
Rides Program
JFCS RIDES transports elderly to medical appointments, food shopping, and social events.
Holocaust Survivor Program
Jewish Holocaust survivors from Poland are recognized each year at the California Capitol and by JFCS’ Next Chapter Project.
Bay Area Relief Fund
How five amazing women partnered with JFCS to send 30,000 pounds of clothing to refugees from Hurricane Katrina.
Hal's Story
As a troubled teen, Hal was headed down the wrong track. Learn how JFCS helped him turn his life around and how he helps others today.
Allan's Story
Long-time JFCS volunteer Allan started by visiting AIDS patients in hospitals when few else would, bringing them “Kaiser” meals; he went on to other volunteer opportunities with gusto.
Sara's Story
When Sara’s husband Dan, who was self-employed, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, they didn’t know how they would care for their newborn child and each other; JFCS stepped in to help with comprehensive services.