News & Impact

Sharing stories is a powerful way to connect with community and learn about one another, and we encourage our volunteers to share stories from their experiences at JFCS. Below are some first-hand accounts of how our volunteers are changed by the beautiful acts of Hessed (kindness) they do in their work with JFCS and our clients. Donna Borok Moss/JFCS Marin Volunteer “For most of my adult life, I have been involved in the world of animal rescue. Being an animal lover, I have volunteered for many animal non-profits. However, I began to feel the need to give back to my… Read More

Tucked safely in Margie Baer’s bicycle bags are fresh fruit and vegetables, proteins, and staples—essential foods that save vulnerable Marin seniors from hunger. For more than four years, Margie, a retired doctor, has delivered groceries from JFCS’ Food Bank to the doorsteps of local seniors. “It’s meaningful to bring food to elderly members of our community. Many of them don’t have family nearby to help,” says Margie. She smiles when recalling an older gentleman who would greet her each week with a new joke, giving the gift of laughter in appreciation for the food. Next time you see a cyclist… Read More

David, age 83, is living on a very modest income in San Francisco—the city he has called home for over 60 years. He spends 70% of his income on rent, leaving little for other essentials like heating and food. “JFCS makes it possible for me to continue living in San Francisco,” David says. With fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as canned items and other foods from JFCS’ Food Bank, David doesn’t have to worry whether he can access the nutrition he needs to stay healthy. “The food I get each week gives me energy and a sense of well-being… Read More

See our Ukraine response resources > Heartfelt Gratitude from a Ukrainian Family The San Jose Mercury News featured the story of a Ukrainian couple, Mariia and Anatolii, that JFCS has been privileged to help—thanks to your generosity. Their daughter, Oksana, shared these words of gratitude for the support our community provided to her parents, who arrived in the Bay Area with serious health issues after a treacherous journey: “When Laura [one of JFCS’ care managers] met with my parents, listened to their story, and learned about their needs, she made every effort to help. She took care of every problem,… Read More

On May 12, two Holocaust survivors—Sonia Apfelbaum, 81, and David Diamond, 92—stood on the bimah at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo in front of family and friends. Their dreams of becoming a Bat and Bar Mitzvah had been lifelong in the making, and three years in the making for JFCS and a small army of local Israeli volunteers. “Today is the happiest day in my life,” David said from the bimah. David and Sonia met through JFCS’ Café By the Bay program on the Peninsula, which brings survivors together weekly on Zoom to socialize, connect, and support one… Read More

“Many Israelis in the Bay Area are newly arrived, working in tech, economically stable, and raising young children. But what happens to those who are aging, facing hardship, or coping with illness? They can be left aside, with no family nearby to help.” —Oded Hermoni, JFCS Board of Directors and chair of the Bayit Ba’valley Israeli Committee JFCS’ Israeli Department Thrives, Thanks to Dedicated Volunteers Over the past ten years, the number of Israeli families moving to the Bay Area, particularly the South Peninsula, has been increasing. Recognizing the gap in culturally competent parenting and family support services in Hebrew,… Read More