A Caring Group of Friends Bands Together to Help Those in Need What do Zoe Schwartz, Marsha Jacobs, Lynn Ganz, Miriam Sparrow, Ellen Mundell, Marlene Stein, and Bonnie Lasky all have in common? The dynamic septet are part of the Sonoma Leadership Council, a JFCS affiliate group that has come together to support JFCS’ outstanding services. “JFCS is like my f...
A Childhood of Loss Fuels a Giving Opportunity When the San Francisco section of the National Council of Jewish Women helped establish an educational scholarship at JFCS benefiting single parents in need, it held particular resonance for NCJW Board member Linda Kurtz, who partnered with the Council to bring the scholarship to fruition. “My fat...
A Father’s Love Lives on—and Young People Succeed Anita and Ronald z’l Wornick sat for this interview in 2014. May his memory be for a blessing. Over many years, Ronald and Anita Wornick have touched the worlds of art, medical research, education, and Jewish philanthropy through gifts that have made a difference in the lives of many. But few of t...
Confidence in Community: Alix Li’s Transformative Journey with Shupin Alix Li is thriving. Since joining JFCS’ Shupin Community and moving into Ady’s Place, she has embraced every opportunity—becoming a regular at yoga and dance, shining at improv night, and, with support from Shupin’s career counselor, landing a new job at a local daycare. Her journey with Sh...
Ask a JFCS Lawyer: Immigration Questions for 2026 Updated as of January, 2026. In times of uncertainty, having trusted guidance can make all the difference. With immigration policies shifting and global events creating new challenges, many individuals and families are unsure where to turn for accurate information and reliable support. Below, you�...
Finding Her Voice: Betty’s Growth at Ady’s Place Betty, a resident of Ady’s Place with the Gary Shupin Independent Living Community describes herself as an introvert. While she finds social settings sometimes challenging, she has always carried a quiet wisdom and when she speaks, her words are thoughtful, eloquent, and full of insight. A year ag...
"Family Isn’t Singular—It’s Plural”: An Adoption Story 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...
JFCS News and Events—these monthly emails are a great way to catch up on recent news and events, and learn about opportunities to get involved.
Rywka’s Diary: The Writings of a Jewish Girl from the Lodz Ghetto was first published by the JFCS Holocaust Center in 2014. It has now been translated and published in 15 countries around the world. Buy It Here.
Centuries of Pioneering was published by JFCS in 2010 in celebration of our 160th anniversary. The book tells the story of the Jewish people in the Bay Area and our work to help others since 1850. Cost: $24.99 plus sales tax and shipping. To order your copy call 415-449-1256.