News & Impact

Moving from Emergency Response to Long-Term Recovery Two months have passed since fires swept through the North Bay, leaving in their wake incredible destruction and thousands homeless, jobless, and emotionally scarred. JFCS hit the ground running, working to support the community. Thanks to generous donations from supporters like you, our Sonoma County office has become a community hub where individuals and families are receiving the services they need to re-build their lives and heal. Thank you for your help! Emergency Response and Ramping Up In the initial weeks after the fires JFCS staff witnessed survivors in shock. Over 250 families… Read More

The Press Democrat By Meg McConahey FAUX FLAMES MAY BE A GOOD IDEA FOR THE FIRE-TRAUMATIZED THIS YEAR It’s the season of soft light, when candles are flickering and hearth fires roaring. But in the aftermath of October’s firestorms, which destroyed thousands of homes in Sonoma County and shrouded the air with heavy smoke for days, many people may find themselves looking warily at those flames that used to symbolize cozy comfort and peace. “Fire has been one of those things that keeps us warm and has always had positive memories,” said Diana Klein, director of the Sonoma County Regional… Read More

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO – Jewish Family and Children’s Services, one of the largest and oldest charitable institutions in the Bay Area has a received a grant of $250,000 from Tipping Point Community to support its emergency aid to victims of the North Bay fires. The generous grant will be a welcome addition to JFCS’ Disaster Assistance Fund and will be used to help low-income families and individuals get back on their feet after the fires. “The North Bay fires hurt thousands, but especially those who were already struggling paycheck to paycheck,” said Dr. Anita Friedman,… Read More

If you have been impacted by the North Bay wildfires, now is the time to begin the difficult process of getting your life in order. Here are 10 tips to help you get started: Get a post office box and have the post office begin forwarding all of your mail to it. Start saving ALL of your receipts. Loss of use insurance will cover incidentals such as phone chargers, a hairbrush, clothes, etc. Contact your homeowner’s/rental insurance to trigger “loss of use.” This typically will allow you to be in a similar property for a certain number of years and,… Read More

For Immediate Release: October 11, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO – Taube Philanthropies, one of the Bay Area’s foremost charitable organizations, has granted $250,000 to Jewish Family and Children’s Services in support of its emergency aid to victims of the North Bay wildfires. The financial support is making it possible for JFCS to render short-term humanitarian assistance – including food, clothing and housing – as well as longer-term support to help fire victims recover and rebuild their lives. “The North Bay fires have been devastating to thousands,” said Dr. Anita Friedman, JFCS executive director. “Members of our community will be grappling… Read More

J Weekly By Dan Pine The devastating wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties this week have caused death, injuries and destruction for miles around — but they have also brought out the best in people wanting to lend a hand. Synagogues, Jewish agencies and scores of individual volunteers have lined up to assist families evacuated from the danger zones, some of whom have lost their homes to the flames. Santa Rosa’s Congregation Shomrei Torah has emerged as a hub for that Jewish aid. Since Oct. 9 the Reform synagogue has served as a command post, trauma center, soup kitchen, overnight… Read More