- Donor Stories
Carole Meyers, of blessed memory, and her family started volunteering with JFCS in 1993, when they “adopted” a Jewish family that had just emigrated from the Soviet Union. The Meyers guided the newcomers in many practical and emotional ways (not an easy task given the language barriers) and built a deep friendship with them.
This experience, coupled with Carole’s love of teaching, inspired her to volunteer to teach a JFCS English Second Language class. For more than twelve years, the small group of Russian-speaking Jewish emigre women continued to meet weekly, with the scope expanding from language practice to cover everything from cultural and historical aspects of our language to interpreting American events and customs.
Beyond her dedicated volunteer work, Carole and her husband, Merle, generously supported the work of JFCS. Through their gifts, they helped JFCS provide vital services to the emigre community, as well as others in need.
Carole’s commitment to supporting emigre families has contributed greatly to creating a strong and vibrant Bay Area Jewish community. Most importantly to her, the women she taught became like family, and Carole said she received more than she gave. Reflecting on the experience in 2019, Carole beamed with pride as she said, “Our group has a rare bond . . . we always end our phone calls with ‘I love you.’ What could be more heartwarming and fulfilling than that?”
Carole’s caring legacy continues in the community she lovingly nurtured.