May his memory be for a blessing. A former administrator with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services, at which he oversaw western states’ implementation of the National School Lunch Program and other programs to help families and children, Jim took an early interest in JFCS’ Food Programs to help clients at risk of hunger. This led to his creation of a JFCS Named Endowment Fund, the Let Them Eat Bread Fund. “My main charitable activities have involved feeding people,” Jim said. Over time, Jim’s philanthropic interests and involvement with JFCS broadened. He redid his will and… Read More

“We are interested in providing this legacy because of the great work JFCS does in providing for the wide range of needs within our community—youth, parents, adults, and seniors.” With these words Board member Alex Ingersoll and his husband, Martin Tannenbaum, a strategic planning, business, and training consultant to the agency, notified Jewish Family and Children’s Services that we are one of three major beneficiaries of their estate plan. Their significant commitment has been shaped by each man’s lifelong exposure to, and belief in, the importance of philanthropy. Carrying Forward Deeply Rooted Family Values Alex, who grew up on a… Read More

As a successful entrepreneur and legendary business leader, Barney Mizel knows an effective enterprise when he sees one. The Marin County resident has built three national insurance brokerage firms over the course of his long career and generously shared his time, talents, and expertise on JFCS’ Program and Planning Committee and Endowment Committee. Barney and his wife, Ann, have been providing significant support to JFCS and the community it serves through their family foundation. The couple is planning for the future by leaving a bequest to JFCS. “I truly admire JFCS for the valuable work it does, and I am… Read More

Eric Schmier z’l spent his life caring for others in a quiet and unassuming way. In his childhood Eric connected to the spirit of philanthropy through Judaism. Raised in a Detroit suburb, his parents started the first reform temple outside the city in their basement. It was the center of Jewish life for many in their community, including Eric, who developed his mother’s dedication to serving others. As his brother Ken recalled fondly, Eric was a very special human being who sought out deeply personal ways serving others. Ken would know. Save for the years while Eric was in college… Read More

Siesel Maibach may still have a slight Southern accent from her childhood in Louisiana, but don’t let that fool you—she’s been in the Bay Area for many years. A successful art consultant for decades, you can view a sample of her work at JFCS’ assisted living community, Rhoda Goldman Plaza, where she placed 350 pieces of beautiful art. Siesel has served JFCS in a multitude of vital capacities over the past 40 years. As Board President in the 1980s, her leadership stewarded JFCS through challenging times. A longtime member of JFCS’ Endowment Committee, she has made an estate gift… Read More

Frank Stein and his life partner, Paul May, drove cross-country to San Francisco in the 1960s to seek their fortunes, knowing that they could live their lives more openly as a gay couple out west. In the years that followed they created an incredible life together and became successful businessmen and generous supporters. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Frank understood firsthand how some families struggle. With a generous grant to JFCS’ Parents Place (now the JFCS Center for Children and Youth), his and Paul’s success helped parents, children, teens, and families get the tools and support… Read More