For George Maisels and his wife, Lois, both of blessed memory, caring about others began at home in the Bay Area. George ran a liquor store in the Mission District of San Francisco for many years with his brother, Larry. When he and Lois decided they wanted to leave a legacy for the Jewish community, they chose Jewish Family and Children’s Services to receive a substantial part of their estate, dedicating it to establish the George and Lois Maisels Perpetual Endowment Fund. The couple thoughtfully designated the fund to support domestic violence survivor services; housing assistance for seniors; immigration legal… Read More

The Benjamin and Elizabeth Leavitt Fund, established by Barbara and Barry Kay in loving memory of Barbara’s parents, provides financial support for the comprehensive social services that JFCS offers to Russian emigres, helping them build successful new lives in the Bay Area. Born in 1903 in Plissa, Wilna Geberne, Benjamin Leavitt emigrated from Russia with his parents when he was 12. The family settled in the small Connecticut town of Fitchville, but eventually Benjamin moved to Bridgeport and went into business as one of the original owners of a Hertz franchise. Barbara’s mother, Elizabeth, affectionately called Betty, was born in… Read More