News & Impact

With visionary support from the Shmunis family, JFCS is expanding its summer internship program to help more teens prepare for life beyond high school. This summer, high school students across the Bay Area are gaining more than just work experience—they’re discovering purpose, building confidence, and stepping into adulthood with the support of the newly expanded JFCS Shmunis Internship Program (SIP). The program’s growth has been made possible by the leadership and generosity of Vlad and Sana Shmunis, who have established the Shmunis Youth Endowment Fund to strengthen and expand opportunities for local teens. A Transformational Opportunity for Teens The… Read More

We are heartbroken by the attack on the Jewish community in Boulder this past Sunday and by the deadly shootings in Washington, DC that claimed two lives. These violent acts are part of an alarming rise in antisemitism, and a painful reminder of what happens when hate goes unchecked. Caring for each other and taking action together in this moment is vital. JFCS is here for you. Here are some ways that you can take care and take action right now: Prioritize Mental Health JFCS offers culturally competent counseling for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression,… Read More

This recognition reflects Dr. Friedman’s decades of visionary leadership, her unwavering commitment to human dignity, and her lifelong dedication to strengthening Jewish peoplehood and community around the world. Under her guidance, JFCS has become an internationally respected leader in delivering compassionate, innovative care rooted in Jewish values. The Israel Museum’s honor also highlights the deep cultural and spiritual connections between our work at JFCS and the rich tapestry of Jewish life and heritage in Israel. Through meaningful exchanges and shared values, JFCS has long nurtured cross-cultural relationships with Israeli institutions and thought leaders. These collaborations—rooted in a common belief in… Read More

In celebration of JFCS’ 175th anniversary, we’d like to extend a big thanks to Showtime Photo Booth for providing JFCS with a photo wall for guests to use at all of our special events! With 27 unique photo solutions since 2013, they are the premier choice for photo booth rental in Los Angeles.… Read More

From June 23 – 26, 2024, dedicated teachers from across California gathered in Los Angeles for the second annual Summer Institute of the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education. This groundbreaking event, organized by the JFCS Holocaust Center in partnership with The USC Shoah Foundation, brought together educators from 51 California school districts. Through expert-led workshops, moving testimonies, and rich primary sources, the institute equipped teachers with effective tools to build critical thinking skills and address antisemitism and hate in their own classrooms and communities. In a post-institute survey, 98% of teachers reported the curriculum and instructional strategies… Read More

On October 29, 2023, local synagogue members and men’s clubs teed off at Crystal Springs Golf Course for the 2023 Peninsula Jewish Community Golf Classic (PCJGC), raising over $23,000 to support JFCS’ Food Bank and nutrition programs on the Peninsula. The Peninsula Jewish Community Golf Classic has been held for the past 13 years. In 2021, the PJCGC Committee saw a chance to leverage the tournament’s success into a fundraising opportunity. Since then, the committee and its collaborators have generously supported Jewish Family and Children’s Services programs.  When asked why the tournament selected JFCS as its beneficiary, committee cofounder David… Read More