News & Impact

Eugene and Elinor Friend set an incredible example of philanthropy for their children. Through their involvement with various organizations in the community, they showed their deep connection to their home and their heritage. Their story spans more than a century. As an Eastern European Jewish immigrant in New York City around the end of the19th century, Gene’s father was drawn to the western frontier, a place without barriers or discrimination. Elly moved to California from El Paso, Texas and met Gene while attending UC Berkeley. They married in 1940 and started a family. Though the two shared a passion for… Read More

JFCS board member, Lisa Bardin has been instrumental in supporting our community through giving to JFCS, serving as a wonderful ambassador, and being a co-chair of JFCS’ popular Fammy Awards Gala. Lisa sets the example for her family and our community by being a true JFCS mensch—a person of integrity and honor who does the right thing by helping others. After a long and successful career on Wall Street as a Portfolio Manager, Lisa made aliyah and she and her husband, Noam, moved to Tel Aviv in 2003. Her daughter, Shai, was born there two months later and Mika was… Read More

Bob joined JFCS’ Board in 2014 with great enthusiasm. Since 1999 he has been an active volunteer in the Jewish community—putting his values into practice, and sharing his passion for helping those in need. He says, his favorite sentence is, ‘How can I help?’” Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up. My Father and his parents fled Vienna in 1940. Arriving at Ellis Island they were given the choice of moving to St. Louis or San Francisco. They chose St. Louis because it was closer to the East Coast. I moved to San Francisco in 1977… Read More

Ian’s work with JFCS spans nearly three decades, including being one of JFCS’ longest serving board members. Since first joining the Finance Committee, his relationship with JFCS has blossomed immeasurably; his compassion and big heart have inspired so many in our community. Ian says, “I’ve had broad involvement with the Jewish community with many other agencies and synagogues, but I found my home at JFCS.” Tell us a little bit about where you grew up and your background. I grew up in Albany, New York. My parents were active in the Jewish community and we are all still very close.… Read More

Thanks to donations from more than 300 people, we raised $41,364 for emergency funds for JFCS’ Dream House in June. Victims of domestic violence will receive help with childcare, medical, and legal costs. Find out more about the campaign >… Read More

Jim Shapiro is currently a Vice President of the JFCS Board of Directors. He has been a passionate supporter and advocate of JFCS ever since he and his wife, Sally, walked into JFCS’ Parents Place in 1992 to request some help with their baby. Jim has contributed to JFCS in a multitude of capacities from chairing the Fammy Awards Gala to serving on the Finance Committee. As Jim states, “Whatever JFCS asks of me, I say YES!” Tell us a bit about the community you grew up in and your background. I’ve always been quite connected and enriched by Jewish… Read More