News & Impact

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

Bay Woof by Janet Bensu with Miriam Markowitz I pull my car into Sam’s* driveway with my dogs, Rosie and Freddy. Sam gives a wave from his front steps. He’s ready to go and waiting for our visit. Slowly lifting his body up from the steps, Sam walks over to the front seat. It’s mid-afternoon and this is the first time Sam has left his apartment today. Walking up and down the stairs is exhausting for him, but his doctors all agree the exercise is good for his health. Grinning from ear to ear, Sam says hello to me, and… Read More

David Dossetter of San Francisco joined the board of Jewish Family and Children’s Services one year ago. We recently spoke with him about why he has chosen to devote his time and energy to the organization. What initially attracted you to JFCS? I like how the organization delivers first class services to people in need, without concern for their ability to pay for the services. This is a business model that I can get behind. I also like the idea that the organization isn’t just about redistributing money, which is the mission of many nonprofits. JFCS is an economically logical… Read More

CBS SF Bay Area From community and service professions to business management and education, a degree in sociology can be quite practical for a number of careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most sociology jobs for San Francisco students require a minimum of a master’s degree. Nevertheless, the overall job outlook for sociologists is projected to grow much faster than the national average. In considering a career in sociology, there’s nothing much better than receiving expert advice from someone highly respected in the field, such as Lynne Fingerman, M.S.W., Co-Founder and Director of Adoption Connection, headquartered in… Read More

Massive earthquakes have devastated Nepal — a magnitude 7.8 on April 25, a magnitude 7.3 on May 12, and their many aftershocks. The death toll has gone beyond 8,000 and is expected to grow. The number of wounded and missing is more than 18.000, and the people of Nepal desperately need our help to begin to rebuild. Please donate to the organization of your choice to help finance the relief effort for those people made most vulnerable by this tragedy.  Jewish Family and Children’s Services We are working with partners providing direct relief in Nepal and ensure that your gift… Read More

Marina Tikhman and her family were helped by JFCS when they immigrated as Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union more than three decades ago. And for years, Marina has been helping JFCS and our community as a volunteer. We recently discussed the pivotal role JFCS has played in her life. First, tell us about your Jewish upbringing. I grew up in Moscow. We had a very traditional household, where Jewish holidays were cherished. My parents instilled a strong Jewish identity in me – in spite of the fact that observing or teaching Judaism was essentially illegal at that time. Did… Read More