News & Impact

“Everyone I met was traumatized. When children were given art supplies, they drew tanks, machine guns, rockets. And homes, right alongside,” says Anna Lushtak, a longtime friend of Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) and member of our Emigre Committee, who recently spent two weeks volunteering in Poland with Ukrainian refugees. For Anna, who emigrated to the US from the former Soviet Union decades ago and received resettlement assistance from JFCS, the plight of the refugees felt deeply personal. Describing what motivated her to share her time and skills, Anna says, “I was watching what was going on in desperation.… Read More

As the devastation of the war in Ukraine grew, Dr. Yuri Veber felt compelled to help. Yuri and his wife, Mila, both were born in Kyiv and immigrated to the United States. Following the growing refugee crisis and watching the destruction of homes and whole neighborhoods has been heart-rending. Realizing he could use his professional expertise to raise funds and heighten awareness, Yuri planned a special clinic day. His periodontal practice contacted referring dentists with this offer: Patients who had to pay out-of-pocket for needed periodontal services could receive treatment for free. In place of payment, patients would be invited… Read More

When Amelia, age 12, started expressing anxiety about her social status, her mother, Dana, became concerned. Amelia felt that everyone had more friends, more fun, and better life than hers. All based on what she saw on social media. Dana knew she needed help after her daughter began to present a fake life in her social media posts. Amelia refused to go to a therapist’s office, but was amenable when JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth (CCY) told her teletherapy was an option. The preteen is now making headway with managing her social anxiety. Experts at CCY report that anxiety… Read More

When the invasion of Ukraine began, Andrii Blyzenko immediately thought of his mother and younger brother. Fearing the worst, he contacted JFCS Legal Services for advice on ways to bring his loved ones to safety. JFCS has been resettling Jews from the former Soviet Union for decades and is one of the largest centers for emigre resettlement in the United States. Andrii’s connection to JFCS dates back to when he arrived in San Francisco from Odesa several years ago. His father, also received legal services from JFCS when he came to the US, and then turned to us for help… Read More

When the pandemic hit, Samuel was stuck at home, unable to get out and do anything—no work, no in-person social or recreation activities. The loss of connection left a void in his life. When his mom heard about Shupin Social Club from an online parent group, she immediately knew this was a solution for Samuel. “And the rest is history. I have new friends and good connections,” Samuel says with a giant smile. JFCS ensures that adults with disabilities are served and receive connection, independence, support, and community. Expanded services now include hundreds of virtual activities and Special Connections, a… Read More

Susan was sandwiched by family mental health issues. Her father, Mike, had suffered from depression his entire life and now at age 78, was experiencing early signs of dementia. At the same time, Susan’s 12-year-old daughter, Georgia, started to display some concerning behaviors—she wasn’t sleeping, she felt unable to eat, and she started isolating herself from her friends. Susan was overwhelmed by worry as she tried to help her father and daughter through their symptoms, and began to feel alone and hopeless. A friend suggested that Susan reach out to JFCS to talk to a therapist about her stress. When… Read More