News & Impact

Ryan had been struggling academically and socially since the beginning of the pandemic. He had looked forward to high school. Now he was spending his first year of high school online, without opportunities to make friends. Academically, Ryan had difficulty with remote learning and continually lost focus, which quickly led to him falling behind. Ryan’s confidence plummeted as he ended the school year with a C average, having been a straight-A student. The teen became withdrawn and severely depressed. Ryan is not alone. This month US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, issued a public health advisory on the mental health challenges… Read More

No one knew she needed food. Vivienne, 87, a widow, worked all her life as a Macy’s clerk and never asked anyone for help. In fact, she was one of those people who always helped others—in her synagogue, at the local hospital, or a neighbor in need. But with no children, no local family, and a failing heart, her world became smaller and smaller, and she found herself increasingly alone. At the end of every month, her refrigerator was almost empty. Only a package of bologna and a half loaf of white bread is what we found. A longtime neighbor… 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

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education—an important step forward in the fight against antisemitism and hate. The council will include state legislators, civic leaders and representatives from minority communities. The JFCS Holocaust Center will play a critical leadership role as the state embarks on a historic expansion of educational programs that will confront the recent rise in antisemitism and other acts of hate in California and worldwide. Each year, the Holocaust Center educates over 25,000 students and teachers from over 350 schools about the causes and consequences of discrimination.… Read More

Kendall was in an abusive marriage for 15 years. She often thought of leaving but didn’t know how she would provide for three children when her husband had never allowed her to work. Ultimately, her husband became violent with her oldest son, and Kendall fled with her children quickly. Faced with having to protect her kids and find a job to support them, Kendall didn’t know where to turn until a local homeless shelter connected her with JFCS. While many factors contribute to abuse in families, the continuing pandemic has brought lockdown entrapment and economic insecurities that have sharply… Read More

With compassion and generosity, our community came together over the last year to provide the highest quality care to more people than ever in Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ 171-year history.   Today, conditions are still uncertain. Recovery will be long—especially for the most vulnerable. Your help is needed to ensure no one is left behind.  Recently, Nina, a mother of two, was desperate for a lifeline.   Nina ran through her scant savings trying to provide for her daughters after her small business collapsed. With mounting debt, no family to lean on, and no clear path forward, Nina’s panic grew. Her… Read More