News & Impact

Increasingly we rely on technology, email, voicemail, Facebook, Snapchat, and texting to communicate with others. It is not uncommon for groups of children and teens to gather for a social outing only to be found looking at their phones and not at one another. Our level of engagement and the way we spend time with one another is changing rapidly and with great consequences. One of the main reasons young children held my attention for decades is because of their keen ability to engage us with creative, entertaining, and very humorous, conversation. The way that children weave their colorful stories… Read More

There’s nothing like nuzzling with a friendly, four-legged creature that has plenty of unconditional love to share. Scientific and empirical evidence indicates that animals offer comfort and joy to isolated seniors battling with depression. While numerous pet therapy programs exist, JFCS’ Canine Corps program is unique because it fosters ongoing and meaningful three-way relationships between clients, volunteers, and their dogs. Barking up the Right Tree For eight years JFCS has been matching trained canine companions and their owners with clients in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma County, and the Peninsula. Like many JFCS initiatives, the program is designed to help the… Read More

Half of Bay Area residents over 85 are currently experiencing some form of dementia, and by 2020, the region is expected to see a 49% increase in residents with Alzheimer’s disease – not including other related conditions. With so many individuals and their families facing the challenges of these conditions, the need for dedicated local support has never been greater. That’s why, one year ago, JFCS launched the Center for Dementia Care—part of Seniors At Home, the Bay Area’s largest provider of senior care—and took a pioneering leap in enhanced support for people with Dementia-related conditions, and their families… Read More

For many of us, the holiday season is a time of comfort, celebration and joy. But for individuals and families in need, this time of year can prove particularly difficult or lonely. JFCS volunteers are gathering together to lovingly provide gifts, meals and comfort to the members of our community who need it most. If you’re looking to give back this holiday season, join us for any of three festive volunteering opportunities that everyone in the family can take part in. Volunteer Thanksgiving Weekend at St. Anthony’s Did you know that one in five adults in San Francisco struggles to… Read More

Steven, a professional architect and father, first called JFCS when his medical issues became debilitating. He had lost his job and to make matters worse, he and his wife had just divorced. With these major life stressors, Steven’s health further deteriorated and his savings was spent paying bills and child support. At 52 he says, “I had been totally self-sufficient my whole life, until I had these health issues.” Since calling JFCS, Steven has benefited from the food pantry and food vouchers, rental assistance, and, most importantly, case management. The JFCS Clinical Care Team has been his advocate and… Read More

Do you share your life with a friendly well-trained dog? JFCS’ Canine Corps help seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes. By working with seniors, volunteers have the opportunity to help them remain independent, while building meaningful relationships. Pets often bring out the best in people. This program provides an opportunity for seniors to experience the benefits of human-animal interaction. Here’s how to become a JFCS Canine Corps volunteer: To get started first fill out the online JFCS Volunteer Application and check the “Canine Companions” interest box. A JFCS Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to answer… Read More