Keeping Family Traditions Alive for JFCS’ Shupin Community
- Donor Stories
- Stories & Testimonials
- People with Disabilities
Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ Shupin Social Club participants recently gathered for their annual Passover Seder, continuing a treasured tradition made possible by longtime JFCS supporters Suzanne and Michael Berke.
“Our connection to the Shupin Community is very personal,” says Michael. “My niece Lana had special needs. She did not live long enough to enjoy being part of such a warm community. We love supporting services that would have meant so much to her.”
Passover is a favorite holiday in Michael’s family. His mother, Elaine Berke, of blessed memory, was an inspiring leader of the community and loved to bring… Read More
Posted by Admin on April 19, 2024
Dementia Care & Autonomy: JFCS Visits Amsterdam to Unlock the Secrets of the Hogeweyk Village
- People with Disabilities
- Seniors
Staying on the cutting edge of treatments for people with memory loss and their families is vital for the industry-leading team behind JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care. That’s why, recently, we embarked on a transformative journey to explore what could be the future of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Joined by colleagues from Rhoda Goldman Plaza—JFCS’ premier assisted living community—our team traveled to Amsterdam for an exclusive and immersive training experience at the Hogeweyk.
Immersive Training with the Hogeweyk
The Hogeweyk (pronounced HOH-guh-vaik), established in 2009, is a world-famous memory care community that shares JFCS’ specialized, person-centered philosophy of treatment.… Read More
Posted by Admin on January 10, 2024
A Shupin Community Role Model: Weatherman Jordan Darensbourg
- Stories & Testimonials
- People with Disabilities
When several members of the Shupin Social Club were curious about climate change and the floods we were having this past winter, the Shupin Community was inspired to host an event to learn about the weather. A bit of creative Googling yielded a surprising gift: a neurodivergent weatherman in Texas.
Meteorologist Jordan Darensbourg is a living example that neurodivergent kids can grow up to be whatever they want to be. Jordan has Asperger’s, which is a rare form of autism, and he uses this diagnosis to inspire others to go after whatever it is they set their mind to.
“I’m… Read More
Posted by Admin on May 15, 2023
JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care Guides Families from Crisis to Connection
- Stories & Testimonials
- People with Disabilities
- Seniors
For decades, Alice took pride in preparing gourmet meals for her husband, Joe. When Alice’s memory declined and she forgot most evenings to cook, Joe didn’t have the heart to raise the issue. Their weight and health began to suffer.
Worried, Alice and Joe’s daughters looked for help. A friend at synagogue referred them to JFCS.
JFCS’ Center for Dementia Care created a “care circle” for Alice, educating her family, friends, and even her house cleaner about memory loss and how to help. Alice resisted each step in the process, but JFCS built her trust. Finally, Alice accepted that receiving… Read More
Posted by Admin on January 20, 2023
Opening Soon! Ady’s Place and Gerson’s Place, Our Newest Residences for Adults with Disabilities
- JFCS News
- People with Disabilities
JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community is growing! With the addition of Ady’s Place and Gerson’s Place, our vibrant “urban kibbutz” in San Francisco’s Laurel Heights will now include multiple beautiful residences for neurodivergent adults. We are grateful to The Barbara and Gerson Bakar Foundation for their vision and longtime generosity!
Founded in 2009, the Shupin Community includes a robust social program, independent living and job skills, and wraparound services so that adults with disabilities can live full, happy lives and age with dignity.
Here are some examples of life in the Shupin Community:
“Living in the Shupin Community is… Read More
Posted by Admin on September 23, 2022
JFCS Builds a Thriving Community for Adults with Disabilities
- Stories & Testimonials
- People with Disabilities
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
Posted by Admin on February 8, 2022