News & Impact

Every Tuesday at 1pm, you’ll find Tzippi poised at her computer, ready to help Holocaust survivors participate in Café by the Bay. The Café meets regularly in San Francisco and Marin and on the Peninsula to enjoy art, music, speakers, discussions, and celebrations. Tzippi is one of 30 volunteers who help with everything from planning gatherings to providing technical support for survivors who join virtually. Each volunteer is paired with a “friend”—a survivor with whom they form a close relationship. Tzippi’s commitment to the group shines in the relationship she’s built with Rebecca, the 96-year-old “friend” she’s been working with… Read More

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

David, age 83, is living on a very modest income in San Francisco—the city he has called home for over 60 years. He spends 70% of his income on rent, leaving little for other essentials like heating and food. “JFCS makes it possible for me to continue living in San Francisco,” David says. With fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as canned items and other foods from JFCS’ Food Bank, David doesn’t have to worry whether he can access the nutrition he needs to stay healthy. “The food I get each week gives me energy and a sense of well-being… Read More

Two out of three Americans do not have crucial estate planning documents in place. Without a will or trust that states your wishes, you leave important decisions up to a local court and state laws. Whether you are just starting to think about estate planning or have a plan in place, these tips from JFCS Board member and Endowment Committee Chair Natacha Kolb, an estate planning attorney, and Rebecca Paul, Director of JFCS’ Fiduciary Services and a licensed attorney, will help you stay on top of your planning. Prepare these four priority documents to record your wishes around health care,… Read More

Eight years ago, Betsy Zeger’s mother, Maxene, had just gotten out of the hospital when Betsy’s father died unexpectedly. Betsy found herself completely stretched thin, trying to care for Maxene while grieving the loss of her father. Fortunately, a dear friend noticed Betsy’s struggle and connected her with JFCS’ Seniors At Home division. Betsy says calling JFCS was a turning point. “My mother’s quality of life greatly improved, as did mine, knowing that she was in such safe and capable hands,” Betsy recalls. “Her needs have varied over the years, but the one thing that’s consistent is the way Seniors… Read More

Zhenya Friedman believes that the line between giving and receiving is very thin. For over a decade, Zhenya has dedicated her time to volunteering and helping others, and in that time she has touched countless lives with her warm presence and kind spirit. Yet Zhenya believes that she definitely gets back more than she gives. Originally from the Soviet Union, Zhenya volunteers mainly with JFCS’ Emigre Services, supporting members of the Bay Area’s Russian-speaking Jewish community. As a ‘Master Volunteer,’ she leads fifteen other volunteers with JFCS’ Food Bank in Marin County. Somehow, in between coordinating deliveries, managing client… Read More