News & Impact

Hannah*, who is 82 and lives alone in San Francisco, was eager to get the COVID-19 vaccine so that she could go out and have some pieces of her pre-pandemic life back. But Hannah doesn’t have wifi or a computer, and like many local seniors who lack access or familiarity with technology, she was unable to use the websites that California provided to book an appointment. Not only was her internet connection unstable, Hannah found the websites so confusing to use on her cell phone that she stopped searching altogether.   Fortunately for Hannah, a volunteer named Suzanne Mankoff is one… Read More

An update from JFCS’ Seniors At Home Each year, JFCS’ Seniors At Home helps over 16,000 older adults in the Bay Area live safely, healthily, and independently in their own homes. During COVID-19, our professional caregivers continue to ensure the safety of the seniors in our community and are limiting senior exposure to the virus through personalized care and support. We are following the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC, as well as state and local authorities, and are staying informed on best practices. Read on to learn about the precautions that Seniors At Home is taking to keep… Read More

With Bay Area residents sheltering in place, social isolation is putting thousands at risk while trying to keep them safe. Even before a statewide Shelter-in-Place was mandated, social isolation was known as America’s quietest health risk—afflicting everyone from children to seniors, and from stay-at-home parents to CEOs. Even under normal conditions, thousands in our community suffer in silence from the physical and mental health issues related to isolation and loneliness. Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of many physical and mental conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive… Read More

Known as America’s quietest health risk, social isolation and loneliness affects people indiscriminately. From tweens to seniors and from stay-at-home parents to CEOs, many suffer in silence from the physical and mental health issues related to isolation and loneliness. Through the efforts of JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth (CCY) and Seniors At Home (SAH), JFCS is combating isolation by providing critical services and resources for those afflicted. In a time when there are so many ways to stay connected (email, text, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.), why are so many of our youth feeling isolated and lonely? The percent… Read More

Aging is happy and healthy when we are part of a warm and welcoming community. That’s why JFCS is providing a growing range of social clubs that create meaningful connection and exciting programming specifically for older adults. Connections and Culture at San Francisco’s New Plaza Social Club Each week, members of the Plaza Social Club meet at JFCS and Rhoda Goldman Plaza’s beautiful campus in Lower Pacific Heights.  Members enjoy inspiring lectures, current events and art discussions, Jewish learning, films, music, and more. Locally sourced, homemade lunches are provided, as well as access to comprehensive services by experts from Seniors… Read More

Our lives can feel upside down or even unlivable if someone seeks to harm us through bullying or deliberate behaviors to maintain a pattern of power and control—the definition of domestic violence. That’s why every day JFCS’ programs work to prevent cycles of abuse so that children, teens, adults, and seniors have the support they need to make healthy choices, leave abuse behind, and live their best lives. For Domestic Violence Survivors, Leaving Is Just the Beginning JFCS’ Dream Program changes the cycle of abuse by providing critically needed support to women and their children so they can rebuild their… Read More