News & Impact

Laura Filshtein, Volunteer with JFCS’ Friendly Visitors Program: When I first learned about JFCS’ Friendly Visitors program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I was matched with Lydia, a resident of the assisted living community at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, and it didn’t take long for our time together to become one of the highlights of my week.  Lydia is 104 years old. She stays mostly in her room, so our weekly visits are a chance for her to have some company—and for us to share a few laughs over cards. She loves… Read More

Simon Miller, volunteer with JFCS’ Nutrition Program: When I moved to San Francisco from Boston just two years ago—by way of my hometown, London—I knew I wanted to build meaningful connections in my new home. I didn’t expect that delivering groceries through JFCS would become one of the most impactful and fulfilling parts of my week.  I had been thinking about volunteering for some time, but the horrific events on October 7 made the decision more urgent. Like many others in the Jewish community, I felt a renewed sense of identity and a strong desire to give back. I looked… Read More

JFCS changes lives every day—and we couldn’t do it without the help of our volunteers. From providing companionship to isolated seniors to ensuring people in need have access to nutritious meals, volunteers are essential to every aspect of our work.  During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting a few of the many individuals who give their time and talents to strengthen our community. For Bryce Jacks, volunteering with JFCS has become a way of giving back to his community and connecting with others. Bryce Jacks, volunteer and leader of “Science with Bryce” at Shupin Social Club: “I first got involved with… Read More

JFCS changes lives every day—and we couldn’t do it without the help of our volunteers. From providing companionship to isolated seniors to ensuring people in need have access to nutritious meals, volunteers are essential to every aspect of our work.  During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting a few of the many individuals who give their time and talents to strengthen our community. For Alana Green and her family, volunteering with JFCS has become a meaningful way to live their values—together.  Alana Green, volunteer and inaugural chair of the JFCS Marin Donor Circle:  “For over a decade, JFCS has felt like… Read More

Across all the regions JFCS serves, volunteers play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission to care for the community. Their time, energy, and compassion make meaningful work possible, and their impact is felt every day. April is Global Volunteer Appreciation Month—a time to recognize those who dedicate themselves to supporting others and strengthening their communities. In that spirit, we’re highlighting just a few of the many ways JFCS volunteers are making an impact. Read on to see just a few of the many ways JFCS volunteers are showing up to support people in need. Families with young children… Read More

We recently welcomed Holocaust survivors from JFCS’ Cafe by the Bay program to an event called “Our Own Shetl,” designed to immerse them in the world of the once-thriving Jewish communities of Eastern Europe known as shtetls. Through lovingly crafted visuals, live music, and traditional food, we recreated the rich cultural atmosphere of these historic villages. The result was an engaging, interactive experience that brought history to life for those who lived it. A team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly in a private art studio to construct our very own shtetl. They repurposed large cardboard boxes into building blocks for… Read More