News & Impact

Volunteers from across the Bay Area and beyond gathered at JFCS’ San Francisco offices for a Volunteer Day of Learning focused on Jewish values, belonging, and the power of human connection. Led by Director of Community Outreach, Tamar Zaken, and guest speaker Dr. Marc Dollinger, professor of Jewish studies at San Francisco State University, the event invited volunteers to reflect on how they can take action to deepen relationships and strengthen community. Representing programs across the agency, including Food Banks, the JFCS Holocaust Center, and services for seniors and neurodivergent young adults, volunteers of all ages came together not only… Read More

Simon Miller, volunteer with JFCS’ Legal Services Program: When I first started volunteering with JFCS, I was looking for a way to feel more rooted in my community. I began with grocery deliveries—a simple way to offer help that fit easily into my week. I didn’t expect that a one-off request to accompany a client to the Social Security office would become one of the most meaningful days I’ve spent as a volunteer. The client, Katya, is 77 years old. She recently became a U.S. citizen with support from JFCS and needed to update her records with the Social Security… Read More

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