Impact Year

“I am always trying to find ways to engage other Jewish young adults who feel some connectivity with Jewish culture and religion and don’t know where to go to find community,” says Mitch Waxman, who was elected to the JFCS Board of Directors in July. A native of Marin County, Mitch has known a...

Ryan had been struggling academically and socially since the beginning of the pandemic. He had looked forward to high school. Now he was spending his first year of high school online, without opportunities to make friends. Academically, Ryan had difficulty with remote learning and continually lost f...

No one knew she needed food. Vivienne, 87, a widow, worked all her life as a Macy’s clerk and never asked anyone for help. In fact, she was one of those people who always helped others—in her synagogue, at the local hospital, or a neighbor in need. But with no children, no local family, and [&he...

Robert (Bob) Rosner and his wife, Julie Goldman, are long-time friends and generous supporters of Jewish Family and Children’s Services, dating back to when they attended classes at Parents Place. “What resonates so much for me is the combination of Jewish values and social services,” says Bob...

Susan was sandwiched by family mental health issues. Her father, Mike, had suffered from depression his entire life and now at age 78, was experiencing early signs of dementia. At the same time, Susan’s 12-year-old daughter, Georgia, started to display some concerning behaviors—she wasn’t slee...

As a native San Franciscan, Valli Benesch has been involved in the local Jewish community throughout her life. She attributes her deeply rooted commitment to giving back to her community to two things: “Being Jewish and the values of Judaism.” Valli joined the Board of Directors of Jewish Fa...