News & Impact

Galina and Alec Miloslavsky

What speaks more to the heart of a Jewish organization than being there for your grandmother, mother, child, and community through every stage of life?

For my family, that’s exactly what Jewish Family and Children’s Services has done, always with compassion, expertise, and care.

When my husband, Alec, emigrated from Ukraine as a teenager with his parents, JFCS welcomed them and helped the family build a new life here. As adults, it was very meaningful for us to be able to give back by volunteering with and contributing to JFCS.

Galina, a longtime volunteer, preparing special gift bags for a past holiday celebration at JFCS’ L’Chaim Adult Day Health Care

Galina with JFCS Executive Director Dr. Anita Friedman

Nona, a treasured member of the Shupin Community, displays a collage she created during an art workshop

While raising our daughter, Nona, I worried that she would never feel fully part of the Jewish community. We found so few opportunities that included children with special needs like her. After joining the JFCS Board of Directors, I shared my concerns for my daughter’s future. The agency soon launched a process to understand the gaps in care and design a program rooted in our highest Jewish values.

I was so happy when the Shupin Independent Living Community and Social Club opened in 2009, with services tailored to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Since then, I’ve watched Nona gain confidence, make cherished friends, learn the skills to step into greater independence, find fulfilling work, and, most of all, enjoy a rich Jewish life. Hearing my daughter describe the Shupin Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, volunteer activities, and gatherings that give her and her friends such a deep sense of belonging, I am so grateful.

Nona (right), bowling with friends during a Shupin Social Club event

JFCS has been here for our elders, too. My grandmother felt lost when she first moved to San Francisco. At JFCS’ L’Chaim Adult Day Health Care, she could speak her native Russian, enjoy familiar foods, listen to music that nourished her soul, and socialize. Now my mother-in-law attends, and it brings her the same comfort and joy.

I often think about how different our lives would be without JFCS. That is why Alec and I are proud to support JFCS, and why I hope you will join us in supporting this remarkable organization that makes our community stronger every day.