News & Impact

For most of us there will be a time in our lives when a personal crisis shakes us to our very core, and what felt like solid ground under our feet suddenly feels like sinking sand. JFCS’ Emergency Family Assistance Program works with people who are in such a dark place—who are struggling to get their basic needs met so they have the strength and support to overcome the challenges ahead. Whether an eviction, a devastating accident, or leaving an abusive partner triggered the crisis, over 2,500 Bay Area residents received emergency assistance from JFCS last year. A Family Safe… Read More

Last October deadly wildfires ignited across the North Bay. Within hours of the crisis JFCS began providing immediate services to families, emotional support, emergency financial assistance, child care, food, mattresses, and vouchers for clothing and fuel. In the days and months that have followed JFCS has tailored services to meet the changing needs of the community, providing case management, insurance workshops, assistance with living expenses, help locating temporary housing, and counseling to 1,200 individuals. On the one-year anniversary of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in California history the region is still very much in transition, especially for those who were… Read More

As a successful entrepreneur and legendary business leader, Barney Mizel knows an effective enterprise when he sees one. Barney and his wife, Ann Mizel, have been providing significant support to JFCS and the community it serves through their family foundation. The Marin County resident has built three national insurance brokerage firms over the course of his long career and served on JFCS’ Program and Planning Committee. This year Barney joined the JFCS’ Endowment Committee, and is planning for the future by leaving a bequest to JFCS. He says, “I truly admire JFCS for the valuable work it does and I… Read More

Check this page frequently for upcoming events and services. Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Sonoma County continues to provide on-going support for those who have been affected by the North Bay fires and are in need of recovery assistance. Our expert case managers and clinicians are working directly with individuals in need of trauma support and counseling, short-term loans, housing support, gift cards, food, transportation, and skilled technical assistance and advocacy. HOW TO GET HELP Contact JFCS for help at 707-303-1500 or email [email protected]. JFCS’ Santa Rosa office is open at 1360 N. Dutton Avenue, Suite C, Monday… Read More

Jewish Family and Children’s Services and our community in the Bay Area are helping the victims of the devastating hurricane and flooding along the East Coast. Please donate to help thousands of people who have been affected by this season’s hurricanes. The impact is catastrophic and recovery will take a very long time. Those battered by these hurricanes face immense flooding and damage to their communities and desperately need our help now and in the months to come. Click here to donate now!… Read More

Nancy Livingston z’l and Fred Levin sat for this interview in 2018. May her memory be for a blessing. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Fred Levin and Nancy Livingston, honor a family legacy to support the Jewish community. Well-loved patrons of the Bay Area’s arts scene and married nearly four decades, they are the type of couple who regularly complete each other’s sentences. Fred and Nancy have been steadfast and passionate supporters of JFCS for over fifteen years, having served on JFCS’ Special Events Committee and worked on the Annual Campaign. Nancy says, “The scope of JFCS’ work is truly amazing.”… Read More