News & Impact

The Press Democrat By Meg McConahey FAUX FLAMES MAY BE A GOOD IDEA FOR THE FIRE-TRAUMATIZED THIS YEAR It’s the season of soft light, when candles are flickering and hearth fires roaring. But in the aftermath of October’s firestorms, which destroyed thousands of homes in Sonoma County and shrouded the air with heavy smoke for days, many people may find themselves looking warily at those flames that used to symbolize cozy comfort and peace. “Fire has been one of those things that keeps us warm and has always had positive memories,” said Diana Klein, director of the Sonoma County Regional… Read More

“I want to die with dignity.” Nora is a client of Jewish Family and Children’s Services whose story and strength I find inspiring. She has not only survived the Holocaust, she’s outlived her husband and son. Now, at 93, she’s been diagnosed with cancer. When Nora reached out to JFCS, she tearfully said she hadn’t spoken to anyone in two weeks and that getting around on her own was painful. With no living relatives and only a small fixed income to pay her bills, Nora needs our help. “I was 17 years old when the Nazis took us from our… Read More

Newly appointed Board member David Kiachko is known for his warmth and passion for elevating awareness about causes that impact the Jewish community. After nearly two decades on the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) he is looking forward to also contributing his vast expertise to the JFCS Board. Having spent his childhood overseas and then working in international trade in Korea, he settled in the Bay Area and in the field of finance, specializing in options trading. David is also a member of JFCS’ Marin Major Gifts Committee and Public Issues Committee and says, “There are only a few organizations… Read More

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO – Jewish Family and Children’s Services, one of the largest and oldest charitable institutions in the Bay Area has a received a grant of $250,000 from Tipping Point Community to support its emergency aid to victims of the North Bay fires. The generous grant will be a welcome addition to JFCS’ Disaster Assistance Fund and will be used to help low-income families and individuals get back on their feet after the fires. “The North Bay fires hurt thousands, but especially those who were already struggling paycheck to paycheck,” said Dr. Anita Friedman,… Read More

For most of us a good quality of life means enough healthy food to eat, a safe place to live, a nurturing community of friends and family, and people who care about our physical and mental well-being. But many in the Bay Area do not have even their basic necessities covered. That is why JFCS works as a lifeline for people facing personal crises and challenges, making sure that everyone can live with dignity and respect, even when times get tough. Last year 2,500 Bay Area residents received emergency assistance from JFCS to help them maintain their independence and make… Read More

Over the past decade Alex Varum has paved the way for a new generation of young adults to support JFCS and step into leadership roles. He recently joined the JFCS Board of Directors and has been an influential force on the long-standing JFCS Emigre Committee. Originally from the Soviet Union, Alex immigrated to the U.S. with his family as a child. He completed his education in the Bay Area and holds a law degree. With his expertise in law and business, Alex has established himself as a successful Bay Area real estate professional and property manager. Alex, his wife, Natalie… Read More