News & Impact

For the past decade JFCS’ Child Training Institute (CTI) has served as an international resource and training center for mental health professionals who treat children who are dealing with emotional, psychological, and developmental challenges, as well as those who have experienced trauma. The institute has trained over a thousand mental health professionals, helping countless children and families heal and thrive. Trauma can result from a variety of experiences: chronic exposure to violence, the loss of a parent, a natural disaster, or a terrorist act. JFCS’ long history of expertise in trauma treatment includes helping Holocaust survivors, refugees, children living in… Read More

For Immediate Release: October 11, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO – Taube Philanthropies, one of the Bay Area’s foremost charitable organizations, has granted $250,000 to Jewish Family and Children’s Services in support of its emergency aid to victims of the North Bay wildfires. The financial support is making it possible for JFCS to render short-term humanitarian assistance – including food, clothing and housing – as well as longer-term support to help fire victims recover and rebuild their lives. “The North Bay fires have been devastating to thousands,” said Dr. Anita Friedman, JFCS executive director. “Members of our community will be grappling… Read More

J Weekly By Dan Pine The devastating wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties this week have caused death, injuries and destruction for miles around — but they have also brought out the best in people wanting to lend a hand. Synagogues, Jewish agencies and scores of individual volunteers have lined up to assist families evacuated from the danger zones, some of whom have lost their homes to the flames. Santa Rosa’s Congregation Shomrei Torah has emerged as a hub for that Jewish aid. Since Oct. 9 the Reform synagogue has served as a command post, trauma center, soup kitchen, overnight… Read More

The North Bay fires are causing tremendous destruction. Many in our Sonoma County community are being evacuated and hundreds of homes and businesses have burned. Jewish Family and Children’s Services will provide Emergency Assistance for our community members in Sonoma County. You can help by making a donation to our Emergency Assistance Fund today. DONATE NOW > Or call 415-449-1256 to contribute via phone. If you are in Sonoma County and need help, we encourage you to contact JFCS at 707-303-1500. Our hearts go out to all our friends in the many Northern California counties that have been affected by… Read More

For young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities creating a full and satisfying life means continuing to do the things they love, while also developing new skills. Having aged out of school programs, they and their families will be asking, “What’s next?” That is where JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community and Shupin Social Club come in. JFCS welcomes and envelopes each one. By providing guidance and support they can sculpt the life they want. Whether working full or part-time, volunteering, or heading to vocational school, these young adults are creating lives that are uniquely their own.   Located in… Read More

The Bay Area is often described as a foodie’s paradise—but given the region’s high cost of living, many people from all walks of life find themselves unable to afford all the food they need. In San Francisco alone an estimated 1 in 4 people experience hunger. JFCS’ Nutrition Program collects nearly seven tons of food each fall through the High Holiday Food Drive, a critical community effort that ensures that our five regional pantries have basic food items stocked on the shelves all year long. Free, Healthy Groceries a Lifesaver for Fixed-Income Clients Linda, 76, a retired teacher’s aide living… Read More