News & Impact

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

Although Mark Menell still considers himself a New Yorker at heart, the accomplished venture capitalist has been a Californian for over two decades and has contributed to the success of JFCS as a Board member since the early 2000s. Currently a general partner at the investment firm, Partech Ventures, he has spent his distinguished career building, advising, and investing in technology, media, and telecommunications businesses. As a parent, Mark says, “there are certain values and experiences I want to pass along to my daughters and my involvement with JFCS helps me set an example for them of what caring for… Read More

The Christian Science Monitor by Michael B. Farrell and Jessica Mendoza Can kids be encouraged to let go of the virtual world – occasionally – and engage in the real one? Can they stop posting selfies long enough to think of someone else? The answer is yes. But there are bound to be some anxious moments for parents along the way. MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Jake Lee, a tanned California teenager in baggy shorts and a T-shirt, is lounging on the floor of his parents’ midcentury home. They live in a suburban Silicon Valley enclave of tech workers, cyber-savvy kids, and the… Read More