News & Impact

It has been a very long week for residents of Sonoma County and other regions hardest hit by the unprecedented and devastating wildfires still raging through Northern California. The number of people affected is staggering and growing. As many as 70,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, while more than 5,700 structures have burned completely to the ground—2,834 homes in Santa Rosa alone. Donate now > Last Monday JFCS’ staff and volunteers began to address the immediate and long-term needs of seniors, families, and people with disabilities who have lost their homes, livelihoods, or both. Diana Klein, JFCS’ Sonoma… Read More

For 30-plus years Carl Grunfeld, MD, Ph.D, has been a well-loved and deeply knowledgeable JFCS supporter. He and his family have strengthened the organization in significant ways that will continue to be felt for generations. Carl is treasured by JFCS clients and staff, and he humbly acknowledges, “I’ve pretty much done whatever JFCS felt I could contribute to doing.” Carl has been a member of the Board, the JFCS Palliative Care Taskforce, and the Loans and Grants Committee, as well as chairing the Ethical Care Committee. He has even taught Russian emigre teens how to bake desserts! As an internationally… Read More

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