News & Impact

As a dedicated Board member, Joe “Yossi” Alouf is a longtime friend and heartfelt advocate of JFCS. His warmth and enthusiasm for helping others is always palpable, and he never misses JFCS’ Fammy Awards Gala and Emigre Community Gala. Currently a partner at Eaglepoint Advisors, Yossi advises corporate clients on business model scaling, reinvention, and operational or financial restructuring. He brings his extraordinary expertise and talent to his work on JFCS’ Finance Committee. He also serves on the Special Events Subcommittee. For him, “JFCS is such a generous and impressive organization and I’m honored to help make sure it will… Read More

Once survivors of domestic violence take the courageous step to leave their abuser, they face an uphill climb to self-sufficiency. Homelessness, trauma, debt, and few job skills can create unsurmountable hurdles to creating a new life—oftentimes leading them back to their abuser. That’s why JFCS’ Dream Program helps women and their children with not only finding stable long-term housing, but with a multitude of other wrap-around services and support necessary to get them back on their feet. JFCS recently expanded its Dream Program to offer more housing and services to an increased number of families who have survived domestic violence.… Read More

Depression, cognitive decline, and long-term illness are just some of the dangers associated with loneliness and social isolation for adults 65 and over. JFCS’ Senior Services Program, Seniors At Home, has collaborated with two innovative technology companies, Intuition Robotics and Lyft, to harness the benefits of technology and make sure that seniors can enhance their quality of life, as well as their independence at home. Digital Companion Offers Connection and Reduces Social Isolation Imagine waking up and being greeted by a friendly digital companion that tells you the weather, sends you photos from your grandkid’s Instagram account, and reminds you… Read More

Since 2013 the Parasol Foundation Trust has partnered with JFCS, making substantial investments in our YouthFirst and Seniors At Home programs to help teens realize their potential and low-income elderly to receive the comprehensive services they need to live as safely and independently as possible. The trust was founded by online gaming entrepreneur Ruth Parasol, originally of Mill Valley and the eldest daughter of Richard Parasol, a Holocaust survivor and real estate developer. Ruth grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and she and her family are committed to adding their philanthropic support to JFCS and our mutual interest… Read More

Many of us get to know Jewish Family and Children’s Services when a crisis strikes. Whether it’s a child struggling with a disability, job loss, divorce, or a sick parent, one bad thing can really knock you down. JFCS gets us back up. It happened to me when my sister’s dementia rapidly progressed. JFCS brought in trained professionals who knew how to manage her condition; her situation improved, and I was beyond relieved. When I heard about another JFCS client who is suffering from dementia and is all on her own, I was moved to share her story with you:… Read More

Robert Blum credits his father, a Holocaust survivor, for his focus on the Jewish value of tikkun olam in his business and personal endeavors. A biopharmaceutical business leader, Robert is President and Chief Executive Officer of Cytokinetics, and he is a highly respected community member and passionate advocate for JFCS. As a member of the JFCS Board of Directors, Robert serves on the Major Gifts and Special Events Subcommittees, and sits on the JFCS Holocaust Center Advisory Council. He and his wife, Dana, also co-chaired this year’s wildly successful Fammy Awards Gala. He says, “JFCS is authentic in its Jewish… Read More