News & Impact

As a single mother with Multiple Sclerosis, Meira found that raising her daughter was becoming an increasing challenge. When she called JFCS, she was virtually homebound and was struggling with meal preparation and getting her daughter off to school. To complicate matters, Meira’s daughter had been diagnosed with a learning disability and Meira, unable to drive, did not know how she would get to the after-school specialist, let alone to her own medical appointments. People with disabilities often need assistance to help them achieve and maintain optimal levels of well-being and self-sufficiency. JFCS case managers start by completing a detailed… Read More

This summer 58 high school students from San Francisco, the Peninsula and Marin County participated in JFCS’ YouthFirst six-week internship program. They were placed in all kinds of offices—from a private dentist practice to an engineering firm—as well as at JFCS itself. The program recently concluded with all teens agreeing that it was a fantastic experience. Courting a Career Three years ago as a rising sophomore, Steve Dvorkin was a summer intern at JFCS where he performed administrative and organizational office tasks. The experience was so positive that the 18-year-old returned again this summer. This time he was assigned to… Read More

Ian’s work with JFCS spans nearly three decades, including being one of JFCS’ longest serving board members. Since first joining the Finance Committee, his relationship with JFCS has blossomed immeasurably; his compassion and big heart have inspired so many in our community. Ian says, “I’ve had broad involvement with the Jewish community with many other agencies and synagogues, but I found my home at JFCS.” Tell us a little bit about where you grew up and your background. I grew up in Albany, New York. My parents were active in the Jewish community and we are all still very close.… Read More

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) –  We all want our children to be kind. In fact we find ourselves stunned and embarrassed when we witness them being anything but kind. But childhood is a series of growth lessons and learning to be kind is one such milestone. We all assume our children know what being kind means, however it is important to define it for them and discuss it just as you would any other value that’s important to you. So what is the definition of kindness? According to… Read More

  By Tara Noone, MSW When Adoption Connection opened its doors over 30 years ago, open adoption was starting to blossom, but still in its infancy. As one of the first adoption agencies focused on open adoption, we found ourselves working to correct three common misconceptions, many of which are still common today. They are: that the adopted child would be troubled and confused by contact with birth parents; that continued contact would exacerbate birth parents’ grief; and that adoptive parents would remain in constant fear of losing their child or children. Although there has been plenty of anecdotal evidence… Read More

I recently read an article in The Wall Street Journal about if college students should or should not work while in school. I began researching about working in college as I was eager to find out people’s opinion on the subject. I first spoke extensively with Michelle Lamphere, the Director of the Financial Aid Center, at Jewish Family and Children Services. She believes having an academic focus in college is great, but holding a job too is an excellent way to gain real life work experience before embarking on a professional career. She thinks working during college will enhances… Read More