News & Impact

For family caregivers looking after an aging parent or loved one, reaching out to a senior care organization like Seniors At Home can feel like a betrayal of trust. Their loved one’s physical and mental condition is an increasing worry, yet they may keep insisting, “I’m fine and I don’t need help!” When Jonah called about his 86-year-old mother, he had finally realized that she needed more than his check-in calls and cross-country quarterly visits. “I was alarmed that she’d been slowed by arthritis and depression.” He knew approaching his mother about getting help would be a delicate proposition. Jonah… Read More

Jim Shapiro is currently a Vice President of the JFCS Board of Directors. He has been a passionate supporter and advocate of JFCS ever since he and his wife, Sally, walked into JFCS’ Parents Place in 1992 to request some help with their baby. Jim has contributed to JFCS in a multitude of capacities from chairing the Fammy Awards Gala to serving on the Finance Committee. As Jim states, “Whatever JFCS asks of me, I say YES!” Tell us a bit about the community you grew up in and your background. I’ve always been quite connected and enriched by Jewish… Read More

Bay Woof by Janet Bensu with Miriam Markowitz I pull my car into Sam’s* driveway with my dogs, Rosie and Freddy. Sam gives a wave from his front steps. He’s ready to go and waiting for our visit. Slowly lifting his body up from the steps, Sam walks over to the front seat. It’s mid-afternoon and this is the first time Sam has left his apartment today. Walking up and down the stairs is exhausting for him, but his doctors all agree the exercise is good for his health. Grinning from ear to ear, Sam says hello to me, and… Read More

Question: My mother has just been diagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer’s at age 69. Right now it seems like she is coping better than I am. How can I find resources about clinical trials? Answer: A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is never easy. Know that you are not alone; there are many others struggling to get the support, answers, and care needed for their loved one, and themselves! You mentioned that you feel that you aren’t doing so well. You may be scared for your mom and her declining mental health, knowing that your roles will be changing over… Read More

JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community provides both residential and community based services to young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The Shupin Social Club invites young adults from all over the Bay Area to come together to learn critical skills, socialize and feel a part of a vibrant community. Several times a month the members participate in organized activities such as bowling, karaoke, cooking classes and Jewish holiday celebrations. A group of 10 recently took a field trip to the California Academy of Sciences where they watched a performance by Horvitz Youth-Ability, a program for young adults with disabilities… Read More

The menu featured wonton soup, chicken stir fry with steamed rice and vegetables, cold noodle salad with crispy wontons and peanut dressing, green salad, fruit salad, and tapioca pudding. It was not a new, Asian-inspired restaurant. It was sustenance for people in need; lovingly prepared, packaged, and delivered by volunteers for JFCS clients, including low-income families and seniors. The volunteers are called Chicken Soupers, and they gather approximately once a month to provide food for those who need it. In Marin, the Chicken Soupers come from San Rafael’s Brandeis Hillel Day School (soon to be called Brandeis Marin.) “Programs like… Read More