News & Impact

Annual distributions from the Joseph Teichman Memorial Fund, established in December 1996 by Marion Weinreb to memorialize her uncle, ensure that children, families, and seniors who turn to JFCS when faced with personal crisis receive the direct and practical assistance they require to overcome adversity and re-establish self-sufficiency. Joseph Teichman was a Polish refugee who constantly helped others. His niece, Marion Weinreb, remembers him as a “mensch” who was always kind and considerate and set a positive example through his everyday actions, such as volunteering as a crossing guard at the local school. Shared from the Heart I like the… Read More

Jewish Telegraphic Agency by Penny Schwartz In August, in the heat of the summer, a Boston-area mother of three began to worry about how she would pay for Chanukah gifts. Across the country in San Francisco, a 33-year-old Russian-born mother of six said that thinking about this Chanukah made her cry. Both women—Lauren of Boston and Lilya of San Francisco (they asked that their last names not be used)—are struggling in a down economy to provide for their families. Still, they are hopeful that with support of Jewish organizations, they will find meaningful ways to celebrate the eight-day Festival of… Read More

Parisa Sayani, a young Jewish-Iranian woman, came to this country almost three years ago with hope and determination … and little else. Denied access to adequate education in her homeland, she set her sights on the Academy of Art University’s School of Architecture in San Francisco. Having few resources, she juggled several jobs while carrying a full class load. Still, no matter how hard she worked, she couldn’t cover tuition, school supplies, and living expenses. Never losing hope, Parisa sought assistance through JFCS’ Educational Loans and Grants Program. It was a life-turning chapter in her educational journey. The agency… Read More

J Weekly by Dan Pine Anita Friedman is waiting for the other shoe to drop. The good news is that on Nov. 17 the state announced a reprieve for 275 Adult Day Health Care centers, which were slated to endure severe budget cuts – and possible closure – on Dec. 1. The cuts would have taken a huge toll on the L’Chaim Adult Day Health Care, run by S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services, for which Friedman servces as executive director. Read More from J Weekly… Read More

J Weekly by Patricia Corrigan Larry Goldberg speaks with gratitude about the people who help him navigate the medical system and cope with his illness – his wife, Nancy, his children, his friends, his nurses and his doctors. He also has high praise for Redwing Keyssar, his health care advocate from the S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Read More from J Weekly… Read More

The year 1850 is significant for the Bay Area. California became a state, San Francisco was incorporated, and one of the oldest social service agencies in the country—now known as Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties (JFCS)—was established by a group of Bavarian Jews who had immigrated to San Francisco at the time of the California Gold Rush. This exciting time in history is brought vividly to life in JFCS: Centuries of Pioneering. The book seamlessly connects the agency’s development to the Bay Area’s growth and shows how the stories of San… Read More