Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

We’re excited to share that readers of the J. The Jewish News of Northern California have honored JFCS with three awards in the J Readers' Choice poll for 2024! ?? Best Charitable Organization: Jewish Family and Children’s Services ?? Best In-Home Care for Seniors: Seniors At Home ?? Best Jewish Residence for Seniors: Rhoda Goldman Plaza We’re so deeply grateful for your ongoing support, which makes everything we do possible. Thank you for trusting us to care for and strengthen our incredible Bay Area community, always!

Dr. Kathy Fields, JFCS Board Director and a leading expert in physical health, is also a dedicated champion of ???????????? health. In her powerful TED Talk, Dr. Fields examines how confidence influences our lives at every stage. Watch now to gain insight into the profound impact of self-belief. https://lnkd.in/gdefj3Km

JFCS is celebrating 175 years of caring for our Bay Area community, so we're exploring the historical events of the past two centuries that have shaped us! The 1906 Earthquake and Fire created thousands of refugees overnight. From the ashes of this devastation, the Eureka Benevolent Society (now JFCS) emerged stronger—transforming from a small, charitable aid organization into an important community lifeline for countless families. Read on to discover how the history of JFCS is rooted in supporting San Francisco's Jewish community in times of calamity or crisis: In the aftermath of the 1906 Earthquake in San Francisco, the Eureka Benevolent Society (now JFCS) played a critical role in assisting residents who had lost their homes and livelihoods. The Society coordinated with the Hebrew Board of Relief to provide food, clothing, medical aid, and temporary shelter to all those affected. Thanks to the generosity of its members and the local community, the organization significantly increased its financial aid to address the needs arising from the earthquake. The 1906 Earthquake marked a turning point, solidifying the Society—and JFCS—as a leader in responding to emergencies in the Bay Area community. #JFCS175 #SanFranciscoHistory #JewishHistory

This National Adoption Month, we’re celebrating the joy of building families through adoption and honoring the unique journey experienced by each adoptive family. JFCS' Adoption Connection is a trusted leader in open adoption, dedicated to helping expectant mothers explore their options with compassion and care. Our experienced staff offers confidential counseling to support women in making the best decisions for their families. Adoption Connection supports dozens of adoptive families and birthparents through every phase of their adoption journey—building families and fostering community. Join us in celebrating adoption and the families created through love, support, and choice!

In celebration of JFCS’ 175th anniversary, we’re continuing our series that highlights the Jewish values shaping our mission and work in the community. This month, we’re celebrating tzedakah, often translated as “charity,” but with a deeper meaning rooted in justice and righteousness. In Judaism, giving isn’t merely an act of kindness—it’s a moral obligation, a way to ensure fairness and dignity for all. Tzedakah calls us to actively support those in need, strengthening the fabric of our entire community. Since JFCS’ inception in 1850, tzedakah has been a guiding principle in everything we do. Whether it’s providing essential services to vulnerable populations or advocating for justice and equity, we remain committed to uplifting the lives of everyone in our Bay Area community, always. Giving Tuesday, or as we refer to it, “Tzedakah Tuesday” is right around the corner on December 3—but why wait? Join us in putting this value into practice by donating today at jfcs.org/tuesday

JFCS was founded 175 years ago as a refuge for orphaned children within the Jewish community. Over time, we've expanded to offer vital services to people of all backgrounds, through every stage of life. JFCS' legacy of caring is woven into the fabric of our community—sustained by those who believe in helping others. By including a gift to JFCS in your will, trust, or estate plan, you can extend support and compassion to future generations without impacting your finances today. Visit jfcs.org/leave-a-legacy to learn more and join this enduring tradition. #JFCS175 #LegacyGiving #JewishTradition

As a child with developmental disabilities, John Hammond wasn’t expected to walk or talk. Today, he lives a full, meaningful, and independent life at Gary’s Place in JFCS’ Shupin Community. Watch the video of John’s inspiring story to see the incredible, life-changing impact this program has had on John and his entire family. For 175 years, JFCS has provided world-class support, helping people like John navigate life's challenges through a wide range of services—all while staying committed to strengthening our Bay Area community, always. #JFCS175

Today is the first day of the Jewish harvest festival Sukkot! For the week of Sukkot, we enjoy meals and other activities with family and friends in a sukkah, a special temporary hut like those used to shelter Israelite farmers during the harvest season. The sukkah has also come to symbolize the shelter provided for Jews as they escaped slavery in Egypt. During Sukkot, it is a mitzvah to be happy—so we wish you and your loved ones a very joyous festival and a wonderful week ahead! Chag Sameach ????

While Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world, much of the focus of the holiday is on the future. At JFCS, we are committed to building that future and to caring for our Bay Area community, always. From supporting children’s mental health and fighting antisemitism in schools to providing nutritious meals to people in need, our work is dedicated to strengthening our community and building a better future for all. We're grateful to you for helping us make this better future a reality in the year to come. Shana Tova!

We’re excited to announce that the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several key JFCS-sponsored bills into law! These new laws enhance Holocaust and genocide education, protect kids online, and combat antisemitism (see the full list of bills below). Special thanks to everyone who advocated with us—your voices were crucial to this success! Please join us in thanking Governor Newsom for his leadership by visiting jfcs.org/advocacy SB 1277 (Sen. Henry Stern): Expands Holocaust and genocide education for California teachers. SB 1504 (Sen. Henry Stern): Requires social media companies to address cyberbullying of minors. SB 976 (Sen. Nancy Skinner): Limits addictive social media features for minors. SB 1287 (Sen. Steve Glazer): Protects Jewish students on college campuses from harassment. AB 2925 (Asm. Laura Friedman and Asm. Josh Lowenthal): Includes Jewish people in higher education DEI training.