Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Every year, North County Philanthropy Council recognizes standout volunteers across San Diego County for their dedication and contribution to our community. Mazel tov to Brian Kougl, a 2024 Volunteer Award Honoree!

Nominated by JFS’s Migrant Shelter Services Team, Brian has been an integral volunteer at the San Diego Rapid Response Network since its early days. He has made a significant impact on both our operations and the families we serve. Brian consistently goes above and beyond during the intake process, staying overnight to ensure that every guest we welcome receives the attention and support they need. We are deeply grateful for Brian's empathy, compassion, and commitment as a JFS Volunteer.

According to Brian, “Volunteering at the JFS Migrant Shelter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Mainly that is because of the wonderful people we help. It is such a joy to be one of the first friendly faces our guests see in this country. The sense of relief they feel and show on their faces as we explain to them how will will help them is palpable. One of my most memorable encounters was about six years ago with a young woman, probably no more than 20 years old, disheveled and visibly bruised on her face and body. She explained to me that she had been sexually assaulted during her journey. She was alone, frightened, and clearly distressed. The only person she had in the US was her father in New York and she had not been able to contact him.

Tears began rolling down her face as I explained to her how we’d help her. I contacted her father on the phone to let him know where she was and that we’d be helping her get to him in NY. He also broke down in tears of relief and joy. I handed the phone to his daughter so he could speak with her, though both were sobbing. I will never forget that moment of joy. That is just one of many such experiences. There is never a bad day volunteering at the Shelter. I am so grateful for the opportunity and consider it a privilege to be a part of the important and meaningful work JFS does there.”

This year, our annual Trunk or Treat event brought smiles and laughter to more than 40 children and families sheltering in our Rose Canyon Safe Parking Lot. Many thanks to the Gleiberman and Wax Families for providing dinner and treats, and members from Team JFS who made it a memorable Halloween-themed night for our guests in Safe Parking.

Every night, JFS operates six safe parking lots throughout San Diego County for San Diegans who are living out of their vehicles—many of whom are experiencing homelessness for the very first time. The Safe Parking Program provides a welcoming environment, meaningful resources and tools, and dignified support to help families transition back into stable housing. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/SPP

It’s and today we’re giving a shoutout to our Faith in Action friends at Mission Hills United Church of Christ who raised nearly $1,500 to make 200 hygiene kits and give an additional cash gift to support greatest needs. These hygiene kits will provide essential toiletries for newly arriving asylum seekers who are traveling through our community. We are grateful for the many community members who stand with us to Welcome the Stranger with dignity and compassion.

We’d also like to thank team members from TOMS who recently volunteered in the JFS Corner Market restocking shelves and fresh produce. Every year, Toms sets aside one day when their team members from around the globe are encouraged to give back to the community in which they live through volunteerism. This year’s theme supported food insecurity. We appreciate Toms partnering with us to provide families in San Diego with critical nutritional support.

“Without this program, I wouldn’t have found my own place. I’d still be homeless and struggling.”

Meet Kayla Herrera and her family in a recent report from 10News – ABC San Diego KGTV about Safe Parking and the impact it’s making for San Diegans experiencing homelessness. Watch now >>> https://www.10news.com/news/central-san-diego/as-city-expands-safe-sleeping-areas-the-success-rate-of-moving-into-stable-housing-increases

In partnership with the City of San Diego, Jewish Family Service operates six Safe Parking Lots in San Diego County for individuals and families sheltering in their vehicles. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/SPP

Finding stable housing increases as San Diego expands safe sleeping sites Kayla Herrera has always dreamed of having a place her family could call home. However, she wasn’t sure this would happen as she struggled to pay for necessities with her paycheck.

Millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of r**e, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner. Confronting an abusive relationship takes courage and we’re here to help.

Intimate Partner Violence Support Services at JFS offer a safe, confidential setting for you to consider your options, work through a mix of feelings, and determine the best way forward for yourself and your family. We can help you find the best options to support your safety and stability as you work to rebuild your life. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/ProjectSarah

Every year during Sukkot, we construct our Sukkah on the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Campus and invite members of Team JFS to gather together to connect and learn more about the holiday. Our Sukkah, designed by the NewSchool of Architecture & Design is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, the vulnerability of shelter, and the resilience of humanity. This week, Rabbi Susan Freeman from the Center for Jewish Care led us in meaningful activities as we enjoyed our annual “Pizza in the Hut”. Wishing a joyous and happy Sukkot to you and your loved ones. Chag Sameach.

Would you be surprised to learn that as we age, eating alone can be associated with several health risks? Studies show that older adults who eat alone may skip meals leading to malnutrition or choose unhealthy food options leading to obesity. And for others, eating alone can even lead to feelings of loneliness or depression. For adults over 60, congregate dining is a great way to get out of the house, share a meal with a friend, and enjoy a healthy meal on us!

Join us at The San Diego LGBT Community Center every weekday from 11:30am – 12:30pm for a congregate meal. Make your free reservation by 3pm the prior day by calling (858) 637-3230. See all our congregate dining locations at www.jfssd.org/congregate Welcoming everyone.

Mazel tov to our inaugural group of Jewish Community Emergency Response Team (JCERT) Responders! Housed within the Center for Jewish Care at JFS, JCERT is ready to deploy culturally sensitive services, support, and resources in the aftermath of hate incidents or crimes against San Diego’s Jewish community.

These compassionate professionals have devoted 35+ initial hours to becoming engaged responders in a variety of emergent situations. JCERT Responders are deployable to assist with compassionate triage, psychological support, and connection with both JFS and community resources. Our goal is to strengthen individual recovery and community resilience.

Many thanks to our community partners who join us in this important work: AJC - American Jewish Committee, ADL- San Diego, Hillel of San Diego, Jewish Federation of San Diego, Lawrence Family JCC, FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego County District Attorney, San Diego Police Department Hate Crimes Unit, and Secure Community Network.

Learn more at www.jfssd.org/JCERT

One year ago, the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel forever changed lives locally and abroad. We remember the lives lost, the families shattered, and the deep pain that still reverberates through our global community.

Today, there are still 101 hostages who must return home. As a united community, we are persistent in our hope for peace, justice, and security. Together, we must be determined in repairing the world and showing that empathy and compassion can triumph over hate.

The High Holy Days are upon us! As we hold space for remembrance and reflection, let us also celebrate the opportunity to take action to create hope for so many in our community who are looking for it.

Affirmations for New Beginnings*
This year, I choose a path of happiness and wellness.
I can clearly see the blessings around me.
I nurture a healthy mind, heart, and spirit.
Last year’s mistakes are released;
I hold onto only the valuable lessons from them.
Possibilities for positive change are happening;
I welcome and embrace them.
With passion and joy, I am creating my own future.
*From Spirituality & Health, adapted and expanded upon.

If you or someone you know needs help, the Center for Jewish Care is here for you. www.CenterForJewishCare.org

Every year, we witness the power of a united community during our High Holy Days Food Drive. In years past, the Jewish community has generously stepped up with canned goods and kosher foods, donated through their local synagogues. These critical donations to the JFS Hand Up Food Pantry provide healthy meals for the thousands of people who turn to JFS for support. With the continued high cost of groceries, gas, and housing, our High Holy Days Food Drive is crucial to bringing relief to community members experiencing hunger.

You can help! Look for our blue bins at participating synagogues now through Yom Kippur or drop off your canned food donation at the JFS Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus (8804 Balboa Avenue) on Monday 9/30 and Tuesday 10/1. Together, we can ensure that people throughout our community have access to healthy food in the months ahead. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/HighHolyDays

JFS is excited to partner again with the San Diego County Library to offer free citizenship classes this fall. We’ll help you prepare for the naturalization interview, find a high-quality, low-cost legal service provider who can provide legal consultation, and file your application for naturalization if eligible. Our 10-week course includes textbooks and supplies, internet access, and tablets also available.

Classes begin on October 8, 2024, at Rancho San Diego Library, San Marcos Library, Lemon Grove Library SDCL, and Lincoln Acres Library —choose the location that works best for you! Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to enroll. Contact Rudy Flores-Clennell, Citizenship Instructor, at [email protected] or by calling (619) 753-1630 today!

Help us spread the word about this valuable resource by liking and sharing our post!

Every year, millions of Americans, aged 65 and older, fall—resulting in nearly 3 million visits to the emergency room. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. During , we’re highlighting our free Fix-It Service that helps older adults stay safe at home.

The JFS Fix-It Service provides a four-point safety check, along with minor safety repairs and modifications, to improve mobility and security at home. All services are completed free of charge by our pre-screened team of volunteers. Learn how we can help you and your loved ones lead a safe and independent life at www.jfssd.org/FixIt

Do you or someone you know need to renew their DACA status? Join us on Saturday, October 12 for DACA Days! DACA Days are free, in-person DACA renewal appointments that include legal assessment. If eligible for renewal, representatives from our partner, La Maestra Community Health Centers, and Jewish Family Service will provide legal representation at no cost for the DACA renewal process. Renewal filing fees are also available to DACA Days participants. Don’t wait to renew your status! Reserve your DACA Days appointment before September 27 at www.jfssd.org/DACADays

Tomorrow, September 21, marks World Alzheimer’s Day—a global effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Right now, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to 13 million. The majority of the people supporting aging adults (83%) are family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be both challenging and exhausting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

The Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center (BAOAC) at JFS is a safe, supportive community for older adults living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia and their caregivers. Four days a week, the BAOAC provides a healthy lunch, daily exercise, and a variety of games and activities that stimulate a healthy mind and body—in addition to much-needed respite for caregivers. Transportation to and from the BAOAC is also available! Learn more at www.jfssd.org/BAOAC

It’s and we’re giving a very BIG shoutout to Zoey Feuerstein for completing her Mitzvah Project with the Center for Jewish Care. For six months, Zoey has been coming once a month to the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus to serve dinner to unhoused Safe Parking participants who are sheltering in their vehicles. Every month, she would recruit new friends and family to join her in her mitzvah. Not only would she bring dinner to our main Safe Parking Lot, but she would also bring dinner for two other Safe Parking Lots—serving a total of 1,080 meals! Thank you, Zoey, for providing healthy food and comfort to hundreds of people in our community, and Mazel Tov on your bat mitzvah!

We’d also like to thank the generous San Diego County Employees' Charitable Organization (CECO) for their community grant supporting families and children. With this support, we were able to provide laundry detergent to families enrolled in JFS’s Positive Parenting Program and Adolescent Family Life Program which supports young parents. Having clean clothes means one less thing to worry about for families facing financial challenges.

CECO is committed to diversity, equity, and upholding the charitable arm of County of San Diego employees. Since 1956, CECO has distributed over $7 million to the local community by way of grants to local non-profit organizations and assistance to eligible employees and retirees in need. JFS is honored to have their support.

During National Su***de Prevention Month, we’re partnering with The San Diego LGBT Community Center for an important event focused on learning coping skills, providing community support, and sharing ways to reduce su***de. Join us on Friday, September 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to meet members from JFS’s Breaking Down Barriers Team and learn about resources available. Together, we can rise above the stigma. RSVP at bit.ly/rise-above-stigma

***deprevention

Today on Citizenship Day, we’re celebrating some of our recent citizenship class graduates who are now American citizens. Here’s what a few of our graduates had to say...

“My wife and I have been permanent residents since 1990. I also work for the City of San Diego, but we wanted to feel more secure in our status. I never thought I could pass the test, but this class gave me so much encouragement. Now I have security, and it feels great!”

“My motivation for becoming a citizen was to be able to vote. I also feel less stressed now that I don’t have to worry about traveling.”

“I feel more like I’m a part of my community now, and I can’t wait to be able to vote and have a say in the world around me.”

“I’ve been a legal resident for 30 years, but times are changing, and I felt it was important to become a citizen. Now I can travel with my children and vote in the fall. I feel happy.”

Mazel tov to our recent citizenship course graduates on becoming new citizens! We are so proud of your accomplishment. As part of the diverse fabric of our country, you help to make our community stronger. Our next free citizenship class starts October 8 in partnership with San Diego County Library. Register at www.jfssd.org/citizenship2024

Just because someone looks happy doesn’t mean they are. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Don’t forget to check in on your friends and loved ones often. Taking the time to show you care can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to be connected to support and community resources at the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Together, we can keep each other Moving Forward.

***deprevention

Every year, we celebrate JFS Friends of the Family and the impact of our shared values in action. This week, we listened to stories of transformation and inspiration as we watched the sunset over the lovely Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. What a comfort and joy it was to be surrounded by a community full of hope and action. Together, we’re creating a community where everyone can thrive. Learn how you can join us as a Friend of the Family at www.jfssd.org/ways-to-give/friends-of-the-family/

In keeping with our longstanding commitment to helping older adults stay connected to community, we are pleased to offer free On the Go transportation during High Holy Day services from your home to your synagogue and back. This resource is available to adults aged 60+ who live within our San Diego County service area.

To reserve your ride, please call (858) 637-7320 before September 24, 2024. Thank you in advance for helping us spread the word about this valuable resource.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego Together, we're creating a stronger and healthier community where everyone can thrive.

Today, on Patriot Day, we remember the people we lost and those whose lives were forever impacted on September 11, 2001.

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” —Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

Moving Forward Together.

It is often said that parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever do, but it can be even more challenging if you’re a teen parent. That’s where the Positive Parenting Program comes in. Used by millions of families worldwide, Positive Parenting teaches how to better manage children’s behavior and build positive relationships.

JFS is excited to launch a 3-part Positive Parenting webinar series that is designed with teen parents in mind. Starting on Thursday, September 12, our expert parent educators will share proven parenting strategies that can help raise happy, confident kids, and help teen parents learn the importance of self-care. Register for free at www.jfssd.org/PPP

Help us spread the word about this valuable resource by liking and sharing our post.


Triple P - Positive Parenting Program

It’s and this week we’d like to give a BIG thank you to Bella P. and Columbia Sportswear.

Bella chose to do her Mitzvah project through the Center for Jewish Care at JFS where she collected 340 children’s books for the children JFS serves through the Corner Market and the Positive Parenting Program. These books are sure to bring smiles to many faces. Thank you, Bella, and Mazel Tov on your Bat Mitzvah!

Over the summer, while JFS was hosting a backpack drive, local employees from Columbia Sportswear were inspired to join our efforts. These fully-stocked backpacks will be distributed to children from JFS’s Refugee Resettlement Program, Safe Parking Program, Positive Parenting Program, and more! Thanks to their generous donation, many more students will be starting the new school year on the right track. We appreciate you, Columbia!