October

2024

JFCS East Bay News

Safety & Support: Standing Together Against Domestic Violence

Hello Friend,,

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for communities to come together to raise awareness and support survivors. At JFCS East Bay, we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of every individual affected by domestic violence. With comprehensive services, we stand by those who need us most, offering both immediate support and long-term healing.

Domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and communities. It’s not limited to physical harm but can also take the form of emotional abuse, financial control, and isolation. Victims often face barriers to leaving their situations, including fear, lack of resources, or legal concerns. At JFCS East Bay, we strive to remove these obstacles, offering accessible services to help survivors find a path to safety and recovery.

Our team of compassionate professionals offers trauma-informed counseling, case management, and emergency resources, including temporary housing referrals through our partner organizations, food, and essential supplies. For immigrant and refugee survivors, we provide specialized services that address the unique challenges they face, such as legal support for immigration status and protections against deportation.

In addition to U visas and VAWA self-petitions, we also file Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions for children who are victims of domestic violence. We represent survivors who have come to the U.S. seeking asylum based on the domestic violence they suffered in their home country. Our Immigration Legal Services team is focused on empowering immigrant survivors of domestic violence by offering these legal protections to help them escape abusive relationships and start anew without the fear of losing their legal status.

If you or someone you know needs help, request help from JFCS East Bay

here, or contact The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. Let’s stand together this October and every day to support survivors and build a community free from violence.

In Partership,

Reena Arya

Director of Immigration Legal Services

Client Success: John’s Asylum Victory

In June 2024, John (name changed) won his asylum case, a significant milestone after enduring years of trauma and persecution. As a child, John was brutally assaulted at the age of nine, and his cries for help went unanswered by the authorities in his home country. Later, as an openly gay man, he faced further persecution from government officials. The impact of these experiences deeply affected John's mental health and well-being.

Please note this image is a representation of our client, and not actually John.

Once he arrived in the United States and to the East Bay, our legal team provided crucial legal and emotional support, using trauma-informed care to help John share his story. With the support of our psychologist and resource specialist, John’s mental health needs were addressed, and his progress was shared with the court, contributing to his successful case outcome. John’s victory highlights the power of our comprehensive, compassionate support for asylum seekers.

Community Leader: Naomi Tucker, Shalom Bayit

Naomi Tucker, Executive Director of Shalom Bayit, stands as a symbol of positive change for the Jewish community in the Bay Area. She has dedicated over 30 years to addressing domestic violence, driven by a commitment to social justice for all.

Shalom Bayit, founded in 1992, was established to fill critical gaps in support for Jewish women experiencing domestic violence. Under Naomi’s leadership, it has become a vital resource in the community, providing essential services such as counseling, emergency assistance, and prevention programs. Initiatives like Love Shouldn’t Hurt empower young people by promoting healthy relationships and raising awareness about the signs of abuse.

Naomi emphasizes that Shalom Bayit is not just a human service provider but a dedicated social justice organization striving to eradicate domestic violence through community collaboration and education. Her efforts have led to significant cultural shifts, encouraging clergy and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue about supporting survivors.

Naomi Tucker embodies resilience and compassion, inspiring others to confront injustice and promote healing within the community, all while leading Shalom Bayit in its mission to create a safer, more supportive environment for all. JFCS East Bay and Shalom Bayit are long standing partners working for a community free from domestic abuse. Are you or someone you know looking for help? Find Shalom Bayit’s resources here. Services are available in English and Russian. 

Get to Know JFCS East Bay

Volunteer Spotlight: Liz Ozol, ESL Instructor

We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers who make a meaningful impact in our community. This month, we would like to shine a spotlight on Liz Ozol, who runs a weekly online ESL (English as a Second Language) class for our refugee clients.

Liz's commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. With a passion for education and a desire to empower refugees through language skills, she has created a welcoming and supportive online environment for her students. Her classes focus on building conversational skills, improving comprehension, and fostering confidence in using English in everyday situations.

English language skillbuilding is a crucial step on the path for newcomers to  reach self-sufficiency. Thank you, Liz, for your incredible dedication and for making a difference in the lives of our refugee clients! Your work embodies the spirit of community and compassion that defines JFCS East Bay.

Staff Spotlight: Sayed Ihsan – Administrator, Refugee Services

At JFCS East Bay, we are fortunate to have Sayed Ihsan, is one of many dedicated team members who are deeply committed to JFCS East Bay’s mission. Sayed’s journey with JFCS East Bay began as a refugee resettled by our organization, inspiring him to give back.

“For me, working here feels like a full-circle moment,” Sayed shares. “As an immigrant resettled by the organization, I wanted to help other families and contribute to such a rewarding mission.”

In his role, Sayed manages administrative tasks, supports the Refugee Services team, tracks program financials, and collaborates with leadership to ensure program success. He is also part of the Data Transformation team, improving processes to maximize impact. In 2024, his team successfully resettled over 400 individuals in East Bay—a major accomplishment.

Sayed’s efforts connect community members with vital resources, ensuring timely and impactful support. Outside of work, he is passionate about learning new skills, volunteering, and supporting community projects.

We are grateful for Sayed’s dedication and the care he brings to his work, exemplifying the heart of our mission.

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