July 2025

This July, in honor of Disability Awareness Month, JFCS East Bay highlights our commitment to supporting adults with disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Our disability services include case management, caregiver support, and community programs that help adults with disabilities live with dignity, stability, and connection. These efforts are part of our broader mission to ensure all community members have access to the resources and support they need.

This July brought major federal immigration rollbacks:

• On July 8, TPS was terminated for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua, putting thousands at risk of losing legal status by September 8.
• On July 14, ICE blocked bond hearings for many undocumented immigrants, increasing the risk of indefinite detention without due process.

At JFCS East Bay, we’re taking action by providing legal defense, supporting impacted families, and offering critical services during this time of fear and uncertainty.

This is what it means to Build Community. Honor Dignity. Change Lives.

This summer began with cooler-than-average temperatures across the Bay Area, but that relief may not last. Seasonal models now predict unusually warm conditions extending through the fall months (August to October), putting vulnerable community members at increased risk.



Extreme heat isn’t just a weather concern, it’s a human services issue. At JFCS East Bay, we’re committed to helping our community stay cool, safe, and supported as temperatures rise.

For older adults, low-income families, and recently arrived refugees, prolonged heat can be dangerous. That’s why we’re stepping in with practical support: distributing fans and AC units, ensuring access to safe housing, and sharing information about local cooling centers and wellness resources.

Tips for Staying Safe in Extreme Heat:

• Stay hydrated: drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty
• Avoid outdoor activity during peak hours (10am-4pm)
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Check in on isolated neighbors, especially elders

Let’s care for each other as the heat ramps up, and make sure no one is left behind when temperatures rise.

When Rosa (name changed) first connected with JFCS East Bay’s Adult Services team, she was living alone, recently widowed, and struggling to manage a new disability diagnosis. The loss of her spouse left her overwhelmed and isolated.

With the support of a case manager, Rosa was able to apply for In-Home Supportive Services, gain access to a medical provider who understood her needs, and received home-delivered meals.

Now, Rosa says she feels like she’s “part of something again.” She attends weekly wellness workshops, has reconnected with neighbors, and knows who to call when she needs help. Her journey is one of many we witness every day, reminders that with the right support, people can regain stability and continue to lead full, meaningful lives.

Masha’s journey with JFCS East Bay is deeply personal. As a refugee herself, she and her family were resettled by JFCS East Bay in 2004. The care and attention they received left a lasting impression, inspiring her to start volunteering immediately. In 2009, Masha joined the team officially, bringing her passion for service and firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives.

In her role as Bilingual Program Coordinator, Masha works closely with Holocaust Survivor clients, providing a range of vital supports. Her daily responsibilities include case management, health and home care assessments, managing restitution payments, life certification, advocacy, immigration services, and offering emotional support. She also ensures accurate data management and quality assurance for grant reporting, helping the organization maintain its high standards of care.

For Masha, every small success is meaningful, from resolving complex restitution cases, to supporting an 89-year-old Russian-speaking Holocaust survivor who passed their naturalization test in English, to helping clients access Medi-Cal or CalFresh benefits. Even a compassionate phone call or home visit to provide grief support makes a difference.

Her dedication reflects JFCS East Bay’s mission to support individuals with dignity and respect. Masha believes that meeting clients’ needs and standing with them in difficult times creates a powerful impact on the community, making her work not just a job but an honor.

Outside of work, Masha enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with friends.

As we begin a new fiscal year, we take a moment to honor and thank the board members whose terms have come to a close. Eric Leve, Suzan Kotch, and Micah Trilling. Your leadership, insight, and unwavering dedication have helped shape our work and extend our reach across the East Bay. You’ve each brought compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to our mission. We are profoundly grateful for the time, care, and heart you’ve given to this community.

We also mark a meaningful leadership transition. Jeff Ilfeld's tenure as board president has come to a close after two years of thoughtful, steady leadership. We’re grateful that he’ll continue to serve on the board, offering his invaluable perspective and support.

Stepping into the role of Board President is Sam Alcabes, a long-standing board member who has served for six years, including the past two as Vice President. Sam brings vision, clarity, and deep dedication to our mission, and we’re excited for his leadership in this next chapter. We’re also pleased to share that Stewart Florsheim, a current board member, is stepping up as Vice President. Stewart’s passion and commitment will be a powerful asset in this new role.

With the current pause in refugee resettlement and shifts in policies, we’re actively adjusting our volunteer efforts to respond to new community needs and priorities.

Volunteers are continuing to provide essential support by delivering emergency groceries, offering companionship through friendly visits, and preparing holiday and Friday Shabbat meals. Collection drives remain underway to gather vital supplies, while our Youth Ambassadors are engaged in meaningful community outreach. Transportation assistance also continues to play a crucial role.

We’re deeply thankful for the ongoing dedication of our volunteers. If you’re interested in contributing to these important efforts, we invite you to join us. Learn more. To help us continue serving our community, please consider making a donation here.

JFCS East Bay is proud to partner with the Chef Ann Foundation and their Healthy School Food Pathway Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which is a paid, seven-week training that blends hands-on experience with online learning focused on scratch-cooked school food operations.

This program provides participants with valuable skills, a state-recognized certificate, and clear pathways to further apprenticeship opportunities. Through our comprehensive employment services, we support clients in gaining job readiness, career coaching, and connections to opportunities like this program. We’re especially proud that several of our JFCS East Bay clients have been employed by the Chef Ann Foundation, building meaningful careers while supporting the delivery of healthy meals to local students.

We’re excited to be a community partner for the 45th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF45), taking place July 17 to August 3. This year, we’re co-presenting two powerful films:

My Underground Mother: A deeply personal exploration of hidden Holocaust history by director Marisa Fox.

This film reflect our commitment to honoring personal stories and supporting Holocaust Survivors and other marginalized communities.

Use the discount code JFCSEB45 for reduced-price tickets to regularly priced screenings and events. Visit sfjff.org for tickets and full program details.

Let’s come together to celebrate 45 years of bold Jewish storytelling.

At JFCS East Bay, our advocates are at the heart of everything we do. Your support empowers us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community. To better connect with you and tailor our communications to your preferences, we’d love to hear how you prefer to receive updates about our local impact.

Your feedback is invaluable and will help us strengthen our connection with you and improve the way we share our stories and progress.

Thank you for being part of the JFCS East Bay family. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, healthier community for all.