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As the summer sun begins to set and the excitement of a new school year rises, we at JFCS East Bay are deeply committed to ensuring that every child in our community steps into the classroom with confidence, support, and the tools they need to succeed. We are hard at work, providing crucial services that help students and their families navigate this pivotal time of year. I still remember the anticipation and nervousness that come with the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. There's excitement for new faces, teachers, and experiences, but also nervous flutters about leaving the summer routine and transitioning to the unknown.

 

This year, we’re particularly proud of our school readiness programs, which not only equip children with the essentials for academic success but also support refugee and immigrant families as they adjust to new educational systems.


We know that a strong start to the school year can set the tone for a child’s future, and with your support, we’re making that start possible for countless young minds. Here’s to a year filled with growth, learning, and opportunity for all.

 

Warm regards,

Jeff Ilfeld,

President, Board of Directors

Meet the New Board Members

Our mission at JFCS East Bay is to support and uplift our diverse community guided by the dedication and expertise of our Board of Directors. We are thrilled to introduce five exceptional new board members who bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our organization. Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Julie Bressler, Rachel Concannon, Veronica Granillo, Penni Hudis, and Sedique Popal.

 

We are honored to have these remarkable individuals join our Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to our mission will help JFCS East Bay continue to provide essential services and advocate for the well-being of our community. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our organization and the broader community we serve.

 

To see our full board of directors, please click here.

Program Feature: Mental Health for Children & Youth

At JFCS East Bay, we provide vital mental health services that support children, youth, and families across our community. Whether through partnerships with public schools, services for refugee families, or the CalAIM initiative for low-income communities, our goal is to ensure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive.


Our approach is holistic and inclusive, offering care that addresses immediate concerns while building long-term resilience. We’re committed to creating stronger, healthier communities. For more information on student well-being in California schools, here's a helpful resource.

Staff Profile: Violetta Babich, Clinical Manager

We are excited to introduce Violetta Babich, LMFT, who joined JFCS East Bay in May 2024 as a Clinical Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the East Bay community, Violetta brings a wealth of knowledge and a passionate commitment to trauma-informed care.

 

Violetta's journey to JFCS East Bay is shaped by her dedication to supporting those in need through both clinical work and advocacy. As a Clinical Manager, Violetta provides mentoring, coaching, and guidance to her clinical team, helping them navigate the complexities of community-based therapeutic work. Her role also involves ensuring compliance with MediCal requirements and strengthening partnerships with community organizations to offer integrated and interdisciplinary care.

Client Success Story

We are privileged to witness the incredible resilience and determination of our clients as they rebuild their lives. One such inspiring story is that of Kawser Amine, a former refugee from Afghanistan who has transformed her experiences into a powerful mission to uplift and support other women and children.

 

Upon her arrival, Kawser faced the daunting challenges of starting over in a new country. "What truly moved me was their dedication to uniting families and helping us all build a future. Today, we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of more family members who are still in the process of joining us. Thanks to JFCS East Bay, we are one step closer to being fully reunited."

 

Kawser's experience sparked a deep desire within her to give back to the community that had given her so much. She channeled this passion into launching a nonprofit called Women in Solidarity for Peace and Leadership (WSPL), which is aimed at empowering other women and children, particularly those who have faced similar hardships. Through sports and community-building activities, Kawser’s nonprofit creates safe spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment.

 

Kawser’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential that exists within every individual. Her journey from refugee to advocate is a testament to what is possible when we come together as a community to support those in need. At JFCS East Bay, we are honored to have been part of her journey and inspired by the work she continues to do to uplift others.

Volunteer Profile: Phyllis Edwards

As the back-to-school season approaches, the importance of community support becomes even more evident. At JFCS East Bay, our work is continually enriched by the generosity and dedication of our volunteers, who find unique ways to contribute to the well-being of our clients. One such volunteer is Phyllis Edwards, a compassionate partner through Project Linus, a national organization known for providing handmade blankets to children in need. Phyllis and her team have not only warmed the lives of our clients with their beautiful, handcrafted blankets but have also extended their generosity in other heartfelt ways, particularly during this crucial time of year.


Through Project Linus, Phyllis and her team have donated an array of lovingly crafted blankets to JFCS East Bay. These blankets are more than just sources of warmth; they are symbols of care, offering a comforting presence to children and families during times of vulnerability. Each blanket, intricately made with attention to detail, carries a message of hope and support, embodying the spirit of community that Phyllis and her team uphold, especially as children transition back to school.

 

Read more.

Community Leaders Profile: Lisa Klein

At JFCS East Bay, we are dedicated to uplifting families and children in our community. This month, we spotlight Lisa Klein, Founder and Executive Director of Loved Twice, whose work aligns with our mission to support families in need.

Lisa began Loved Twice in 2005, addressing the need for baby clothes among underserved families. What started as a small operation has grown into an organization that has clothed over 30,000 newborns across California.


Loved Twice is a crucial partner, helping us provide not only mental health and social services but also essential baby clothes. This partnership allows us to offer comprehensive support to families during crucial times. Lisa’s dedication extends beyond providing clothing; it fosters dignity and support for families. Her commitment to sustainability and community engagement mirrors our values and has inspired many to join her cause.


We are excited to continue our collaboration with Loved Twice and witness the continued impact of Lisa’s work. Her story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person’s passion can make.

Partner Spotlight: Highland Hospital

We’re excited to expand our collaboration with Highland Hospital and its vital partner, the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This partnership enhances our ability to connect individuals and families with essential resources and services.


Highland Hospital, a key healthcare provider in Alameda County, teams up with the IRC to support refugees and immigrants. Together, they offer comprehensive care that addresses medical, social, and economic challenges. Our collaboration integrates JFCS East Bay’s mental health, immigration, and resettlement services with Highland and IRC’s offerings, providing holistic support.



By working together, we ensure clients receive coordinated care for their immediate and long-term needs, helping them build strong foundations for their new lives in the East Bay. We look forward to the positive outcomes of this strengthened partnership and the brighter future it will create for our community.

Back-to-School Giveaway

For many families in our community, purchasing school supplies can be a significant financial burden. By participating in the Back-to-School Giveaway, you are directly contributing to the success and well-being of these students. With your help, we can provide backpacks filled with essential items such as notebooks, pencils, calculators, and other tools that are crucial for a successful school year. We invite you to join us in making a difference by donating to our Back-to-School Giveaway. You can contribute by purchasing supplies directly through our community partner wishlist. Every item you donate will go directly to a child in need, helping them to start the school year on the right foot.


To donate, simply visit our Wish List. Your support is not just about providing school supplies—it's about giving students the tools they need to succeed, empowering them to reach their full potential, and showing them that their community cares.

Antisemitism and its Role in

Anti-immigrant Rhetoric

On September 12, 2024, at 4:00 pm ET | 1:00 pm PT, HIAS will host a critical discussion on The Great Replacement Theory and its ties to antisemitism. This conspiracy theory has fueled hate, influencing events like the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Charlottesville rally, and Pittsburgh synagogue attack. The panel will examine how this rhetoric impacts immigration policy and HIAS' work. Featured speakers include HIAS CEO Mark Hetfield and Eric Ward, Executive Vice President of Race Forward, moderated by Rachel Kranson of the University of Pittsburgh. This event is part two of a three-part series on immigration policy before the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

 

Register now.

You are Invited! Build community at one of these amazing upcoming events. 

8/31 3rd Annual Everybody Eats Festival

Attendees can enjoy a day of delicious food, live music, and great vibes at Radium Runway. The event features a feast from local vendors, food trucks, and chefs, making it perfect for foodies and families alike. This tasty celebration is not to be missed!

9/1 4th Annual Bizerkeley Food Fest Don’t miss Berkeley’s LARGEST Vegan Food Fest! Featuring 100,000 square feet of delicious plant-based eats made by vegans to satisfy even meat lovers. Come hungry, leave happy!

9/11 Online Family Support Group

This supportive environment allows families to share experiences, gain insights, and access valuable resources. Whether seeking guidance or simply a place to be heard, this space is here to assist families on their journey toward understanding and healing.

9/12 Bay Area African Restaurant Week 2024

The 1st Annual Bay Area African Restaurant Week offers a unique opportunity to enjoy special and discounted meals at participating local restaurants. Diners can explore a variety of traditional African and African Diaspora-inspired menus while supporting local businesses. Whether visiting, ordering, or dining in, participants are invited to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Africa.

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