Hello Friend,

February is Black History Month, and at JFCS East Bay, we honor the powerful and transformative contributions of Black Americans throughout history. The resilience shown in the face of injustice continues to guide and inspire our pursuit of a future grounded in equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

We see this month as not only a moment to recognize this history, but to move forward with purpose — it is a reminder that safety and justice should never be beyond reach for those seeking refuge and a chance to rebuild.

Today, we are seeing the profound consequences of executive orders and shifting policies on refugees and immigrants. The loss of government funding and support is vastly impactful on our work and on our communities. Even so, JFCS East Bay remains steadfast. Our commitment to welcoming, protecting, and empowering those most affected is not swayed by policy changes.

In response to these challenges, we are strengthening our support network. In this letter, you'll read out about our new partnership with SAFE Center, an organization that connects immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum with resources and support.

Now is the moment to stand together. We will continue to foster stability, opportunity, and healing for those rebuilding their lives. Thank you for walking this path with us — your compassion and generosity are what make this work possible.

In solidarity,

Allyson Holmes-Knight, PhD

Chief Program Officer

Your generosity makes an incredible difference! Because of you, 2,500 clients received services from JFCS East Bay in 2025. With your support, thousands of people were able to take steps toward building new, self-sustaining lives. It is thanks to your generosity that, together, we can strive for our mission to create a community where everyone can flourish with dignity.

Thanks to you, our Year-End Campaign raised a total of $982,000!

Dr. Stanley Rabinowitz has over 40 years' experience supporting the development of valid, equitable, and inclusive student standards, assessment, and accountability systems. He has served on over 20 state and national technical advisory committees and consulted with over half the US State Education Agencies (SEAs).

Dr. Rabinowitz served as General Manager for Assessment and Reporting at the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). His responsibilities included managing the national assessment programs (NAPLAN and NAP Sample), national data reporting, including the My School website, and launching NAPLAN online in 2018. 

For the past two years, Dr. Rabinowitz has served on the JFCS East Bay Program Committee, helping ensure that our organization has systems in place to measure the effectiveness of its mission-driven programs and services.

Dr. Rabinowitz earned a PhD in Educational Psychology and Statistics from State University of New York at Albany.

Viktoriia Korobkina joined JFCS East Bay in January 2026 as our Office Assistant. Drawn by the organization's values, such as welcoming the stranger, pursuing justice, and honoring human dignity, she knew she wanted to be part of a team that creates a bridge that supports so many different communities and strengthens our shared sense of humanity.

Viktoriia is a recent immigrant from Ukraine who brings an incredible professional background in nonprofit work, education, and corporate operations — across three continents — and she is multilingual, speaking not only Ukrainian, but also English, Russian, and Mandarin.

She loves sharing her Ukrainian culture with coworkers and frequently keeps the Berkeley kitchen stocked with Eastern European treats. When she is not managing all of the front desk details at JFCS East Bay, Viktoriia can be found taking long walks in nature or visiting museums and art galleries. She's visited 19 countries thus far and hopes to have the opportunity to travel to many more.



SAFE Center, part of the Immigrant Action Network, is a welcoming space that serves as a connection point between immigrant and newcomer clients and community resources.

Along with JFCS East Bay, SAFE Center is partnered with many other community resource agencies, and their work is centered on helping people find the resources, education, and support they need.

Click here to learn more about this new community partner!

When Eva* reached out to JFCS East Bay, she was doing everything right — and still falling behind. In her 70s, living alone in Alameda County, Eva carefully manages her health and her finances. But on a fixed SSI income, even one unexpected expense such as a car repair can turn stability into feeling like chaos and chronic stress. This was one of those times when there was just one bill too many. After paying rent for her apartment, there was little left for utilities, food, or transportation.

Through the Jewish Community Safety Net, Eva received three months of rent support, help with a utility bill, and connections to food and transportation resources. The assistance provided immediate relief — but just as important was the compassion behind it. Eva later shared how deeply moved she was by the kindness and respect she received, and how much it meant to feel seen and supported during a difficult moment.

*Not client's real name or photo

On Thursday, February 5, we held our first-ever Job & Resource Fair, a free event designed for job seekers of all levels. Participants received support with resumes and interview preparation and were able to connect with local employers.

In total we had:

153 attendees

37 exhibitors

8 languages represented

Thank you to everyone who supported and participated in this incredible day at our Concord office. We can't wait to see the life-changing impact this made for clients and businesses in our community!

We are introducing a new Emergency Grocery Program and are looking for volunteers!

This program serves refugees and immigrants who fear for their safety, low-income families, and older adults who may have difficulty accessing groceries. It is designed so that volunteers purchase, donate, and deliver groceries to neighbors in the East Bay community.

If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering, please visit our volunteer sign-up page.



JPAC Capitol Summit 2026

May 11-12

Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, Sacramento

• Hear from some of the state’s most powerful lawmakers and activists.
• Learn, practice, and participate in direct lobbying.
• Connect with elected officials, Jewish organizational leaders, and lay leaders from across California.

Register now!

Early bird pricing ends February 28, 2026!

Stand with Refugees and Immigrants

With the ongoing refugee ban continuing into the new year, millions of people have been left without a safe place to call home. We know that humanity thrives when we stand in unity and support one another; we all suffer from divisive lines drawn in the sand. 

Today, we encourage you to take a stand for refugees and immigrants who need our support more than ever. 

Tell Your Senators Enough Is Enough

In the wake of the most recent violence, we urge you to add your name to this message to senators that it is time to rein in ICE and protect our communities from unwarranted aggression and force.

Please add your name to this critical call to officials!

JFI WinterFest 2026 Co-Presentation

February 28, 11:30am

Vogue Theater, San Francisco

We're excited to co-present Strangers, Neighbors, and Kin with San Francisco Jewish Film Festival at their 2026 WinterFest. This year’s lineup brings empathy, creativity, and excitement to the Bay Area, featuring Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed films that broaden understanding of Jewish culture, identity, and history. Check out the full lineup and get your tickets now at jfi.org/winterfest!

Humanity Beyond the Headlines: Immigration & Belonging in America

March 19, 5pm

KQED Headquarters, San Francisco

Featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, this free event will highlight the lived immigration experiences of California educators and students. Join us for this opportunity to reflect on how the Facing History & Ourselves organization supports students' and educators' belonging— in classrooms, communities, and their lives in the United States. The evening will also include a presentation honoring longtime Board Member Susie Richardson as she receives the Facing History & Ourselves 2025 Northern California Upstander Award.