Dear Friend,

As we approach America's 250th birthday, we remember that we were founded as a nation of immigrants. Diverse cultures and backgrounds connected on this soil to create the tapestry of who we are.

June is when we recognize and celebrate the emancipation of Black Americans (Juneteenth, June 19), the contributions of immigrants and refugees (World Refugee Day, June 20), and the joy and resilience of Pride Month. These annual acknowledgments are a reminder that everyone deserves safety, dignity, belonging, and the support of people who care.

On this World Refugee Day, we honor the courage of families who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. 

Your support helps refugee families access legal representation, stabilize their lives, and move forward with dignity and hope. World Refugee Day is a reminder that welcoming refugees is not just about arrival—it’s about belonging. 

Thanks to the generosity of the McIntyre Family Trust, every gift made by June 21 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. 

Please make a donation today and your impact will be doubled.

Robin Mencher

Chief Executive Officer

Early this month, JFCS East Bay CEO Robin Mencher joined with 40 other professional and lay leaders from the

Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies to communicate the human impact of federal policy change in our communities. This network represented 23 member agencies across 17 states. They spent two days visiting both sides of the aisle to highlight client needs and community investments and to strengthen relationships with civic leaders from our states.

Mencher noted, "I was proud to represent the hardworking and caring staff of Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay. I was also glad to be reminded that this is the House and Senate of the people. Their jobs are to represent us. All of us. We must tell them how best to represent us. This is our job. This has been our job for 250 years. Let’s all keep at it."

On Sunday, June 7, donors and staff came together with refugee women from our Culinary Cohort to enjoy an incredible traditional Afghan meal. From tea and appetizers to a table of desserts, this was a beautiful presentation that put a spotlight on our workforce development program and the success this cohort has inspired.

We are excited to be launching a second cohort this month, which includes not only culinary pursuits, but also crafting skills. We look forward to sharing more soon!

Samira is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Drama Therapist who received her degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She landed at JFCS East Bay in July of 2022, after serving at a high school arts-and-health program and a human rights community center. She hails from Washington, DC, and has been in and out of the East Bay for the last nine years.

Since arriving at the agency, Samira has especially enjoyed collaborating with colleagues and community partners to host groups for joyful trauma recovery. Most days, she can be found getting extra silly with our youngest community members. And after work, you can find Samira on some of the Bay's spectacular hiking trails with her hyperactive herding dog.

Summer is here and we are looking for in-kind donations! We are especially low on these items:

• Diapers & Wipes: sizes 4-6 are our biggest need, but we are also low on sizes 1-3. 
• Hygiene Items & Cleaning Supplies: toothpaste & toothbrushes, floss, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, bar or body soap, hand soap, dish soap, and all-purpose cleaner
• Individual School Supplies: notebooks, folders, binders, lined paper, rulers, pencils, pencil pouches, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, scissors, glue sticks, markers, crayons, art supplies, and more!

To hold a collection drive for these items in your community, email volunteers@jfcs-eastbay.org and let us know what you'd like to collect. Drop-offs must be arranged in advance with staff; email lhill@jfcs-eastbay.org to schedule a drop-off.

Centro Legal De La Raza serves as the central organization for the Bay Area under the Regional Networks Hub for Immigrant Families Project. We partner with them to provide legal referrals and clinics, organize for rapid response efforts, and conduct outreach in the community.

Founded in 1969, Centro Legal de la Raza works to protect and advance the rights of low-income, immigrant, Black, and Latinx communities through bilingual legal representation, education, and advocacy.

To learn more, visit their website.

Juneteenth! at the Museum

1000 Oak St, Oakland

June 19, 11am-4pm

OMCA X Black Freedom Fund present Juneteenth! at the Museum—a vibrant, full-day celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community.

Berkeley Juneteenth

Adeline @ Alcatraz

June 21, 11am-7pm

The Berkeley Juneteenth Festival commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans with live music, vendors, food, and more.

Community Pride Chain

Walnut Creek

All Pride Month

Join us throughout Pride Month for the Community Pride Chain, an interactive installation celebrating the voices, stories, and pride of our community.