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Dear Friend,
As autumn settles, we are reminded that change is not only seasonal; it is personal and communal. October invited us to reflect on our resilience and healing as we honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Hispanic Heritage month.
At JFCS East Bay, we see this resilience every day in families rebuilding after trauma, older adults attempting to cope with the loss of essential assistance, and refugees seeking safety and belonging in our community. We know that the foundation of security is knowing your rights. That is why our Immigration Legal Services team is stepping up to guide individuals through increasingly complex systems, ensuring they have the tools and support to move forward with dignity and hope.
Knowing your rights is the first step toward empowerment and safety. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient East Bay: one story, one family, one act at a time.
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Reena Arya
Director of Immigration Legal Services
| | Get to Know JFCS East Bay | | |
The federal government’s newly announced refugee admissions cap, set at just 7,500 people for fiscal year 2026, represents a stark departure from the United States’ long commitment to welcoming those fleeing danger and persecution.
"While federal policy turns away refugees, JFCS East Bay will continue to welcome and support newcomers rebuilding their lives,” said CEO Robin Mencher.
Our mission remains unwavering: to stand with refugees and advocate for dignity, safety, and opportunity for all.
Learn more here.
| Immigration Legal Services | | |
This year, our Afghan team has continued to walk alongside newly arrived families as they rebuild their lives in the East Bay. We’ve helped parents reunite with children they were separated from, guided families through the long and often confusing process of applying for permanent residency and celebrated alongside those who have finally received their green cards. Since 2021, we’ve helped more than 2,300 Afghan refugees find safety, stability, and a sense of home.
In 2025 alone, we’ve supported more than 150 Afghans through housing, legal help, and health programs designed to meet their needs as they settle into life in the United States. Through new partnerships with Centro Legal, PARS Equality Center, and Monument Impact, we’re making it easier for Afghan families to access trusted legal advice, learn about their rights, and find the community connections that help them thrive.
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Our services for Children, Youth, and Families are creating spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment by offering play groups, wellness programs, consistent care for families navigating transitions, and therapy services that strengthen resilience. Our team’s ongoing professional development ensures that every program makes a lasting impact. Together, we are demonstrating that when we nurture each other, our community grows stronger, healthier, and more connected.
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We are excited to introduce Francisco Bautista, AMFT, APCC, our newest mental health clinician. Francisco brings deep dedication to supporting children and their families through psychotherapy and education. He works with children to help strengthen emotional well-being and offers psychoeducation to parents and caregivers to enhance self-sufficiency.
Guided by empathy and patience, Francisco meets each client where they are, empowering them to progress at their own pace, and improve their outlook on life. Through this work, he advances JFCS East Bay’s mission of fostering resilience and wellness across the community.
Outside of work, Francisco enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
| | Take Action to Protect SNAP/CalFresh Benefits | | |
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger are urging immediate action to protect access to food for more than 40 million Americans. Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the USDA has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will lapse on November 1, putting millions of families, including many served by our partner agencies, at risk of losing vital nutrition support.
Please contact your Members of Congress today to demand that the USDA deploy contingency funding and ensure SNAP benefits continue uninterrupted.
If you’ve been affected by the recent halt in SNAP benefits, click here to explore available resources for accessing food in your community.
| | JPAC Capitol Summit 2026: May 11-12, 2026 - Sacramento, CA | | |
Join JFCS East Bay at the JPAC Capitol Summit, where we will come together to champion a more compassionate and welcoming California for all.
This dynamic two-day event, taking place May 5–6, 2025, offers a unique opportunity to:
- Hear directly from influential lawmakers and leading activists
- Participate in hands-on lobbying efforts
- Connect with elected officials, Jewish organizational leaders, and community advocates from across the state
The Capitol Summit is an empowering experience to learn, network, and make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to our community.
Sign up today and be part of this impactful movement for change.
| | Restaurants Offering Free or Discounted Meals for SNAP Recipients | | |
If you’ve been affected by the recent halt in SNAP benefits, click here to explore available resources for accessing food in your community.
Several Bay Area restaurants are stepping up to help as well. These local businesses are offering free or discounted meals for children and families.
Click here to learn more. If you’re able, support these businesses that are giving back to our community.
For families who rely on SNAP/CalFresh benefits, mealtime just got a little easier thanks to several Bay Area restaurants and food spots stepping up to help. These local businesses are offering free or discounted meals for children and families—an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting neighborhood favorites.
If you or someone you know could use a hand, check out these local restaurants offering free or discounted meals. If you’re able, support these businesses that are giving back to our community. Click here to learn more.
| | Afghan Women’s Culinary Cohort
A Flavorful Celebration of Entrepreneurship | |
This month marked the inspiring culmination of our 8-week Afghan Women’s Business Basics Culinary Cohort at Willow Pass Community Center. Twenty talented Afghan women showcased multi-course dishes they developed while learning business English and culinary entrepreneurship. They were guided by ESL instructor and dedicated volunteer Jennifer Chang.
The final tasting event brought together 32 guests, including board members, community partners, donors, volunteers, and friends, creating a vibrant space for connection and celebration. These emerging entrepreneurs shared their culinary creations, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit, taking bold first steps toward launching their own food businesses.
This program not only nurtured skills and confidence but also strengthened community bonds and opened doors to economic opportunity
| Our In-Kind Donations Program Is Back – Help Families Today! | |
Great news! Our In-Kind Donations Program is open again. We’re in immediate need of household items and other essentials to support families in our community. Now’s the perfect time to help get these items directly into the hands of those who need them most.
Visit our website to see our current list of needed items and explore our new Gift Registry!
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Learn and Play Storytime (Hayward, CA)
This story time offers 15–20 minutes of engaging circle time followed by 15–20 minutes of play with toys. Recommended for children ages birth to 3 years, it supports early literacy development through talking, reading, singing, writing, and playing.
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Sing N Storytime (Lafayette, CA)
Read! Talk! Sing! Play! Join a story time with Miss Jennifer where we practice early literacy skills through stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement. The first Wednesday of every month. All ages and abilities are welcome.
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Family Bird Walk (Fremont, CA)
Families can join a fun birding adventure, recommended for children ages 5–10. Kids will create their own field guides before exploring the trails to spot local birds. Binoculars are available to borrow. Registration is required.
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33rd Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy (San Francisco & Online)
A beloved San Francisco tradition returns December 24–26, 2025! Join in-person at the Imperial Palace Restaurant in Chinatown or tune in via livestream for this one-of-a-kind comedy experience. Partial proceeds support JFCS East Bay’s Immigration Legal Services and The ACLU.
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(970) 867-5309
515 Ames Blvd
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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