Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay

With thanks to our Volunteer Services staff and 15 community volunteers, JFCS East Bay delivered 230 fresh kosher Passover meals to 140 households yesterday. Each bag included a box of matzoh, matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish, horseradish, grape juice, macaroons, and tea, in addition to the meals. Happy Passover to all!

Art of Living 2021 is streaming now! Join us!

Please join us in appreciating the fantastic community-minded businesses that are sponsoring our upcoming Art of Living event! This afternoon, we're featuring and thanking Beacon Home Care for their partnership! Will you join them at the event? Register here: bit.ly/artofliving2021

This Chanukah, we at JFCS East Bay are more dedicated than ever to being sources of light, sharing hope, strength, and compassion with our community. May these days be full of warmth and peace for you and your families.

A lovely article on Avi's career and longtime service to community. We sure will miss him, but wish him all the best in his retirement.

Today, 246 Chanukah meals and groceries are being delivered to the homes of seniors, Holocaust survivors, and people with disabilities throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This is an all-time record for a holiday delivery, and is only made possible by 22 amazing volunteers. To follow safety protocols, our staging and packing is taking place in a staff person's garage. It's quite the operation!

Join our team! We're hiring for a few exciting positions, including just-announced openings in Immigration Legal Services and Refugee Services. Check out the job descriptions and please share! https://jfcs-eastbay.org/jobs/

You're invited to join Executive Director Avi Rose and other speakers for a post-election gathering on November 4. We have been through a lot this year. And election season, no matter where you stand, adds to our exhaustion, sense of uncertainty, and worry. While we may not know the outcome, please join us for a powerful gathering that will offer resources, tools, and inspiration to move forward toward a more just and vibrant future for all. Register here: https://bit.ly/34DSDXr Hosted by the JCC of the East Bay, JFCS East Bay, JCRC of San Francisco, and Jewish Studio Project.

We stand with our friends at Temple Sinai in decrying the latest instance of antisemitic defacement of their synagogue. The number of antisemitic incidents throughout our country continues to rise. We are united in our vigilance against these hateful actions, along with all statements and attitudes that encourage them.

This is great news. Our Immigration Legal Services team is ready and excited to once again be able to help local Dreamers apply for DACA. #HomeIsHere

Today, October 19, is the last day to register to vote in California! Make sure your voice is heard and register now at https://t.co/wvdqZFnZ8G #VoteSafeCA #VoteCalifornia

On Giving Tuesday, we have work to do! Please donate today to be part of rebuilding, restoring, and repairing our community, and our world. https://jfcs-eastbay.org/donate-now/ #GivingTuesday

East Bay friends! As you may know, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration's effort to end the 2020 census count. The last day to participate in the census is now tomorrow, October 15. If you haven't yet completed your household questionnaire, please do so! The census determines the resources our community will get over the next decade, from funding for roads and Medicare to political representation. Please make sure you're counted so that our community and our state are accurately represented. Thank you!

Both Alameda and Contra Costa counties are in the Purple Tier and therefore subject to this new curfew. Please stay safe, stay home, and wear a mask when you must go out.

Tomorrow begins a new federal fiscal year. By law, each year the President is required to consult with Congress to set the number of refugees that will be allowed into the country. As has been the case for the past several years, this consultation has not taken place. And now there is talk that the Trump administration is considering ending the program all together. This is unconscionable, a betrayal of American values, and an abandonment of the most vulnerable.

We are pleased to announce that Robin Mencher will be joining JFCS East Bay as our new Executive Director! She will bring years of expertise in nonprofit management, partnership building, fundraising, and leadership development. Learn all about her: www.jfcs-eastbay.org/our-new-executive-director/

A reminder to join us this evening at 6pm for a post-election community gathering. Executive Director Avi Rose and other speakers will offer resources, tools, and inspiration to move forward toward a more just and vibrant future for all. Register here: https://bit.ly/34DSDXr Hosted by the JCC of the East Bay, JFCS East Bay, JCRC of San Francisco, and Jewish Studio Project.

One of our Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists recently shared with our Volunteer Services team that some of the kids we serve are struggling with Zoom therapy and check-ins. Not surprising! Our staff had the idea to find some fidget-type items that kids could use to help them focus during calls with their therapists. Our volunteer Kira and her son made it happen! She ordered a bunch of creative items and assembled 30 decorated bags, now ready to be delivered to clients' doorsteps! This will make a huge difference! Big thanks going out to Kira and family!

Please vote! Your vote is your voice in our community and our country. The outcome of this election will directly impact the clients we serve here in the East Bay. Your vote matters. #election2020

Today, we are helping to spread the word about a young man in our community who was recently diagnosed with leukemia and needs to find a bone marrow match. Please click through to learn about Jordan and join the bone marrow registry. Jordan is twenty-four years old, biracial (Black and white), and Jewish, which is a hard match to find. People of color are particularly encouraged to register. Please share! Thank you!

An icon. A role model. A true champion for equality. She gave so much to our country. We send our heartfelt condolences to Justice Ginsburg's family. May her memory be a blessing. #RBG

The Jewish High Holidays are a time for celebration, community, and reflection. And this year, these powerful days take place against a backdrop of fires, a pandemic, unemployment, financial distress, social and racial injustice, and distance from our loved ones. In this context, our hopes for peace, health, justice, and renewal take on new meaning. How do we find connection in this time? How do we best live our values and support our community? What does it mean to work for... equality and equity when so many of our neighbors are being marginalized and oppressed? From our JFCS East Bay family to yours, we hope the coming days give you the opportunity to pause, breathe, reflect, and give of yourself. Happy Rosh Hashanah, and best wishes for a sweet New Year.

This is wonderful.

This morning, JFCS East Bay joined with more than 600 Jewish organizations, synagogues, and congregations in signing this full-page ad in The New York Times: We say unequivocally: Black Lives Matter. The #blacklivesmatter movement is the current day Civil Rights movement in this country, and it is our best chance at equity and justice. By supporting this movement, we can build a country that fulfills the promise of freedom, unity, and safety for all of us, no exceptions.

From Executive Director Avi Rose, our latest blog: "Once again, we witness horrifying video footage, this time of a Black man, Jacob Blake, being shot in the back seven times at close range, right in front of his three young sons. As an agency that serves families and children, there is of course much we can say about violence and trauma, both its immediate impact and the ways it echoes through people’s lives. But this time, I want to speak personally as a father." #blacklivesmatter

JFCS East Bay is encouraging all our community members to be as prepared as possible for the next emergency. Pack a go-bag of essential items and paperwork. Know your evacuation routes. And sign up for emergency alerts through Nixle.

As the pandemic continues, we have been blown away by our community's ongoing care and support for the families who are being the most impacted. Arts and crafts supplies, diapers and wipes, comfy blankets--all collected, donated, and now ready to be distributed.

In the midst of the largest refugee crisis in recorded history, the future of refugee resettlement and the asylum system in the U.S. hinges on the attitudes of the leaders we elect in November. On August 19, please join us along with HIAS, JFS San Diego, and JFS Silicon Valley to learn how you can ensure that candidates in races across California affirm their support for welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. Together, we can work to build a more welcoming country. #RefugeesWelcome

Today, we join with our partner Claims Conference (Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany) in posting video messages from #Holocaust #survivors imploring Mark Zuckerberg to remove Holocaust denial from #Facebook. Denying their suffering/loss is hate speech; there is #NoDenyingIt. Join them; please share!

As one of the East Bay's remaining two refugee resettlement agencies, we are deeply concerned about the future of this program. Providing safe harbor to those seeking refuge from violence and persecution is our moral responsibility. We encourage you to read this powerful op-ed to learn more about this issue.

In this powerful moment of reckoning in our country, JFCS East Bay unequivocally affirms that Black Lives Matter. We commit ourselves to carrying forward the missions of Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressmember John Lewis, advancing Black civil rights and defeating white supremacy in this country.

Rest in Power, Congressman Lewis. An icon and an American hero. A huge loss for us all. Good trouble.

ACTION ALERT: The Trump administration has proposed alarming new regulations that will eviscerate U.S. asylum laws and gut protections for people fleeing life-threatening persecution. TODAY is the last day for public comments, which must be received by 8:59pm. Please follow this link to urge the withdrawal of the proposed rules, and ask the administration to give immediate attention to pending asylum claims. https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=EOIR-2020-0003-0001

As the coronavirus crisis deepens, many of our fellow community members are at increased risk of eviction if decisive action isn't taken by policymakers. This week, we submitted a letter asking the Concord City Council to protect families from eviction. We'll be continuing this kind of advocacy for our clients in other jurisdictions.

A powerful piece from Black writers, inspired by Frederick Douglass to ask anew What to My People is the Fourth of July? Until we are all free, none of us are free. #julyfourth #blacklivesmatter

As the nation continues to confront systemic racism and COVID-19, we have the opportunity to make a difference for refugees and asylees in California. Please click through to join our partner HIAS in asking our state legislators to support Assembly Bills 2113 and 3133. AB 2113 would expedite the professional licensure process for refugees, political asylees, and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, helping them move more quickly to work in their chosen fields, including healthcare. AB 3133 ensures that California will always welcome refugee resettlement, permanently opting-in the state in response to the Trump Administration’s Executive Order designed to keep refugees out.

We're proud to join 400+ other Jewish orgs to say: Freedom and safety for any of us depends on the freedom and safety of all of us. The #BlackLivesMatter movement is the current day Civil Rights movement in this country, and it is our best chance at equity and justice. #JewsforBlackLives

A great opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the Supreme Court DACA decision while committing to continuing the fight. This will be a safe, socially distant car caravan.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, marking an important step in our country's long journey toward living up to our ideals of racial justice and equality. Today, as we stand with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, we know that the struggle continues. Both within our agency and in our community, we are committed to doing the work necessary.

We are thrilled at today's Supreme Court ruling that will protect the Dreamers in our community! Helping people apply for DACA has long been part of our Immigration Legal Services work--that commitment continues! #DACA

With the economic fallout of the shelter-in-place orders still very much with us, our COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program is here to support clients' rent, food, and medical expenses. Another stack of checks going out--this is what your support makes possible.

We are so honored to be working alongside these young philanthropists. The Hamsa Fund's contribution will go directly to those in our community who need it the most.

Help spread the word. As part of Stand Together Contra Costa, our attorneys will be offering free immigration legal telephone consultations next Wednesday, June 10.

Our Executive Director Avi Rose, participating in today's protest march organized by Oakland high school students. #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter

ICYMI, our statement from Thursday on the murder of George Floyd. "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." - Desmond Tutu

Did you know that benefits programs don't cover the cost of diapers and wipes? In the midst of this pandemic, so many of our families are struggling not only to feed their kids, but provide proper hygiene as well. Can you help? Check out our wishlist for diapers and wipes. Thank you so much!

Join our friends at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger in urging your legislators to prioritize food assistance in the next COVID-19 relief bill. Food insecurity is skyrocketing in our community and around the country. We need policies that insure that our friends and neighbors can put food on the table.

We do not see people as dispensable. Check out Executive Director Avi Rose's latest post.

"Any Jew who lives in the East Bay can apply." Check out today's article in the J. about our newly launched Jewish Community Safety Net program.

Did you know? Our Jewish Community Safety Net program is up and running in response to the coronavirus crisis. Open to any East Bay Jew in need. Please SHARE to spread the word. We're here to help our community get through this difficult time.

LISTEN: our Executive Director Avi Rose participates in a briefing about serving refugees and immigrants in California during the coronavirus crisis. With our colleagues from HIAS, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley - JFS SV, and Jewish Family Service of San Diego.

Today we're giving a shout-out to our AMAZING Director of Volunteer Services Kathryn Winogura for being named Hometown Hero by Lafayette's Coldwell Banker Realty last week. Since shelter-in-place started, Kathryn and her team have organized dozens of volunteers to shop, deliver groceries, and do check-in calls for our most vulnerable and isolated clients. Congrats, Kathryn!

Here's a beautiful thing. One of our generous volunteers wanted to support her local toy store AND provide some entertainment for some of the kids we serve who are stuck at home. So she went on a toy shopping spree and then donated bags of goodies for us to distribute out to clients.

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow. Your donation will provide direct assistance to our East Bay neighbors being hit the hardest by the coronavirus crisis. Be part of our community's response by donating here: https://bit.ly/ceap_jfcseb

Tomorrow. #GivingTuesdayNow

Please join JFCS East Bay, HIAS, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley - JFS SV, and Jewish Family Service of San Diego for an online event with four agencies that are serving refugees and asylum seekers right here in California during the COVID-19 crisis. On May 13 at 10:30am, come learn how to take action to serve these resilient populations during this unprecedented time.

We're here for our community. Learn more about how people impacted by COVID-19 can access assistance.

We know this is a big topic of concern for many in our community. From our Director of Adult Services Rita Clancy . . .

From a Ugandan refugee we resettled in 2018 . . .

Yesterday, we hosted 40 of our Holocaust survivor clients on Zoom for our annual Yom HaShoah commemoration. This is a Holocaust Remembrance Day like no other. Director of Adult Services Rita Clancy eloquently summarizes what this day means to us all.

TONIGHT! The Berkeley community gathers virtually to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Please join us. Registration is required.

Last week we put out a call for mask donations, and the very next day, a generous community member dropped off a big batch! We're getting these out to refugees, immigrants, and low-income families, as well as to volunteers who are shopping and delivering groceries. We love how our community keeps stepping up. This is one way to pass on the love.

Our amazing staff is getting creative in order to continue serving our clients. Early Childhood Mental Specialist Valentina Torres made this wonderful video that combines an art activity with social-emotional learning. We start with a meditation, imagining that each color in the rainbow has feelings associated with it. Red means--I am strong, I am capable. Next, we're guided through making a rainbow paper chain. And then we dance!

Our own Blythe Raphael, Director of Refugee Services, is interviewed in this article about how the coronavirus crisis is impacting newly arrived refugees.

How is this meal delivery different from all others? Every year, about 45 volunteers help distribute around 200 meals for Passover. But this year in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, we had made the difficult decision to cancel due to safety concerns. But our amazing caterer Mihaela of Julia’s Kosher Kitchen stepped in with a solutionshe and her family would manage the process AND delivery, using their strict cleanliness guidelines. To make sure we could reach everyone, four of our volunteers helped with deliveries as well. So yesterday, 190 meals and bags of Passover groceries went out to homebound seniors, Holocaust survivors, and people with disabilities throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties! We’re so glad to be able to bring a Happy Passover to these vulnerable community members during this difficult time.

We've created a short JFCS East Bay Community Seder Supplement that we invite you to incorporate into your Seder this year. As you gather and think about those who are facing hunger, uncertainty, and fear in the face of this extraordinary plague time, we invite you to join JFCS East Bay in supporting this community as we face together one of the most significant challenges we’ve ever seen.

Feeding the most vulnerable. Ready to distribute 50 boxes of emergency supplemental food to our low-income clients, courtesy of a partnership with the Contra Costa Crisis Center and the Contra Costa food bank.

Today is #CensusDay and we encourage everyone to get counted! It's easy to do from the safety of your own home. An accurate census will impact our community for a decade. #EveryoneCounts

A similar story is taking place across the low-income preschools in Oakland at which we provide early childhood mental health services. These are our families. These are our kids. They were already vulnerable, already struggling financially, and now they're being severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis. We're still working hard to support them--both emotionally and financially. Will you join us?