On Thursday, September 19th, we gathered to honor the incredible generosity of our major donors from the past year. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their impact and to celebrate the difference we’re making together in the lives of those we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to Larry and Audrey Fox for opening their beautiful home in Los Gatos and providing such a lovely, welcoming space for this special event.

From the warm atmosphere to inspiring stories, the event was a true testament to the power of community. The commitment and kindness shown by our donors have been pivotal in advancing our mission to create a stronger and more connected community where everyone can achieve self-sufficiency, stability, well-being and purpose.

If you would like to learn more about the work we are doing, we invite you to come in and meet with us!  Come take a tour of our offices, meet with our executive team, and see our programs and services in action!  Contact Debbie Michels, VP of Development & Community Engagement at (408) 348-2978 or email debbiem@jfssv.org.

JFS Silicon Valley held its annual meeting on August 22nd, 2024.  We couldn't be more grateful to the staff, board members, volunteers, and community members who made it a wonderful and warm-hearted event.

Rabbi Josh Berkenwald from Congregation Sinai began the evening with a beautiful invocation, reminding us of Maimonides' eight levels of Tzedakah (charitable giving) and the sacredness of our work in the community.

JFS Silicon Valley president and CEO Susan Frazer, delivered a powerful state of the union address, covering the many efforts and achievements over the past year. To read her full address, click below

Board treasurer, Rich Zbriger, shared information from the agency's 2024 fiscal year, summarizing JFS Silicon Valley's budget, income and expenses, and the agency's efficient budget management with 90% of JFS' funding going directly to client programs and services.  We are proud that our impressive management of funds allows us to do more for those in need in our community!  He also highlighted how 88% of JFS' revenue consists of restricted funds with only 12% of the budget available for general operating expenses. 

Board Chair Ricki Gafter led us in a fond farewell to retiring board member Rhonda Farber and helped us welcome new board member Hal Hendrickson.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation by staff of the Bobi Shulin Award for Outstanding Service to 10 of our fantastic volunteers.  We also had the pleasure of recognizing two community partners - Fragomen and Temple Emanu-El, San Jose - with the Cal Lubrin Award for their outstanding partnership with JFS Silicon Valley.  And board chair Ricki Gafter presented JFS president and CEO Susan Frazer with The Vlada Gelfund Visionary Award.

We are humbled and thrilled by the deep well of support from our community and loved being reminded of it at this year's annual meeting.  The commitment to our mission has never been stronger here at JFS Silicon Valley and we enter this next fiscal year with hope, inspiration and gratitude.

JFS Silicon Valley had an extremely successful Equipped to Learn Back-to-School drive thanks to your amazing partnership and generosity!

The needs were larger than ever this year as we have an unprecedented number of clients. With your support, we succeeded in meeting our goals of providing 385 backpacks and $50 gift cards to students of all ages.

Many of our refugee students come with minimal clothing that they’ve outgrown or isn’t appropriate for schools here. The gift cards help their parents purchase clothing and shoes for them, allowing them to start the school year off with confidence and the feeling of fitting in.

With help from volunteers, our staff had a great time distributing items to our clients. Sisters Hussani and Hooria were excited to show off their new backpacks and are eager to start school. Ayda, a JFS Silicon Valley case manager, shared that “the joy on their faces when they received the backpacks was priceless!”

You made the back-to-school drive shine!

With help from volunteers, our staff had a great time distributing items to our clients. Sisters Hussani and Hooria were excited to show off their new backpacks and are eager to start school. Ayda, a JFS Silicon Valley case manager, shared that “the joy on their faces when they received the backpacks was priceless!”

All Saints Episcopal Church

Congregation Beth Am

Congregation Beth David

Congregation Shir Hadash

Congregation Sinai

Jewish Silicon Valley, APJCC

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Temple Beth Torah

Temple Emanu-El

The Villages Jewish Group

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

-Menlo Park

-S. San Jose Stake

-Saratoga Stake

Two years ago, Laila, a widow and single mother of five, fled Afghanistan for the US seeking safety and a new life. Despite her limited English and fourth grade education, she has worked tirelessly to support her family and ensure a better future for her children. JFS Silicon Valley has been by Laila’s side helping her navigate her new community as she rebuilds their lives.

Upon arriving in San Jose, Laila needed to enroll her children into elementary and middle school but was overwhelmed by the process and the language barrier. Her JFS Silicon Valley case manager provided invaluable assistance helping Laila navigate the enrollment process for all five children.

Arriving with very few belongings, the children needed school supplies, clothes and shoes required by each school. Thanks to the generous contributions from donors like you, JFS Silicon Valley provided each child with a backpack filled with grade appropriate supplies, as well as Target gift cards for new school shoes and clothing. A JFS Silicon Valley volunteer drove Laila and her children to Target and helped them pick out the necessary items.

Our Equipped to Learn Back-to-School program is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the tools they need to thrive academically.  Today, Laila’s kids are succeeding in school, and Laila hopes that she can one day go to college and become a nurse.This family’s story is just one example of the profound impact that community support can have on those in need.

We invite you to join us in supporting families like Laila’s. Your donations make a significant difference, helping to equip students with the essentials they need for the 2024-2025 school year and alleviating the financial burden on parents who are struggling to make ends meet.

Equip a student to learn now www.jfssv.org/equipped-to-learn-drive, and together, we can ensure a community where all students can learn and thrive!

All Saints Episcopal Church

Congregation Beth Am

Congregation Beth David

Congregation Shir Hadash

Congregation Sinai

Jewish Silicon Valley, APJCC

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Temple Beth Torah

Temple Emanu-El

The Villages Jewish Group

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints*

-Menlo Park

-S. San Jose Stake

-Saratoga Stake

*Please reach out to your specific stake for details on how to participate in ETL

Governor Newsom just released the first-ever Golden State Plan to Counter

Antisemitism. This is a robust set of policy initiatives and calls to action that will make

a material difference on the security and prosperity of California's Jewish community. It

also sets a moral standard for how California responds to hate and divisiveness targeting all communities.

In the aftermath of October 7th, JPAC leadership met with Governor Newsom to

highlight the skyrocketing antisemitism crisis and requested a statewide plan inspired by

President Biden’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

The Golden State Plan released today is the result of five months of collaboration

between JPAC’s statewide coalition, California’s Legislative Jewish Caucus led by

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Senator Scott Wiener, and the Governor’s office.

At a time when antisemitic harassment, abuse, and violence has permeated all aspects

of our society – our schools, workplaces, streets, and synagogues – this plan serves as

a roadmap to address it wherever it rears its head, proactively and reactively. The

Golden State Plan includes:

• Protecting the physical security of the Jewish community, including through nonprofit security grants;

• Working to fight antisemitism on college campuses by enforcing and enhancing campus safety policies;

• Developing antisemitism education programs for schools, colleges, law enforcement, and diverse communities;

• Improving hate crime reporting;

• Supporting Israel and uplifting the California-Israel relationship;

• Massively expanding Holocaust and genocide education; and

• Ensuring that ethnic studies curricula is free from antisemitic or anti-Zionist content.

We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for answering our call to develop this

historic Golden State Plan. With so much of Jewish communal life in California at stake,

this strategy will help us reverse the normalization of rising antisemitism and make

California a safer place for all.

We're thrilled to share the success of Good Day JFS! 2024, our annual fundraising

luncheon. This year, we welcomed a record-breaking 450 attendees who joined us in

support of our mission to assist vulnerable individuals, older adults, caregivers, and

refugees in need.

Emceed by NBC Bay Area reporter Garvin Thomas, the event was enriched by a

captivating keynote from Dr. Larry Gerston, NBC Bay Area political analyst, SJSU

faculty member, and author. Their insights illuminated the importance of our work

and inspired all present.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from event sponsors, table hosts, and their

guests, we raised a record $300,000. The community’s unwavering commitment

gives us hope and strength as we continue our work in the community.

Despite raising an unprecedented amount, the reality remains that the demand for

our services continues to outpace our resources and our costs exceed our

fundraising efforts. It’s not too late to contribute to Good Day JFS! 2024 and all

donations are welcome!

To see event photos, view our Good Day JFS! 2024 video or make a donation, please visit https://www.jfssv.org/good-day-jfssv-2024

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to making Good Day JFS!

2024 a resounding success. Together, we can continue making a meaningful

difference in the lives of those we serve.

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, refugees like Ganna Schcherbatykn and her two-year-old daughter, Diana, face an uncertain future. However, when a community bands together to welcome these displaced Ukrainians, an unfamiliar place can become a new home.

Last Christmas, the Schcherbatykns received such a welcome. Through a partnership with Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, members of the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill made arrangements to supply the young, displaced family with everything from basic household essentials to toys and learning tools for the girl. They live in Milpitas.

“It was very unexpected,” Schcherbatykn said. “My English teacher, Aura, one day called me and said, ‘There are some very good people who want to give a little Christmas miracle for you and your daughter.’”

This “miracle” was arranged by JFS after Schcherbatykn signed up for their program, called “Embrace-A-Family,” which connects co-sponsors with a family in need to provide assistance during the holidays. Despite the fact Ganna and her daughter arrived in the U.S. too late to apply to be a part of the program, the Rotary Club arranged with JFS to adopt the two after the deadline.

In the heart of Silicon Valley lives a compassionate and determined young girl name Dani Borenstein.  At the young age of 14, Dani already understands the profound significance of volunteering and helping her local community.  This awareness has led her to embark on a wonderful journey that has made a significant impact on the lives of many

Dani, a freshman with a passion for making a difference, was given a unique assignment in her “LEAD Honors English” class.  The assignment was to choose a project that aligned with one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  These global goals were created with the vision of fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainability for people and the planet.

Driven by her belief in the importance of eradicating hunger, Dani decided to focus on this critical aspect of the SDGs. She felt a strong connection to her local community and wanted to find a tangible way to contribute to the fight against hunger. Dani’s mother, Avery Kaufman Borenstein, president of the board for Jewish Silicon Valley and a dedicated volunteer with and supporter of Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, knew just the right project for her daughter.

Avery introduced Dani to the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program, a part of JFS Silicon Valley that operates the only kosher food pantry in Santa Clara County.  The bi-monthly food pantry serves 250 clients each time, providing food that meets both kosher and halal requirements for all of JFS clients.  Moreover, it offers culturally appropriate foods, connecting clients to their heritage while ensuring nutritional support.

Inspired by the impactful work of JFS Silicon Valley, Dani decided to support the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program.  She created a compelling flyer, explaining the program’s mission and the urgent need for support, and distributed it throughout her neighborhood.  The flyer appealed to the community’s generosity, asking for donations to help those struggling with food insecurity.

The response was overwhelming.  Dani collected a significant amount of funds and armed with a grocery list provided by JFS Silicon Valley, went on a mission to purchase the necessary items for the food pantry.  She carefully selected items that would not only meet the clients’ dietary requirements but also contribute to their overall well-being.

At just 14 years old, Dani is a light of hope for those facing food insecurity in Silicon Valley.  Her project not only aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating hunger but also showcased the power of compassion, determination and community involvement in creating a brighter future for all.  Thank you, Dani!

To support the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program, please visit: www.jfssv.org/donation

We are reaching out to you today with an urgent appeal for support on behalf of Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley as we strive to assist and resettle refugees arriving in the United States.

The U.S. government is completing the relocation of those who supported our nation in Afghanistan. JFS Silicon Valley has been at the forefront of this humanitarian effort.

However, the financial challenges we face in adequately serving these individuals have intensified due to three critical reasons:

Your crucial assistance directly supports JFS Silicon Valley’s resettlement efforts and helps refugees work toward stabilizing and rebuilding their lives here.

We believe in our core Jewish value of welcoming the stranger and that together, as a compassionate and caring community, we can make a significant impact in welcoming those who need our support now more than ever.

We also appreciate any efforts to spread the word and raise awareness about our cause within our community.

Thank you for your time, consideration and ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Celebrate in style while giving back to those who need it most!

We are thrilled to share that our beloved Centerpieces for Tzedakah program is making a comeback!  This initiative not only adds a meaningful touch to your events but also supports a crucial cause that lies close to our hearts

Our Centerpieces for Tzedakah program allows you to bring a deeper sense of purpose to your celebrations by renting beautifully crafted centerpieces.  What makes this initiative truly special is that all proceeds directly benefit the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program, providing emergency food assistance to 1500+ clients annually.

We are on the lookout for key volunteers to help organize and run this heartwarming program.  If you are seeking a fun, creative and meaningful volunteer role, we invite you to join our team!  As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:

Our Project NOAH Adults and Families Program is a cornerstone of our community outreach efforts and stands as a testament to our commitment to provide unwavering support to vulnerable individuals and families facing diverse challenges.

The acronym NOAH stands for No One Abandoned Here reflecting our commitment to leaving no one behind in times of need. Project NOAH provides individuals and families facing vulnerabilities with case management and essential resources such as food and emergency financial assistance, and connects them with relevant support services.

The goal of Project NOAH is to empower individuals and families to overcome challenges and build a better future.

Here are two inspiring stories that exemplify the transformative power of Project NOAH:

Mary, a resilient grandmother, found herself with legal guardianship of her two year-old grandchild. Living on a fixed income, the additional responsibility brought financial challenges. Receiving food from our bi-weekly food pantry and grocery store gift cards eased the burden, so that Mary could provide the nutritious food needed for her grandchild. In addition, Mary’s case manager connected Mary to county resources for extra financial support and various services tailored for grandparents. The case manager’s unwavering support not only provided tangible assistance but also instilled hope in Mary’s heart.

Li, a single mother raising two children (ages 10 and 4), found herself alone after her husband abandoned the family. Feeling overwhelmed, Li was referred to a JFS Silicon Valley case manager, who became her pillar of support. Through the case manager’s efforts, Li obtained court approval for child support from her husband, ensuring financial stability. Her case manager also connected Li to essential resources for food and housing, providing a lifeline during a challenging time. Li expressed her gratitude to her case manager saying,

These stories embody the core essence of Project NOAH - offering a lifeline to those who find themselves at their lowest moments. Our dedicated case managers go beyond the call of duty to connect individuals with resources they may not have known were available.

We want to kick off the new year by sharing with you who we are and what we do.

We are Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, but sometimes we go by JFS Silicon Valley or JFS SV.

Guided by Jewish values, we are a non-sectarian non-profit social services agency serving the Jewish and broader communities.

During this time of increased antisemitism, it’s even more crucial that Jewish agencies, like JFS Silicon Valley, show their ability to be leaders in the community, positively influencing public perception, and showcasing the compassionate and ethical core of the Jewish community.

Our overarching goal is to empower individuals and families to be self-sufficient and independent while honoring their dignity and self-worth.  We believe that building self-sufficiency in individuals and families leads to a healthier, stronger and more stable community.

Holocaust Survivors

We are the only agency in Santa Clara County providing critical service and support for 200+ Holocaust survivors who live in our community  This service includes care management, home care services, emergency financial support and emotional support.  Our focus is on creating a supportive community that honors these survivors by providing them with the care, dignity and respect they deserve.

Older Adults and Caregivers

Our Center for Aging and Caregiver Services is dedicated to the well-being of older adults and their devoted caregivers. We offer comprehensive care management, home safety and fall prevention, friendly visitor volunteers, food assistance and spiritual connection to the Jewish community.  Our focus is on helping older adults live in their own homes for as long as possible safely and with the quality care they need.

Community Support

For anyone in the community who is struggling with a crisis or ongoing challenge, we provide care management, emergency financial assistance, food resources and emotional support.  Our focus is to empower individuals and families toward self-sufficiency.

We offer a robust and meaningful volunteer program for individuals who want to strengthen their purpose and community.

Refugee Resettlement

As a leading resettlement agency, we welcome refugees to our community and assist in the resettlement process by addressing basic needs - housing, food, employment, medical services, vocational ESL classes and access to benefits and resources.  Our focus is to empower refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their new communities.

Your understanding and support are crucial to our mission’s success.

Since the attack in Israel on October 7th, Jewish donors are supporting Israel to an unprecedented degree.  Understandably.

In an article by Barry Finestone in the J. on November 7th, he stated:

He continued, “Unless philanthropy steps up in the U.S. as well, there is a genuine chance much of the organizational structure we have spent generations building will be stretched to the limits.”

Our local Jewish institutions and agencies, including Jewish Family Services of Silicon valley need your continued support. We are the "beating heart of Jewish life outside of Israel."

In the wake of the war in Israel, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley has stepped up to provide support to the community in ways we never expected.

The increased care management, security measures, and emotional support services come with a hefty price tag.

So, give to Israel and the causes abroad that touch your heart.

AND continue or start giving to your local Jewish community, including Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley.

Donate to help us support our Holocaust survivors.

Donate to help us provide mental health and emotional support to people struggling to make sense of the chaos in the world right now.

Donate to help us provide support to the Israelis coming to us seeking emergency financial assistance and help accessing local resources.

Donate to help us enhance our security.

Donate to help support our Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance program supporting the ONLY kosher food pantry in Santa Clara County.

If you are inclined, come volunteer with us as well.  Our community is strengthened when we act together and help those in need!

Did you know there are at least 17 holidays celebrated during this season, by groups ranging from Jewish and Christian to Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Hispanic, Scandinavian, German, African American and even Zoroastrian?

Although December is filled with holidays and celebrations for so many, for some in our community, like 84-year-old Hanna, this season is one of loneliness and sadness. Hanna is a Holocaust survivor. Like so many of the Holocaust survivors we serve, her only source of income is her social security, which covers her most basic needs: rent, food and a few essentials.

Our Embrace-A-Family holiday program is about bringing light into the lives of those who need it the most. People like Hannah.

Lucy, our Senior Care Manager for Holocaust Services works with Hanna to ensure she receives the critical home care services she needs. Last year, she knew Hanna needed fresh bath towels to replace her old thread-bare ones, and a toaster oven, but she could not afford these items.

Through the community’s generosity to our Embrace-A-Family program, Hanna received the new bath towels, toaster oven and a tea kettle. These items that many of us take for granted helped Hanna make simple meals for herself, enjoy a hot cup of tea and have a warm towel to dry with after bathing.

You can help bring light to people like Hannah who face challenges, especially during the dark winter months.

Your generosity will ease holiday stress for individuals, families, older adults and refugees who would otherwise go without gifts this time of year.

Wishes come in various price ranges for all ages and include toys, personal items, housewares and gift cards. Find the wish that speaks to you and fulfill it today!

All Saints Episcopal Church

Congregation Beth David

Congregation Beth Jacob (including Hazak and Ladies Who Lunch)

Congregation Emeth

Congregation Shir Hadash

Congregation Sinai

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP

Jewish Silicon Valley (APJCC and APJCC Preschool)

Senior Friends

Temple Beth Torah

Temple Emanu-El

The Villages Jewish Group

Yavneh Day School

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

-Danville

-Menlo Park

-Monterey

-San Jose

-South San Jose

-Santa Cruz

-Saratoga

Our Embrace-A-Family holiday gift program is running now through December 13th and it’s about making wishes come true for people like “Ahmad, Sofia, Zahra and Sarah”, a family forced to flee the brutality of the Taliban. Ahmad and Sofia lived a wonderful life in Afghanistan. Ahmad’s construction company was responsible for building housing and other buildings for the US military. As a result of his success, they lived in a beautiful home and Ahmad could provide everything for his wife and their daughters. And then, the Taliban came back into power, and life as they knew it ended. Fleeing for their lives to the U.S., Ahmad, Sofia and the girls left everything behind – their big house, possessions, and everything that makes a house a home. With the help of JFS Silicon Valley, the family resettled in Silicon Valley and began to rebuild. The girls were learning all about Christmas at school, on TV and from their new American friends. Living in a small two-bedroom apartment, and working for little more than minimum wage, Ahmad wanted to provide gifts for his girls’ first “American” Christmas holiday, but the family’s limited funds didn’t allow for extra non-essential items. Michelle Lee, Director of Refugee Resettlement encouraged Ahmad to submit wishes to the JFS Silicon Valley Embrace-A-Family holiday wish program.

Due to the generosity of the community, the family received two pink bikes for the girls Zhara (age 7) and Sarah (age 5), age-appropriate toys and games including Candyland and Twister, teddy bears and warm winter clothes.

Without a family car, the bikes made it easier for Sofia to take the girls to their school, which was three miles from home. The “American” games and toys helped them acculturate and connect with their school friends, and the new clothes kept them warm in the chilly winter months.

When Ahmad saw all the gifts that Michelle delivered to him from the community, he began to cry and said, “thank you to JFS for helping me give holiday gifts to my children and make their dreams come true!”

You can help fulfill dreidel wishes for people like Ahmad, Sofia, Zahra and Sarah as well as individuals, older adults and Holocaust survivors in the community who would otherwise go without gifts and essential items this holiday season.

Wishes come in various price ranges for all ages and include toys, personal items, housewares and gift cards. Find the wish that speaks to you and fulfill it today!

All Saints Episcopal Church

Congregation Beth David

Congregation Beth Jacob (including Hazak and Ladies Who Lunch)

Congregation Emeth

Congregation Shir Hadash

Congregation Sinai

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP

Jewish Silicon Valley (APJCC and APJCC Preschool)

Temple Beth Torah

Temple Emanu-El

The Villages Jewish Group

Yavneh Day School

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

-Danville

-Menlo Park

-Monterey

-San Jose

-South San Jose

-Santa Cruz

-Saratoga

Our Embrace-A-Family holiday gift program, which starts today, is about making wishes come true for people like “Paula,” a single mother of three who works hard to make ends meet on her limited income. Last year, the pressure to provide the basics for her family was overwhelming and Paula knew she didn’t have the extra resources to provide a positive holiday experience for her family. Paula’s Project NOAH care manager understood the concern and sadness Paula was facing as the holidays approached and knew that providing for her children was Paula’s number one priority. Through donations to Embrace-A-Family, JFS Silicon Valley provided several gifts for each child including age-appropriate items such as toys, books, and clothes.

Gifts were not the only thing JFS Silicon Valley provided. Paula’s care manager helped connect her to employment resources enabling her to find a better job as well as other community resources that helped her be more self-sufficient. You can help fulfill dreidel wishes for people like Paula, families, older adults and refugees who would otherwise go without gifts and essential items this holiday season.

Wishes come in various price ranges for all ages and include toys, personal items, housewares and gift cards. Find the wish that speaks to you and fulfill it today!

All Saints Episcopal Church Congregation Beth David Congregation Beth Jacob (including Hazak and Ladies Who Lunch) Congregation Emeth Congregation Shir Hadash Congregation Sinai Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP Jewish Silicon Valley (APJCC and APJCC Preschool) Temple Beth Torah Temple Emanu-El The Villages Jewish Group Yavneh Day School The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints -Danville -Menlo Park -Monterey -San Jose -South San Jose -Santa Cruz -Saratoga

November is National Family Caregivers Month – a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. One of the many jobs of a family caregiver is coordinating doctor appointments and medical treatment for their family member.

A caregiver often escorts their loved one to doctor appointments, takes notes during exams, picks up prescription medication at the pharmacy, and schedules follow-up appointments. After all this, the family caregiver often has other tasks to complete, and it can be easy for important medical information to get lost in the shuffle.

The single most important thing you can do to function effectively as a caregiver is to create and maintain a comprehensive file of medical information about the person you care for. Staying organized helps caregivers and their loved ones take charge of their health, prevent medical errors due to miscommunication, and be prepared in the event of a medical emergency.*

Feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a caregiver or need help pulling all this information together? Reach out to our care managers who will guide you through the process of getting organized, so you can rest easy knowing you have all the essential information you need when you need it!

Caregiving often creeps up on you. Mom’s friends called to say she got lost on her way to meet them for lunch. Dad had a fall and needed help after hip surgery. You start by doing mom’s laundry or taking dad to a doctor’s appointment. You find yourself doing the grocery shopping and refilling prescriptions. Gradually, you are doing more and more. At some point, you realize you have made a commitment to take care of someone else.*

However your caregiver journey began, you are not alone! There are 90 million family caregivers across the country. Nearly one-third of the U.S. adult population are caregivers, providing an average of 20 hours of care per week – with some providing care around the clock.

Caregivers can be spouses, partners, adult children, parents, other relatives (siblings, aunts, nieces/nephews, in-laws, grandchildren), friends, or neighbors. You may be employed full- or part-time. You may be raising children, or be a volunteer, a spouse, and have other family commitments.

You might need to navigate social service systems, call doctors while you’re at work, advocate for the care receiver, and take care of their day-to-day needs, while you try to do all those same things for yourself and your family.

Being a caregiver can easily lead to frustration and exhaustion. You will be more successful as a long-term caregiver if you learn to take care of yourself first. Here are ways JFS Silicon Valley can help support you:

Whether you are in the first stages of caregiving or have been a long-time caregiver, JFS Silicon Valley’s care managers specialize in helping older adults and caregivers identify areas of concern and work to create a care plan to bring everyone peace of mind. We tailor a plan to meet each person’s individual needs:

• Providing a comprehensive assessment of care needs

• Making long-term and short-term care plans

• Addressing emotional concerns and worries

• Coordinating health and other support services

• Providing guidance with transitions of care

• Guiding families through complex issues

• Relieving caregiver stress

Caregiving is often a 24/7 job, and everyone needs a break sometimes. JFS Silicon Valley’s Friendly Visitor program matches older adults with caring volunteers who offer companionship and a steady connection to the community through weekly in-home or phone visits. These visits allow you to take a break, even if it’s just to take a walk, run an errand for yourself or read a book.

Sometimes life delivers more challenges than we can handle. We provide caregivers with the support and resources you need to help you cope with the stress and unique challenges associated with being a caregiver.