Congressman Cárdenas Visits JFS Valley Storefront Community Resource Center
On January 18th, Congressman Tony Cárdenas toured the JFS Valley Storefront Community Resource Center to witness the crucial work JFSLA and its staff do to serve the people of Los Angeles. Congressman Cárdenas represents California’s 29th district which includes a large part of the San Fernando Valley, home to 1.8 million people.
“Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles has been a cornerstone of social service in our community since 1854,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “It was great to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they help those in need, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make the Valley a better place.”
Eli Veitzer, JFSLA President and CEO, Nina Tassler, JFSLA Board Member and Immediate Past Board Chair, Nancy Volpert, JFSLA Senior Director of Public Policy and Community Engagement, and Davina Cohanghadosh, Public Policy Associate, greeted Representative Cárdenas upon his arrival at the Center and engaged in conversations about JFSLA programs and services.
“In speaking about the services JFSLA provides out of the Valley Storefront, I was struck by Congressmember Cárdenas’ detailed knowledge of the services and benefits available to his constituents,” said Veitzer. “He talked about the importance of educating the public about how to access benefits, and how to close the gap between policies and programs and individuals’ lives. His care and concern were palpable.”
The Congressman also met with JFSLA staff from different programs, including Heather Angel, Director of Survivors of the Holocaust Program and Valley Storefront Senior Center; Armine Manukian, Senior Director of Older Adult Programs; and Karen Rosenthal, Senior Director of Children and Families.
“It is important that Rep. Cárdenas visited and saw the in-person impact of the programs and services JFSLA provides to residents of the San Fernando Valley,” said Nancy Volpert. “Having a chance to share our work and our challenges with him and his staff allows us to work together more meaningfully on policies that are beneficial going forward.”
Congressman Cárdenas had the opportunity to meet with JFSLA volunteers and clients who were having lunch at the senior dining center. The congressman also unexpectedly reunited with Helen Moreno, JFSLA Office Coordinator at the Valley Storefront, who went to high school with him, and a meal site participant who used to volunteer with him.
“Our relationship with Congressman Cárdenas is extremely valuable to JFSLA and our clients,” said Volpert. “We advocate for our clients through sharing client stories and community needs.” For more information about the JFSLA’s Senior and Multipurpose Centers, please visit jfsla.org/senior-and-multipurpose-centers.
