Partnerships Fueling Hope for LA After Devastating Wildfires

Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) is deeply grateful to the California Community Foundation (CCF) for their invaluable partnership in supporting those affected by the LA wildfires. Their generosity has been instrumental in driving our relief efforts, assisting displaced families, and helping communities recover from the devastation.

Since its founding in 2015, the California Community Foundation (CCF) has granted over $1 billion to nonprofits across Los Angeles County. Over the past decade, they have funded thousands of organizations in key areas such as health, education, and the arts, all with the goal of strengthening the LA community.

“JFSLA is a trusted community resource that understands the needs of individuals and families in crisis,” said Luis Rodriguez, Program Manager of Civic Engagement at the California Community Foundation. “CCF recognizes the vital role JFSLA plays in hunger relief and mental health recovery, which is an essential component of both immediate and long-term disaster relief.”

CCF has been a key supporter of nearly 200 nonprofit organizations across Los Angeles working on wildfire relief, enabling agencies to expand their services. Thanks to their support, JFSLA has been able to provide critical assistance to families and individuals who connect with us through our Central Access Program. This program delivers first-response services, including information and referrals, system navigation, advocacy, and case management. With the help of JFSLA social workers, individuals receive essential resources such as counseling and referrals to JFSLA’s SOVA Community Food & Resource Program pantries.

“The most rewarding part of this work is empowering communities with the resources they need to rebuild,” said Rodriguez. “Our partners know their communities best, and by providing them with funding, we trust they will put it to use in the most effective way possible.”

CCF continues to collaborate with its partners to assess both the immediate and long-term needs for wildfire recovery. Their focus remains on strengthening the capacity of on-the-ground organizations, recognizing that recovery is a long journey, but one they are committed to seeing through.

“Collaboration between organizations is essential, especially during times of crisis. It allows resources and information to be streamlined, ensuring individuals can access services from organizations they might not even know exist,” Rodriguez added. “During a disaster, people are overwhelmed by the immediate needs of their families and communities. That’s why collaboration is so important—organizations can work together to meet people where they are.”

Through our ongoing partnership with CCF, JFSLA remains hopeful that our united efforts will help rebuild lives and communities in the wake of this devastating crisis.