August 2023
Susie Forer-Dehrey, JFSLA’s Executive Vice President, is retiring after 37 years at the agency. Throughout her tenure, Susie has worn many hats. In each of her roles, Susie’s top priority was to provide the people of Los Angeles with the resources they needed to navigate their lives through challenges and changes.
Heather Angel-Collin, JFSLA’s Director of Survivors of the Holocaust Program and Valley Storefront Community Resource Center, is retiring after 35 years. “Throughout the years, I really enjoyed being a part of the JFSLA family,” said Heather. “The work always felt meaningful because of the difference our services make in the lives of clients.”
JFSLA’s Young Leaders groups is a dynamic and diverse group of community-minded individuals who are committed to furthering JFSLA’s mission through volunteerism, philanthropy, and social events. On June 31st, JFSLA’s Young Leaders provided free backpacks and school supplies to more than 200 underserved and at-risk children at their Annual Tools for School event.
It is estimated that one in every four people in Los Angeles experiences food insecurity. In recent years, Los Angeles County has faced a convergence of factors that have exacerbated the issue of hunger. Economic disparities, coupled with the high cost of living, have left many residents struggling. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these challenges, as widespread job losses and economic uncertainty pushed even more individuals into the realm of food insecurity.
July 2023
On July 18, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur toured the JFS Gunther-Hirsh Family Center to learn more about JFSLA’s crucial services for the people of Los Angeles. The newly elected Assemblymember Zbur represents District 51, which includes Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. Assemblymember Zbur recently selected JFSLA as the California Nonprofit of the Year from his district.
Shabbat festivities are back in action and drawing large crowds every Friday at JFSLA’s Valley Storefront Community Resource Center, Jona Goldrich Multipurpose Senior Center, and BAR Center at the Beach.
HaMercaz, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, provides families of children, teens, and adults with special needs and diverse abilities with ongoing assistance, information and referrals, advocacy, counseling, support groups, parent workshops, social gatherings, and more. In the last year, HaMercaz provided more than 300 families and individuals with special needs with support.
On June 22, JFSLA hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, presenting awards to outstanding volunteers and celebrating the essential service volunteers provide to JFSLA programs and clients.
When someone walks in to the JFS Gunther-Hirsh Family Center, the first smile they see is that of Roxanne Weedon-Lee. Roxanne started working at JFSLA in November of 2021 as an administrative assistant. She greets clients, helps them fill out intake forms, receives client calls, and helps connect them to services and social workers.
June 2023
On June 7th, JFSLA hosted a Community Health Fair at the Jona Goldrich Multipurpose Center in partnership with Cedars-Sinai Community Health Improvement, to offer free health screenings and health and wellness education to members of the public.
If you need fire related assistance, please visit jfsla.org/fire-assistance
