April 2023
Amalia Polus has volunteered with Cafe Europa, JFSLA’s social group for survivors of the Holocaust, for more than two years. For Amalia, volunteering means honoring the memory of her beloved father, who was a survivor.
Throughout April, JFSLA partnered with two synagogues, Adat Shalom and Valley Beth Shalom, to deliver Passover groceries to more than 200 survivors of the Holocaust, and hosted Passover Seders for our clients at our various dining centers.
March 2023
Molly Knopf, a senior from Occidental College in Los Angeles, became an intern with the JFSLA Volunteer Department during the summer of 2022, and has decided to continue her internship experience at JFSLA through the next school year.
On March 14th, California State Attorney General Rob Bonta visited JFS SOVA to learn more about JFSLA’s crucial work addressing hunger and food insecurity in the Los Angeles community.
On February 23rd, JFSLA volunteers gathered in person for the first time in three years for the annual Volunteer Town Hall Meeting. “To have the volunteers be together in person for the first time in three years is exciting,” said Joyce Williams, JFSLA Director of Volunteers and Training.
Throughout the week of March 6th, members of Café Europa, JFSLA’s social group for survivors of the Holocaust and participants from the Arts, Wellness, and Engagement (AWE) Program enjoyed Purim festivities at JFSLA’s senior and multipurpose centers. Purim is one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar.
February 2023
On February 24th, Jewish Family Service LA, in partnership with The Stelter Company, launched a Planned Giving website. This website enables JFSLA’s Resource Development department to implement active strategies that effectively communicate and educate donors about smart ways to turn gifts into opportunities.
After retiring as a high-rise building office manager, Helene Altman longed for social connection. When she saw an ad in the Adat Ari El newsletter inviting people to volunteer at the JFS SOVA Community Food and Resource Program (JFS SOVA) pantries, she knew it was meant to be.
On January 18th, Congressman Tony Cárdenas, representative of California’s 29th district, 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.
January 2023
On January 9th, the JFS SOVA Community Food & Resource Program (JFS SOVA) held a ceremony at the SOVA pantry in the Valley to congratulate the staff who completed the Nutrition Pantry Program.
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