Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) CEO Michael Hopkins is a 2024 Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. RTFH is honoring Hopkins with the award for his tireless efforts to combatting homelessness in San Diego County.

The California Welcoming Task Force is a binational coalition dedicated to re-envisioning how the U.S. can welcome people seeking asylum safely and expeditiously at our border by coordinating across sectors: humanitarian, legal, health, advocacy and communications. We must efficiently welcome people seeking refuge and ensure people have access to a fair and organized process if the U.S. is to continue championing itself as a defender of human rights. Jewish Family Service of San Diego makes a statement within this press release.

The California Commission on Aging has named Dana Toppel, JFS CEO Designate, as Vice Chair. Dana brings years of experience, wisdom, and leadership to support CCOA mission to support California’s older adult population.

“The Role of Compassion in Social Change,” this year’s luncheon hosted by the Center for Jewish Care, features Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz in conversation with Michael Hopkins, CEO of Jewish Family Service, about how acts of compassion can bridge divides, heal communities and drive systemic change.

San Diego County is implementing a new state law expanding who can be placed in an involuntary hold for psychiatric evaluation and treatment. NBC 7’s Shelby Bremer has more on this change and impact.

Experts say they expect about 1,500 additional detentions in 2025 with expansion of gravely disabled definition. Standing before a group of mental health care professionals at the Psychiatric Hospital of San Diego County on a recent afternoon, JFS Senior Director Mike Phillips explained the highly nuanced criteria of Senate Bill 43, the law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that many have said attempts to increase the number of unhoused residents placed under government conservatorship.

In a heartwarming display of community service, a local Girl Scout is making the holidays brighter for San Diego’s unhoused community. Sofia Klein turned her love of reading into a Little Library at the JFS Safe Parking Lot in Mission Valley. Her Literacy Program has even earned her the coveted Girl Scouts Silver Award, a testament to her dedication to community service.

Meet Marion and Harvey Yurow, an 88-year-old retired teacher and a 92-year-old retired research chemist, who are finding new ways to maintain their independence as they navigate the challenges of no longer being able to drive. Thanks to On the Go, a Jewish Family Service program, they receive free rides to medical appointments and more. On the Go urgently needs volunteer drivers to help older adults like Marion and Harvey stay safe, independent, and connected to their community. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/otg.