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.

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.

Jewish Family Service’s On the Go program helps older adults like Harvey and Marion Yurow, who find it harder to access safe and reliable transportation. OTG relies on volunteer drivers but faces a growing need, especially in East and North County. By giving just one or two rides a month, volunteers can make a meaningful difference, helping older adults maintain independence and stay connected to their community. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/volunteer/serve-older-adults.

“Every person in the Safe Parking Program has a unique situation, and we make a plan with them based on their circumstances,” says Nichole. “The average length of stay varies greatly as some guests are disabled or seniors on a fixed income waiting for an affordable housing unit, while some guests just need a temporary place to stay for three to four months to save money to enter back into more stable housing. Challenges guests often face include a low-volume of available, affordable rental units or a low credit score that prohibits someone from meeting income requirements for a rental agreement, especially when they require two or three times the monthly rent.”

“The last three weeks have been filled with reflection, as November often brings. But this year feels different. It demands more courage from each of us.” This is how Dana Toppel, CEO Designate/COO, begins her discussion of how, as a community, we need to “stand side by side, grounded in our shared humanity, (and) become unbreakable.”