Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO (Dec 11, 2020) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has been awarded its 13th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator – America’s leading independent charity evaluator. With rigorous evaluations, less than 1% of the thousands of charities evaluated are awarded this recognition continuously for more than a decade.
“This rating recognizes our persistent efforts to provide San Diego’s most vulnerable community members – regardless of faith, background or age – with the support they need to get through times of crisis,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “Our ability to remain agile and respond to the urgent needs of San Diegans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is a direct result of the generosity and continued support of the community.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, JFS adapted, revised and expanded its services to focus on what was needed most, including critical food assistance through a no-touch drive-thru distribution, meal delivery and self-care support for seniors, safe spaces for people living out of their vehicles, and employment services and counseling. Since March 2020, more than 1 million meals have been delivered to homebound older adults and an average of 600 families are served each week through the drive-thru food distribution service.
Charity Navigator researches two categories to determine the standards of a 4-star charity – financial health, and accountability and transparency. These ratings demonstrate how efficiently charities use donors’ donations, how well they sustain programs and services over time, their level of commitment to good governance and a willingness to share plans and progress with the public.
“I wish to congratulate Jewish Family Service of San Diego on attaining the coveted 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “This is our highest possible rating and indicates that [JFS] adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way.”
With the 4-star rating, JFS continues to be one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit human services agencies and consistently exceeds the industry standard.
To learn more or get involved with JFS, visit www.jfssd.org.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 34,000 San Diegans this past year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency adapted, revised and expanded its services to focus on what was needed most, including critical food assistance through a no-touch drive-thru distribution, meal delivery and self-care support for seniors, safe spaces for people living out of their vehicles, and employment services and counseling. From response to recovery, JFS will be there for the community and offer much needed relief and vital necessities. Together, we will make it through this.
To get help, volunteer or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
