ASTEH Becomes Sara’s House Sara Ciacci z’l is, in many ways, an urban legend—a name synonymous with impact, compassion, and transformative change in our community. Sara dedicated her life to fighting food insecurity, most notably co-founding the Jewish Food Bank in 1984. She was also a passionate advocate against domestic violence, establishing ASTEH (Alternative Short […]
Sara’s House: Honouring a Legacy Read More »
This year’s Annual General Meeting included an awards ceremony. The recipients selected have all made remarkable impacts through their dedication and honour the legacies of those who have made exceptional past contributions to JFS’ mission. This year, five awards were presented. Sara Ciacci Women Leadership Excellence Award celebrating a woman who embodies Sara’s spirit of
Honouring Legacies: 2024 AGM Award Recipients Read More »
We are proud to share with you the exciting success of a new program model that JFS is currently piloting! Accessible mental health care is a core service provided by JFS. High-quality mental health services are essential for all people, yet they can often be out of reach for people experiencing poverty. In 2020, the
A New Model for Success Read More »
We are excited to announce the appointment of Lauren Hardy as the new Director of Addictions and Mental Health Services at Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Jewish Addictions Community Services (JACS). With over 11 years of experience in the mental health and substance use sectors, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge from her roles as
Welcoming our new Director of Addictions and Mental Health Services Read More »
October 7th, 2023 was just a regular day in the lives of many communities. October 7th was a day that changed everything in ours. With the arrival of new Israeli members, shifts in the political landscape, and the challenges faced by our low-income community, we continue to see rising fear and anxiety within our Jewish
The Living Room: Support Groups for Community Read More »
Learn about the new Canada Disability Benefit (beginning July 2025) and how it’s related to the existing Disability Tax Credit. Canada Disability Benefit The new Canada Disability Benefit Act became law on June 22, 2023, and funding was announced for it in the last federal budget. Although it is possible there may be changes between now
New Canada Disability Benefit Read More »
Together, we raised over $420,000 to support more than 3,000 people through JFS’ vital programs and services. [Photography by Ana Kliri, Josh Bowie & Joel Krahn. Full photo gallery below.] This special Chai anniversary celebration was a joy to see come to fruition. The room was filled with energy as we shared food, drinks, and
Thank you for Lighting the Way! Read More »
JFS is pleased to announce the winners of our first-ever Chai Raffle! Winners were drawn at 9pm, May 28, 2024. The draw finished out the night for our 2024 JFS Innovators. Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets to support JFS clients. All funds raised will go directly towards essential services and programs including:
Announcing our Chai Raffle winners! Read More »
For years, JFS has been working collaboratively with community members to shape programs and services. From the reports and recommendations of our Client Advisory Committee to the community dialogues that take place at our annual Homelessness Action Week events, the input of those with lived experience is vital to ensuring the efforts and donations of
Collaborating to Provide Homelessness Services Read More »
The Spring Equinox is right around the corner and the Vancouver Jewish Community Garden is officially ready for its 2024 season! With all the City of Vancouver permits and inspections now complete, Congregation Beth Israel, Jewish Family Services, and Vancouver Talmud Torah will be able to plan programming in the garden to cultivate the overlapping
Get ready for spring with the Vancouver Jewish Community Garden Read More »
