Dear friends,
Many of you are aware of the escalating immigration enforcement activity across the nation, most recently in Minnesota. Our immigrant neighbors have been targeted with increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics that, in many cases, have turned violent and even deadly. In addition, refugees, who have already completed a rigorous screening process, are now being subjected to re-vetting.
A lot of Pittsburghers, especially in the Jewish community, are only a few generations removed from the immigrant experience. We know firsthand how essential immigrants are to this country. Their contributions strengthen our economy, enrich our culture, and enhance the diverse fabric of our communities. We must work to ensure that the United States remains a place where everyone can prosper and live without fear.
Our work at JFCS is guided by central Jewish values like kindness, justice, and the belief that all people are created equal. JFCS remains committed to serving our community and standing shoulder to shoulder with you through these challenging times.
In partnership with other immigrant‑serving organizations, we have created and compiled resources, available at jfcspgh.org/resources. We will continue to update this page as new information and materials become available. As we saw last year, these situations evolve quickly, and we will keep you informed as developments arise.
With gratitude,
Jordan Golin, PsyD
President & CEO
When Community Shows Up: Three Stories of Generosity, Compassion, and Collective Care
Every day, we’re reminded that JFCS is part of a community that shows up, not just in words, but in meaningful action. This month, we’re celebrating three inspiring examples of what it looks like when individuals and organizations come together to support our staff, the people we serve, and the community.
A Young Leader Sparks a Wave of Giving
First, we celebrate the incredible initiative of a young volunteer leader and an extraordinary act of generosity. When 8th grader Ender learned that the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry was running low on cereal, he took action by reaching out to major cereal companies for help. He never expected that Kellogg’s would respond with an entire truckload of cereal! This generous donation will be shared across the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s network of pantries, helping to feed families throughout the Pittsburgh area. We are deeply grateful for Ender’s initiative and to the Kellogg’s corporation for donating over 19,000 pounds of cereal to Pittsburgh food pantries, including ours.
Acts like this remind us what’s possible when people live and give with compassion which is why Ender was honored with an official mayoral proclamation from Mayor Corey O’Connor on Monday, February 2. Learn more about Ender’s generosity in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WPXI, CBS Pittsburgh, and TribLIVE.
Local Organization Nourishing Support
Last month, our JFCS staff received a delicious act of kindness when leaders from the Tzu Chi organization prepared and delivered bento lunches to our team. This isn’t the first time Tzu Chi has shown up for JFCS and our community. They recently organized a non‑perishable food drive to support the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry as well. Their commitment to uplifting others is truly inspiring. To the entire Tzu Chi family: thank you for nourishing our staff, our clients, and our community with your generosity and compassion.
Supporting Teen Mental Health Through Movement and Mindfulness
Community support also shines through in the upcoming yoga class hosted by Ava W. and Juliette H. at Be Yoga on February 7th. This fundraiser will benefit UpStreet, JFCS’s teen mental wellness program, while raising awareness about the importance of accessible mental health support for young people. UpStreet Pittsburgh offers a flexible, judgment‑free space where young people ages 12–22 can get mental health support, build coping skills, and work through life’s challenges. We are deeply grateful to Ava and Be Yoga for championing teen mental health and partnering with us to uplift local youth.
Together, these stories reflect the heart of our community. People of all ages and backgrounds are stepping forward to care for one another. Whether through food, time, advocacy, or simple acts of kindness, every contribution strengthens the safety net that supports our neighbors.
Do you want to make a difference? If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or food/hygiene drive on behalf of JFCS, please reach out to us by clicking here.
A New Collaborative Approach to Meeting Essential Needs for Community Members
United Way’s new ALICE framework (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) highlights the growing number of households who work hard yet still struggle to afford basic necessities. At JFCS, we’re proud to support ALICE individuals and families by meeting immediate needs, like food, housing, and essential services, while also helping them build long‑term stability through career support, job training, and mental health counseling.
Our CEO, Dr. Jordan Golin, recently joined a community panel to discuss this important work and the challenges ALICE households are currently facing. We’re grateful to United Way for their partnership and for leading efforts that strengthen the agencies serving this population across our region.
(L to R) JFCS CEO Dr. Jordan Golin with board members Josiah Gilliam and Rep. Dan Frankel and former board member Kannu Sahni.
Are you, or someone you know, an immigrant looking to build a thriving career in the United States?
JFCS Career Services’ Immigrant Workforce Program is here to guide you. From resume writing and interview preparation to networking strategies and job search essentials, our career counselors will help you sharpen your skills and explore career paths with confidence.
Spring Cohort Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM from Monday, March 23, 2026 – Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Register by March 6 by clicking here.
Participants must be fully authorized to work in the USA and able to read and understand English at an intermediate level.
Find Your Place. Share Your Skills. Get Involved.
Volunteers are the heart of our mission– bringing compassion, energy, and hands-on support that make it possible for us to serve our community.
There’s a role for everyone, no matter your schedule, interests, or experience. Together, we can make a difference in our community! Head to our new webpage to browse volunteer opportunities and find the perfect fit for you- or even two!
Get started today by clicking here.