Gathering as a community: JFCS Annual Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Annual Meeting!
The evening was filled with powerful reminders that it takes all of us working together to create meaningful impact. Thank you to our speakers—Donna Doebler, Alliyah Kimbrough, Kiara Higgins, Vic Walczak, and Ivonne Smith-Tapia—who illustrated the importance of coming together to address critical needs, promote mental well-being, strengthen economic stability, advance justice for all, and create a true sense of belonging across our community.
We were also proud to honor Rachael Heisler with the Howard and Beverly Mermelstein Award, and the North Hills Refugee Ministry with the Aryeh Sherman Volunteer of the Year Award. Their exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment continue to strengthen and uplift our community.
We are sincerely grateful for your continued support of our community and look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
(L to R: Jan Shaw, Bob Mermelstein, Margie Dubner, Rachael Heisler)
Upcoming Events
World Jewish Relief World Refugee Day webinar
Wednesday, June 17 | 2pm
Join an important and timely conversation hosted by World Jewish Relief USA ahead of World Refugee Day, exploring how refugees move beyond immediate safety toward dignity, employment, and the rebuilding of their lives – a hopeful and forward-looking discussion rooted in practical action and Jewish values.
Featuring:
- Beth Oppenheim, Chief Executive Officer, HIAS
- Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Rabbi-in-Residence, UJA-Federation of New York
- Janice Lopatkin, Programme Director, World Jewish Relief UK
- Partners and refugee participants connected to World Jewish Relief’s STEP program
Advocacy at Work: JFCS in D.C.
JFCS CEO Jordan Golin joined the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies’ (NJHSA) annual Washington, D.C. Advocacy Fly-In earlier this month. Alongside fellow NJHSA representatives from Pennsylvania (pictured here), Jordan met with Pennsylvania congressional staff to share how changes in government policy are impacting our community here at home.
As a proud member of NJHSA, JFCS is grateful for the opportunity to speak up for those we serve, and we’re committed to continuing this important advocacy work.
Spring Event Recap
Congratulations to Dana Gold, JFCS’s Chief Operating Officer, on being honored as a Woman of Influence by the Pittsburgh Business Times. Dana was celebrated alongside 24 of the region’s most impactful businesswomen at a ceremony last month.
Dana was recognized for her significant contributions to the region’s social services and nonprofit sectors. She has dedicated her career to advocating for justice and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
We are proud to work alongside Dana and applaud her on this well-deserved recognition.
The JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry proudly participated in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May 30! Thanks to the support of our community, Team JFCS raised more than $1,500 to help stock our pantry with food and essential supplies from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
We are grateful to everyone who walked with us, cheered us on, and contributed to making this effort a success.
If you didn’t have a chance to donate before the walk, it’s not too late! You can still support the Pantry by making a donation using the button below.
Pro Bono Opportunities to Support Immigrants and Refugees in Pittsburgh
The Collaborative for Immigrant Impact (CII) is seeking pro bono attorneys interested in sharing their expertise to support immigrants and refugees as they build new lives in the Pittsburgh region. We welcome attorneys with backgrounds in a variety of practice areas to assist our member organizations in expanding access to justice.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to join us in uplifting individuals and families in our community. Together, we can make a difference and help create a more welcoming Pittsburgh for all.
Get the support you need today
JFCS is here to support you through life’s changes and challenges. Whether you’re interested in caregiver support, grief support, career support, or help with other life challenges, we’re here for you. Head to our website to get the help you need, today.