JFCS’ Longstanding Commitment to the Community
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 JFCS Annual Meeting!
This year brought both extraordinary challenges and extraordinary partnerships. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our community, navigating uncertainty, responding to urgent needs, and drawing strength from our shared purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to our Annual Meeting Chair, Rebecca Knoll, whose warmth, vision, and leadership helped bring the evening to life. The program beautifully reflected our collective story, honoring the past, engaging the present, and looking ahead to the future.
We were honored to welcome Eric Lidji, Director of the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center, who reminded us of the vital role JFCS has played for decades. From helping refugees flee persecution, to supporting families during the Great Depression, to standing with our neighbors in the wake of the synagogue attack. JFCS has long been a steady, compassionate presence in our community.
Dana Gold, JFCS Chief Operating Officer, spoke about the incredible scope of our work and the 8000 people we support each day. JFCS is here—advocating, supporting, and dreaming alongside the people we serve. We listen in their language, provide nutritious food, fight for them in court, find a warm place to call home, and help them achieve their biggest goals. We stand with the community in life’s toughest moments, ensuring dignity in aging, joy in childhood, and protection in times of change.
JFCS CEO Jordan Golin called on us all to stand together once again, as we face new challenges, including deep federal cuts to services for immigrants, refugees, and the broader social safety net. JFCS remains unwavering in its mission to provide support, hope, and healing.
The evening also celebrated two remarkable individuals whose service and leadership demonstrated dedication and passion for our agency:
Mazel tov to Jason Baim (left), recipient of the Howard and Beverly Mermelstein Award, and John Rieck (right), honored as the Aryeh Sherman Volunteer of the Year.
To our staff, volunteers, partners, our supporters, and our friends – thank you. Your commitment makes our work possible.
Our Community Needs You!
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget that will affect millions of Americans, including members of our community. The budget is set to cut trillions of federal spending on programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Not only will the people we serve be affected, but so will many of our neighbors, friends, and family.
Nearly 140,000 Pennsylvanians and over 94,000 Allegheny County householdsrely on SNAP to purchase healthy and nutritious food for themselves and their children.
Over 71 million people nationally and nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians rely on Medicaid for essential health care services. Medicaid provides care for low-income individuals and families, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
The bill is now moving quickly in the Senate, where some plan to push this bill through by the start of July, but there is still time to make your voice heard!
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies put together a template for you to send to your local senators. It’s as easy as filling in your name and address and hitting send. Now is the time to speak up and take action!
Support in the Wake of Tragedy
Over the past couple weeks, we were horrified to learn of two brutal antisemitic attacks that have deeply impacted Jewish communities. On Sunday, in Boulder, Colorado, a violent assault injured 12 people, leaving the community in shock and pain. Just two weeks prior, in Washington, DC, an attack claimed the lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky.
JFCS stands in solidarity with the Boulder and Washington, DC, communities as they grapple with these heartbreaking tragedies.
Pittsburgh is unfortunately familiar with the devastating impact of such violence, and we are also aware that such attacks can lead to pain, fear, and grief in members of our own community. JFCS is here to support anyone impacted by this tragedy or by other acts of antisemitism, hatred, discrimination, or prejudice. You are not alone—we stand together against hate.
Our counseling services are available for both adults and youth who may be struggling. To connect with JFCS Counseling Services, call 412-422-7200 or email counseling@jfcspgh.org.
If you are between the ages of 12 and 22, you can speak with a therapist through UpStreet at upstreetpgh.org, or stop in weekdays from 12–4 PM at 5844 Forward Ave.
Shaping the Lives of Our Community’s Youth – Join Us!
In partnership with Grow Pittsburgh, our Bridge Builders students were able to create a “garden stone” mosaic tile that represents their personal experiences and backgrounds. Students were given time to plant seedlings in the school garden as well as plan their personal-narrative garden stone mosaics, before completing the project with glass tiles.
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of our youth?
JFCS Youth Services is looking for more summer volunteers for the Bridge Builders program on Tuesdays. If you are interested in making a difference and supporting the lives of immigrant youth, learn more and contact us at the link below.
Events & Opportunities
Step into Summer with Your Dream Job!
Come join us at our in-person Job Fair on June 13 at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Oakland. Explore new career opportunities and network with local employers. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, this public job fair is tailored for you. Register today and take the next step in your career!
Make Every Step Count!
The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is quickly approaching! This event is important because every dollar the food pantry earns through this event goes directly towards purchasing food and supplies through Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. You can support us in a couple of ways: First, walk with us on June 14! Registration is free and bringing your family makes for a fun day. Second, donate in support of our team and the pantry. We are halfway to our goal, will you help us reach it?
Register or donate at the link below.
From Stigma to Strength: Understanding Mental Health History and Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times
This Alex Seed Memorial Lecture explores the evolution of mental health understanding and provides practical tools for today’s challenges. The lecture is taking place virtually on Wednesday, June 18 and is free to participate.
Supported in part by the Alex Seed Mental Health Fund and Rodef Shalom Congregation.
Get the support you need today
JFCS is here to support you through life’s changes and challenges. Whether you’re interested in art therapy, grief support, or career help, we’ve got something for you.
Check out all our events at the link below!
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