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From Gail's Desk

Gail Schulman, JF&CS CEO

Update from the most recent edition of the Making Connections newsletter

June 22, 2026

Greetings!

Over the past year, I’ve had countless reminders of why JF&CS’s work matters so deeply—moments that reflect both real vulnerability and extraordinary resilience across our community. In this issue of Making Connections, we’re sharing highlights from our newly released Annual Report: Meeting the Moment.

When we launched our new strategic plan last year, we committed to meeting people’s needs in a holistic, integrated way—all under one roof—guided by Jewish values of chessed (lovingkindness) and tzedakah (charity and justice).

Over the past year, that commitment has been tested in profound ways. The need around us didn’t just grow, it surged. Over 600 Holocaust survivors previously unknown to JF&CS turned to us for help meeting their most basic needs. Nearly 800 families have come to rely on Family Table for groceries each month. Close to 3,500 people have sought support for their mental health. Behind each number is a person or family navigating a moment of real uncertainty.

At the same time, government funding has become more constrained and less predictable, adding new pressure to this work.

Yet because of you—our donors, volunteers, and partners—we were able to respond with the scale and urgency this moment requires. Together, we protected vital services, grew our impact, and continued to innovate. This year, we launched clinical support groups for struggling new parents, expanded supported living options for people with disabilities, and so much more.

As you read on, I hope you’ll see not only the scope of the need, but the impact we can make together in response.

Thank you for being part of this community of care.