Jewish Family and Children’s Services Celebrates 175 Years
Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), which the JFCS Holocaust Center is a proud division of, is celebrating a remarkable milestone—175 years of supporting individuals and families across the Bay Area. Founded in 1850, JFCS has grown into a vital lifeline for the Bay Area community, offering compassionate, expert support to individuals and families in every stage of life.
JFCS’ impact is far-reaching, but its roots remain firmly planted in the local community. For over a century and a half, JFCS has responded to the evolving needs of the Bay Area, offering programs for children, families, and older adults. The organization’s services range from helping individuals in crisis, to providing food and housing, to creating programs that nurture emotional and physical well-being. The work of JFCS supports all backgrounds, ensuring no one is left behind.
JFCS Expands the Holocaust Center
The Holocaust Library and Research Center of San Francisco was established in September 1979, in the wake of the protest of a Nazi bookstore in San Francisco’s Sunset District. It began with 1,000 books and 200 documents, photos, and artifacts.
Since becoming a program of JFCS in 2010, we have expanded to be a leading resource for Holocaust and genocide education in California and a leader in fighting antisemitism across the state. Our Tauber Holocaust Library and Archives has grown to over 13,000 books and thousands of documents, photos, and artifacts. Each year, thousands of students and community members are inspired to stand up to hate by hearing testimony from members of the JFCS William J. Lowenberg Speakers Bureau.
An Enduring Legacy
JFCS has always been here for our Bay Area community, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we will continue to be for generations to come. We invite you to be part of this enduring legacy of care, connection, and powerful education by donating to our Capital Campaign to help build the first state-of-the art, accessible and immersive Holocaust Center in Northern California or learn more by visiting JFCS.org/175years.